Research Findings: Majority of Romanians Agree that Artificial Intelligence could combat corruption within government bodies
In a recent study conducted between May and June 2025, it was found that Romanians are increasingly aware of the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration, but their attitudes are shaped by both optimism about improved governance and significant concerns about privacy, accountability, and the role of human oversight.
The study, which surveyed 800 professionally active urban residents aged 18 to 64, found that 72% of Romanians believe AI could help reduce corruption and increase transparency in public institutions. About 23.6% of respondents also believed that AI could simplify procedures and reduce bureaucracy. However, concerns about risks such as lack of transparency and accountability were shared by 15.2% of participants.
There is a clear preference for human oversight among Romanians. Only 20% support fully autonomous AI decisions, while nearly 40% accept AI involvement only if decisions are supported by human analysis, and over 27% reject AI involvement entirely in this context. More than 60% of Romanians prefer to interact with a real person rather than an AI or chatbot when seeking support from public or private institutions.
About 70% of Romanians are “very” or “moderately” concerned about how AI accesses and uses their personal data, a worry that transcends age, education, and occupation. This concern is driving demand for stronger regulation, with over 62% calling for clear rules governing AI use in sensitive areas.
Mihai Stănescu, founder of RoCoach and developer of the Organizational Transition Quotient (ORQ), believes AI can bring greater efficiency and transparency to public administration but should not replace the human element. He emphasizes the need for a clear framework for responsibility and oversight in AI use in the public sector.
Marian Marcu, Managing Partner at Novel Research, supports Mihai Stănescu's view and adds that Romanians show openness towards AI but expect it to remain under human control and operate within a well-defined framework of values, rules, and accountability.
The broader European context, including the EU’s AI Act, is influencing Romanian expectations for responsible and transparent AI deployment. The focus on “responsibility by design”—ensuring human oversight, transparency, and security—mirrors Romanian desires for robust ethical frameworks in technology integration.
In conclusion, Romanians view AI integration in public administration as a potentially transformative tool for efficiency and anti-corruption efforts, but they remain cautious, prioritizing human oversight, data privacy, and regulatory safeguards. This pragmatic perspective reflects a society that is open to innovation but insists on maintaining control, accountability, and ethical standards as technology becomes more embedded in public life.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration is met with both optimism and apprehension among Romanians, as indicated by the recent study that shows 72% believe in AI's potential to reduce corruption and increase transparency, while 70% are highly or moderately concerned about its access and use of personal data. Although there is an openness towards AI, many Romanians prefer human oversight, with over 60% preferring to interact with a real person and only 20% supporting fully autonomous AI decisions. This cautious approach emphasizes the importance of a clear ethical framework, human oversight, and strong regulations in the use of AI, aligning with the European Union's focus on responsible and transparent AI deployment.
