The IMF official pointed out that, after two years of decline, economic growth has resumed, with inflation reaching record lows. However, Shafik warned that economic prospects are not entirely positive because of slowdown in the Eurozone. The deputy director said that continued commitment towards economic reform was crucial in order to weather uncertainties and expand growth potential. The financial institution also said that Romanian authorities were firmly committed to maintain the budget deficit at below 3% of the GDP. They said that in order for the country to reach this target, it needs better spending discipline.

Another priority for Romania should be increasing the absorption rate of European funds, especially considering that payments were temporarily suspended under the Sectoral Operational Program for Human Resources, after mismanagement was uncovered. Authorities in Bucharest have announced their target is to absorb 6 billion Euros, this year, at a rate of 20%, compared to the mere 7.4% at present. Health reform and improving weak tax collection are also targets set by Bucharest authorities. At the same time, although the IMF has taken note of progress in the structural reform of state companies, it believes that improving regulation and market oriented prices in energy and transportation will be essential for reducing arrears, increasing economic efficiency and stimulating economic growth.

The preventative agreement between Romania and the IMF came into effect on March 31, 2011, and is worth 3.6 billion Euros, around 300% of the quota set by the IMF for Romania. This agreement is propped up by 1.4 billion Euros from the EU and 400 million Euros from the World Bank.