Romania Finalizes PNRR Renegotiation with EU, Secures €21.6 Billion for Strategic Investments
Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: Romania has officially completed the renegotiation of its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) with the European Commission, a process ongoing for more than a year, according to Minister of Investments and European Projects Dragoș Pîslaru. Speaking at a press conference on July 31, Pîslaru confirmed that the revised agreement ensures continued access to the full non-refundable grants of €13.57 billion, while the loan component has been reduced from €15 billion to €8 billion due to the country’s limited borrowing capacity.
The minister noted that despite delays in several segments, the outcome may result in a higher absorption rate of the funds. Romania is currently preparing its fourth payment request, to be submitted following formal approval of the renegotiated plan. Disbursement is expected by the end of the year.
Under the revised PNRR:
- Five segments of the A7 Moldova Motorway will now be funded entirely through grants instead of loans.
- While the A8 Motorway has lost its PNRR allocation, Pîslaru indicated it may receive financing through the Transport Program (cohesion funds) or the SAFE Program.
Healthcare also received a boost, with the number of funded hospitals increasing from five to eight. A total of €535 million has been allocated, with €260 million secured during the latest negotiations for the three new hospitals.
Other key funding allocations include:
- €180 million for the Renovation Wave (home renovation grants)
- €400 million for water and sewage infrastructure
- €80 million for digitalizing the judicial system
- €86.25 million for green hydrogen production
- €183.6 million for new ambulances nationwide
- €100 million for capitalizing the Investment and Development Bank
- €30 million for the national building registry and water cadastre
- €15 million for automation of public administration processes, RPA, and AI integration.
Minister Pîslaru emphasized that Romania remains committed to ensuring maximum impact and efficiency in utilizing the EU funds, which are expected to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, digital transformation, and green energy transitions.
