The digital landscape in the European Union is evolving rapidly, with new regulations shaping how businesses operate, process data, and implement technology-driven strategies. For companies in Romania, compliance with EU digital regulations is no longer optional—it is a fundamental requirement for ensuring business continuity and avoiding heavy penalties.
With stricter rules on data protection, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital commerce, businesses must adapt their legal and operational frameworks to stay compliant and competitive. This article explores the key EU regulatory changes affecting Romanian businesses and provides guidance on how to navigate them effectively.
EU digital regulations: key areas impacting Romanian businesses
The European Union has introduced a series of regulations aimed at strengthening digital security, protecting consumer rights, and ensuring the ethical use of technology. These laws are now in full effect and have a significant impact on Romanian businesses:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – ongoing compliance
- Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) – regulating AI deployment
- Digital Services Act (DSA) – transparency and accountability in digital markets
- Digital Markets Act (DMA) – fair competition in the digital space
- Data Act – governing business data usage
Each of these regulations imposes strict obligations, compliance risks, and enforcement mechanisms that Romanian businesses must already be adhering to and continuously monitoring.
GDPR compliance: what Romanian businesses must prioritise
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) remains the most significant digital regulation affecting businesses across the EU. Romanian companies—especially those handling customer data—must continue to prioritise GDPR compliance to avoid regulatory fines.
Key GDPR compliance areas in 2025
- Data security measures – Businesses must implement stricter cybersecurity protocols to prevent data breaches.
- Cross-border data transfers – Romanian businesses must comply with the latest EU rulings on data transfers to non-EU countries.
- AI and automated decision-making – New guidelines restrict the use of AI-driven data processing without clear consumer consent.
Non-compliance penalties: GDPR violations can result in fines of up to €20 million or 4% of a company’s global turnover, whichever is higher. Romanian businesses should conduct regular data protection audits and ensure all data processing activities align with GDPR requirements.
The EU AI Act: regulating artificial intelligence in Romania
The AI Act is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework regulating artificial intelligence. It introduces strict risk classifications and compliance requirements for businesses using AI technologies.
High-risk AI applications subject to strict digital regulations
- AI used in hiring, banking, or credit scoring
- Facial recognition and biometric identification systems
- AI decision-making in public services
Compliance requirements for Romanian businesses
- Assess AI risk levels – Companies must determine whether their AI tools fall under the high-risk category.
- Implement transparency and documentation – Businesses must disclose how AI algorithms make decisions.
- Ensure AI ethics and non-discrimination – Companies using AI must prove their systems are fair, unbiased, and legally compliant.
The AI Act is now fully enforced in 2025, and Romanian businesses developing or using AI tools must ensure full compliance to avoid regulatory penalties.
Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA): regulating online businesses
The Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) set new rules for online businesses, e-commerce platforms, and digital advertising.
Digital Services Act (DSA) – impact on Romanian digital businesses
The DSA introduces new obligations for online platforms, including:
- Stronger content moderation policies – Platforms must remove illegal content and prevent misinformation.
- Greater transparency in advertising – Online businesses must disclose how user data is used for targeted ads.
- Consumer protection measures – Stricter rules on misleading product listings and fraudulent sellers.
Digital Markets Act (DMA) – ensuring fair competition in digital markets
The DMA targets large online platforms (gatekeepers) to prevent unfair competitive practices. Businesses affected by the DMA must:
- Allow fair data access – Larger tech companies must provide equal access to their platforms.
- Prevent anti-competitive behaviour – Companies cannot favour their own products over competitors’.
- Ensure interoperability – Platforms must enable users to easily switch between different services.
Romanian businesses operating in e-commerce, digital marketing, or online services must adapt their policies to comply with these regulations.
The EU Data Act: how Romanian businesses should handle data
The EU Data Act regulates business data sharing, cloud services, and consumer access to company-stored information.
Key compliance requirements
- Businesses must allow users to transfer data between different cloud providers.
- Consumers must be given access to any data collected by smart devices.
- Companies must ensure that third-party data-sharing agreements comply with EU regulations.
For Romanian businesses relying on data analytics, cloud computing, or IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, the EU Data Act imposes new obligations that must be implemented.
How can Romanian businesses stay compliant with EU digital regulations?
- Conduct regular compliance audits – Assess whether current data protection, AI, and digital services policies align with EU laws.
- Update privacy policies and user consent mechanisms – Ensure GDPR-compliant data collection practices.
- Review AI usage and digital advertising practices – Adjust business operations to comply with AI Act and DSA requirements.
- Seek expert legal guidance – Partnering with digital business law specialists ensures compliance and risk mitigation.
Failure to comply with EU digital regulations can lead to:
- Fines reaching millions of euros
- Legal disputes and operational restrictions
- Reputational damage and loss of customer trust
Conclusion: adapting to EU digital regulations
The digital regulatory landscape in the EU is becoming more complex, and Romanian businesses must act now to ensure compliance. Whether operating in e-commerce, AI development, financial services, or digital marketing, staying ahead of GDPR, AI regulations, and online business laws is essential.
Companies must now ensure their digital compliance frameworks are fully aligned with EU regulations, continuously adjusting to meet evolving legal requirements. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties, operational disruptions, and reputational harm.
As digital regulations continue to evolve, businesses that prioritise compliance will gain a competitive advantage, ensuring they remain trusted and legally secure within the EU market.