Romania, among the EU countries where many citizens cannot afford a personal car
A recent report published by Eurostat shows that Romania ranks sixth in the European Union in terms of the number of people who cannot afford to own a car for financial reasons. This statistic reflects the economic difficulties faced by a portion of the population, within a European context marked by rising living costs.
According to official data, approximately 15% of Romanians stated that they cannot buy or maintain a car due to insufficient income. This situation is more frequent in rural areas, where public transport is often limited, and a car would be essential for daily commutes to work or for access to medical services.
The surprise of the ranking comes from other member states, where the percentages are even higher. Romania is behind countries such as Bulgaria, Slovakia, or Hungary, where the share of citizens who cannot afford a vehicle is even greater. At the opposite end, in countries like Luxembourg or Cyprus, almost the entire population declares that they own or can afford a personal car.
Economic experts explain that this discrepancy is closely linked to the level of the minimum wage and the purchasing power of the population. Furthermore, the high costs for fuel, insurance, and maintenance represent a significant financial burden for low-income families, who prefer to allocate financial resources to basic needs, such as food or housing.
In conclusion, although the number of cars registered in Romania has grown steadily in recent years, statistical data highlight the existence of significant social inequalities. Access to mobility remains a challenge for a considerable portion of Romanians, highlighting the need for greater investment in public transport infrastructure and in increasing the standard of living.