Cost of living and political instability amid top concerns for young Romanians – Deloitte survey – business-review.eu

Report on the 2025 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey: Romanian Perspectives and Sustainable Development Goal Implications

Executive Summary

The 2025 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey reveals significant concerns among young Romanians regarding economic stability, governance, and environmental sustainability. These findings directly correlate with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning poverty, decent work, institutional integrity, and climate action. The report indicates a generation grappling with immediate financial pressures while simultaneously demanding purpose-driven careers and greater corporate and governmental accountability on sustainability and corruption, thereby influencing progress towards SDGs 1, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 16.

Key Concerns of Romanian Youth and Alignment with SDGs

Economic Pressures and Social Well-being: A Challenge to SDGs 1, 8, and 10

Economic instability is the foremost concern, undermining progress towards SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The high cost of living and financial precarity also highlight challenges related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• Cost of Living: This is the primary concern for 48% of Millennials and 39% of Gen Zs.
• Financial Insecurity: A significant portion of young Romanians report living paycheck-to-paycheck (44% of Millennials, 50% of Gen Zs).
• Retirement Anxiety: Fears of retiring without financial comfort are prevalent among 60% of Millennials and 46% of Gen Zs.

Governance and Institutional Trust: A Threat to SDG 16

The emergence of political instability and corruption as top-tier concerns directly reflects challenges to achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

• Political Instability: A major worry for 36% of Millennials and 23% of Gen Zs.
• Corruption: A significant issue for 22% of Millennials and 25% of Gen Zs.

Career Aspirations and the Pursuit of Decent Work (SDG 8)

The career objectives of young Romanians are closely aligned with the principles of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), emphasizing not just employment but also quality of work, financial independence, and personal fulfillment.

1. Work-Life Balance: A primary goal for 24% of Millennials and 21% of Gen Zs.
2. Financial Independence: A key objective for 18% of Millennials and 25% of Gen Zs.
3. Meaningful Work: Over 90% of respondents from both generations consider a sense of purpose important for their professional satisfaction, reflecting a demand for work that contributes positively to society.

Environmental Consciousness and Climate Action (SDGs 12 & 13)

Romanian youth demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, actively contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through their personal and professional choices.

• Climate Change Concern: 73% of Millennials and 68% of Gen Zs in Romania worry about climate change, rates higher than the global averages.
• Sustainable Consumption: Over 60% are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products and services.
• Corporate Accountability: Approximately 70% evaluate a potential employer’s environmental credentials and policies, using their career choices to drive corporate climate action.

Technology and Innovation in the Workplace (SDG 9)

The adoption of new technologies reflects progress towards SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). There is a marked increase in the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) among young professionals in Romania.

• GenAI Adoption: 43% of Millennials and 42% of Gen Zs report using GenAI in their daily work, a substantial increase from 11% and 13% respectively in the previous year.
• Global Comparison: Despite the rapid increase, adoption rates in Romania lag behind the global averages of 56% for Millennials and 57% for Gen Zs.

Global Context and Comparative Analysis

While economic concerns are a shared global issue, other priorities differ, highlighting a diverse range of challenges impacting global youth and their relation to the SDGs.

• Global Top Concern: Cost of living remains the primary issue globally (42% of Millennials, 39% of Gen Zs).
• Diverging Priorities:
  • Global Millennials also prioritize personal safety (SDG 16) and environmental protection (SDG 13).
  • Global Gen Zs are highly concerned with mental health (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being) and unemployment (SDG 8).

