Having fastest-growing EU economy isn't making this country's people richer

The EU predicts Romania's economy will expand 4.4% in 2018 after eclipsing growth elsewhere in bloc last year

The benefits of living in the Europe Union's fastest-growing economy may not endure for Romanians.

Despite gross domestic product rocketing as the government splurges on higher public-sector salaries and cuts taxes, the Balkan country's wealth – calculated as citizens' net assets as a share of disposable income – remains about the same as it was five years ago.

For some, the gains are funding day-to-day essentials including food and clothes – understandable in a country whose living conditions are among the EU's worst; others are splashing out on holidays and televisions. Fewer Romanians are investing their windfall in long-term assets such as