Romanian Entrepreneur's Plea: 'Let Me Breathe Like Businesses in Europe'

Romanian Businessman Highlights Regulatory Hurdles: "I Want to Breathe Like They Do in Europe" Romania, May 16, 2025 – Paul Nicolau, a prominent Romanian businessman, has voiced his frustration with the business environment in his home country, drawing parallels with the perceived ease of doing business in other European Union member states. In a recent video posted online, Nicolau uses a world map to illustrate his point, highlighting Romania's position within the EU. "I'm just expressing my frustrations," Nicolau states in the video, "It's not personal." He cites the example of a friend who owns a restaurant in Spain and hasn't faced significant regulatory scrutiny for years. In contrast, Nicolau says he has faced numerous inspections. "In five days, I've had 259 checks. Is this my fault?" he questions. Nicolau's video has sparked a debate about the regulatory environment in Romania and the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs. While the video is primarily a personal expression of frustration, it also highlights broader concerns about the competitiveness of the Romanian economy within the EU. His call for a more business-friendly environment is likely to resonate with many struggling business owners in the country.