Survey Methodology

This report is based on the 14th edition of the Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey. The research was conducted across 44 countries, including Romania, and gathered data from approximately 8,700 Millennials (born 1983-1994) and 14,700 Gen Zs (born 1995-2006).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article highlights several concerns and priorities of young people in Romania and globally, which directly connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 1: No Poverty – The primary concern mentioned is the “cost of living,” with many young people “living paycheck-to-paycheck” and struggling to pay expenses. This directly relates to the goal of ending poverty in all its forms.
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article discusses career goals such as financial independence, work-life balance, and career growth. It also mentions unemployment as a key concern, linking directly to the promotion of sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
   • SDG 13: Climate Action – The text explicitly states that “environmental concerns also remain high” and that a significant majority of young Romanians “worry about climate changes.” This aligns with the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article identifies “political instability and corruption” as top concerns for young people in Romania, which is central to the aim of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the specific issues discussed, the following targets can be identified:

   • Under SDG 1 (No Poverty):
     • Target 1.2: “By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.” The article’s focus on the “cost of living” and the fact that “more than one in three in each category struggle to pay living expenses” directly relates to this target of reducing economic vulnerability.
     • Target 1.3: “Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all…” The concern that many young Romanians “worry they will retire with no financial comfort” points to a perceived lack of robust social protection systems for the future.
   • Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
     • Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people…” The article’s discussion of unemployment concerns, the desire for a “good work-life balance,” better compensation, and “meaningful” work all fall under the umbrella of achieving decent work for young people.
   • Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
     • Target 13.3: “Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.” The high percentage of young people in Romania who “worry about climate changes” (73% of Millennials and 68% of Gen Zs) and their willingness to “pay more for sustainable products” indicates a high level of awareness, which is a key component of this target.
   • Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
     • Target 16.5: “Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.” The article explicitly states that “corruption entered the top three concerns for young people in Romania,” making this target directly relevant.
     • Target 16.6: “Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.” The concern about “political instability” is directly linked to the need for effective and stable institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article provides several statistics from the Deloitte survey that can serve as or imply indicators for measuring progress:

   • For SDG 1:
     • The “proportion of young people living paycheck-to-paycheck” (44% of Millennials and 50% of Gen Z) is a direct indicator of economic precarity.
     • The “proportion of young people who struggle to pay living expenses” (more than one in three) serves as an indicator for Target 1.2.
     • The “proportion of young people who worry they will retire with no financial comfort” (60% of Millennials and 46% of Gen Zs) can be used as a perception-based indicator for the effectiveness of social protection systems under Target 1.3.
   • For SDG 8:
     • The “proportion of young people concerned about unemployment” (18% for Gen Zs globally) is a direct proxy for Indicator 8.5.2 (Unemployment rate).
   • For SDG 13:
     • The “proportion of young people who worry about climate changes” (73% of Millennials and 68% of Gen Zs) acts as an indicator of public awareness related to Target 13.3.
     • The “proportion of young people willing to pay more for sustainable products or services” (more than 60%) is an indicator of behavioral change and consumer awareness.
   • For SDG 16:
     • The “proportion of young people concerned about political instability” (36% of Millennials, 23% of Gen Zs) is a perception-based indicator for institutional stability (Target 16.6).
     • The “proportion of young people concerned about corruption” (22% of Millennials, 25% of Gen Zs) can be used to measure public perception of corruption, relevant to Target 16.5.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (as identified in the article)
   SDG 1: No Poverty	1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions. 1.3: Implement social protection systems.	Proportion of young people living paycheck-to-paycheck (44% Millennials, 50% Gen Z). Proportion of young people struggling to pay living expenses (>33%). Proportion of young people worried about retiring without financial comfort (60% Millennials, 46% Gen Z).
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.	Proportion of young people concerned about unemployment (18% of Gen Zs globally).
   SDG 13: Climate Action	13.3: Improve education and awareness-raising on climate change.	Proportion of young people who worry about climate change (73% Millennials, 68% Gen Z). Proportion of young people willing to pay more for sustainable products (>60%).
   SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.5: Substantially reduce corruption. 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions.	Proportion of young people concerned about corruption (22% Millennials, 25% Gen Z). Proportion of young people concerned about political instability (36% Millennials, 23% Gen Z).

Source: business-review.eu