Romania continues to face serious social and economic challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Approximately 19% of the population was at risk of poverty at the end of 2024, with rural regions experiencing higher vulnerability and unemployment rates³. Around 25% of Romanian children were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024, with those in rural areas and marginalized communities most affected⁴. Large disparities exist between prosperous metropolitan areas like Bucharest and disadvantaged rural regions where access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure is limited⁵. Romania also hosts refugees from Ukraine and neighboring countries, placing additional strain on its social support systems¹. These intersecting pressures contribute to persistent economic hardship for millions of Romanians, especially in marginalized communities.
Within Romania, Roma communities face severe socio-economic disadvantages. Many Roma families live in substandard housing lacking access to clean water and proper sanitation⁴. Children in these communities often encounter barriers to education, experience poor nutrition, and face higher rates of early pregnancy, which intensifies the cycle of poverty⁴. Regional and ethnic disparities in Romania’s social indicators are marked, with marginalized groups including Roma and those with disabilities experiencing higher poverty rates compared to the national average²⁵. These conditions contribute to a bleak outlook for many families striving to break free from systemic deprivation.
In response to these urgent needs, HXP Builders are committed to fostering meaningful change through targeted programs in these communities. With a focus on health and education, HXP volunteers will teach hygiene practices and basic life skills, especially to children and women—including many recently arrived Ukrainian refugees—in an effort to improve health outcomes and empower individuals with knowledge to build better futures. These hands-on activities promote healthier living environments while fostering resilience and hope. This approach supports sustainable community development in line with HXP’s values of collaboration and respect for local needs.
Sources:
¹ Istituto Nazionale di Statistica (ISTAT), 2025 Migration Report
² Eurostat, Romania At-Risk-of-Poverty Rate, 2024-2025 Data
³ OECD Reviews of Labour Market, Social Policies: Romania, 2025
⁴ Save the Children Romania, Child Poverty Report, 2025
⁵ European Commission, Living Conditions and Poverty in Europe, 2023