Romania secures over 2.7 billion euros by adopting essential PNRR legislation

Romania has taken a significant step by adopting a legislative package that eliminates the risk of financial penalties exceeding 2.7 billion euros. This achievement is crucial for the country's ongoing reforms and its relationship with the European Commission.

Dragoș Pîslaru, the Minister of Investments and European Projects, expressed his satisfaction with the adoption of the laws in a public message on Facebook, stating, 'Vești bune pentru România: Parlamentul a adoptat azi un pachet esențial de legi prin care eliminăm riscul unor penalizări financiare de peste 2,7 miliarde de euro.' This endorsement highlights the importance of maintaining access to European funds.

The newly adopted laws are pivotal for continuing reforms in key areas such as research, water management, and the administration of state agricultural land. They also enhance Romania's credibility with the European Commission, reinforcing the country's commitment to the objectives set forth in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

Among the changes, the laws modify procedures for public investments utilizing PNRR funds, allowing for essential work completion to be recognized as meeting specific milestones. This adjustment means that beneficiaries can demonstrate the fulfillment of objectives based on the reception of principal works, while additional finishing touches can be completed later without the risk of losing European funding.

These legislative changes are expected to significantly reduce the risk of financial corrections amounting to hundreds of millions of euros and accelerate the absorption of European funds intended for investments. Currently, there are six more acts to be adopted to fully close the PNRR, marking a vital phase in Romania’s development journey.

Pîslaru extended his gratitude to the professionals from the relevant ministries and technical teams involved in this process, as well as to the parliamentarians for their sense of responsibility. The next step involves the adoption of the remaining six necessary acts to meet all milestones assumed by Romania through the PNRR.