Ilie Bolojan reveals Romania’s ambitious plans to attract over 4.5 billion euros in European funds
Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan made a significant announcement on Tuesday regarding Romania’s strategic focus on absorbing European funds from the PNRR during July and August. The primary objective remains attracting over 4.5 billion euros in grants to support various crucial projects across the country.
Bolojan emphasized that these funds would finance essential initiatives such as the development of the Moldovan Highway, electrification of railway lines, construction of hospitals, schools, and nurseries, as well as the encapsulation of apartment buildings. Additionally, a substantial portion of investments in urban and rural areas nationwide will be covered by these funds.
Reflecting on Romania’s progress in meeting the targets and reforms outlined in 2021, Bolojan acknowledged both achievements and challenges. While some goals were successfully met, others require further steps for completion. In cases where objectives were overly optimistic, renegotiations were pursued. Nevertheless, certain targets remain unfulfilled, necessitating a continued focus on reform.
Highlighting the outstanding reforms, Bolojan identified six key legislative projects that demand attention:
- The law on unitary remuneration – valued at 770 million euros
- The law on incompatibilities – valued at 770 million euros
- The law on rewarding the Ministry of Finance staff for enhancing revenue collection – valued at 770 million euros
- The law on the civil service – valued at 770 million euros
- The law on the Urban Planning Code – valued at 972 million euros
- The law on decarbonization of the heating and cooling sector – valued at 972 million euros
Given the procedural constraints limiting the Government’s ability to enact these reforms swiftly, Bolojan stressed the importance of convening extraordinary parliamentary sessions for deliberation and adoption of the necessary legislation. He expressed the urgency of engaging parliamentary groups, party leaders, and chamber leaderships to facilitate discussions and approval of the proposed norms.
Concluding his address, Bolojan confirmed that consultations with the European Commission would be finalized by the week’s end. Subsequently, the legislative proposals will be submitted to parliamentary stakeholders for review and are expected to be debated and ratified in the latter part of July.
