Enforcement of Foreign Awards as Means to Promote International Trade in Romania

By PhD. Eugen Sârbu, attorney-at-law

Abstract

Romania is a reliable hub for international trade, recognised for efficiently enforcing foreign awards. It follows EU and international conventions, ensuring smooth enforcement procedures. A key sector is grain exports, with Romania becoming the EU’s largest exporter in 2025. Over 80% of grain trade uses GAFTA Contracts, supported by GAFTA-accredited facilities. GAFTA arbitral awards are enforceable under the 1958 New York Convention, ensuring legal stability. Recent developments include increased grain shipments due to the Ukraine war, leading to more GAFTA arbitration cases. The EU’s 2024 proposal on fair trading aims to boost transparency and competitiveness in Romanian trade.