Constanta-based Mihail Kogalniceanu airport could receive a state aid of RON 22.7 million (EUR 5 million) this year to remain operational 24 hours a day, as the airport is considered strategic for NATO and U.S., according to a minister order launched in public debate.

The airport also serves the nearby U.S. military base.

The money has already been allocated through a memorandum approved last week, and it has been included in the budget of the Transport Ministry for this year. However, it also needs to get the Competition Council’s approval, reports local News.ro. The Council needs to check if the compensation granted is compatible with the European Commission’s regulation.

The Defense Ministry has recently announced that about 500 U.S. soldiers, equipped with M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley combat vehicles, will arrive in Romania. They will be stationed at the Mihail Kogalniceanu air base for nine months and take part in military drills with Romanian and NATO troops.

editor@romania-insider.com