Romania’s EU funds absorption rate for the 2014-2020 programming period has reached almost 1%, according to the EU Funds Ministry.

The idea that Romania has 0% EU funds absorption rate, which has been stated by some politicians, including EU Commissioner for Regional Policies Corina Cretu, is a myth, reads the ministry’s document.

The former Government failed to appoint the authorities responsible for the management of EU Funds absorption starting 2014, according to the ministry. The only appointed management authority was the one for rural development, and in this field, the reimbursements of EU funds have already begun.

The document shows that the average EU funds absorption rate for the 2014-2020 programming period in the 28 member states amounted to 1.5%, at the end of May. In Bulgaria, the rate reached 0.07% whereas in Hungary the rate still amounted to 0%.

Romania had a rate of 0.18% at the end of May, which increased to almost 1% after new reimbursements in August.

editor@romania-insider.com