Romania is a semi-presidential republic and [[European Union (EU)]] member since 2007. Its economy, the largest in the Balkans, has transformed from communist central planning to a market system, showing strong growth since EU accession. Key economic sectors include manufacturing (particularly automotive and electronics), IT services, agriculture, and energy production. While maintaining its own currency (Romanian Leu) rather than the euro, Romania has attracted significant foreign investment due to its skilled workforce, relatively low costs, and strategic Black Sea location. Despite significant progress in economic development and digitalization, the country faces challenges with infrastructure development, brain drain, and regional economic disparities.