The Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration (MDLPA) has published, on Tuesday, a draft legislative act for public consultation concerning the granting of bonuses for managing projects financed from European funds based on performance criteria, a measure that, according to Minister Cseke Attila, would introduce meritocracy into public administration
The proposed legislative act amends the framework regulation regarding the criteria used to determine the percentage of salary increases for staff paid from public funds, as well as the conditions for creating posts outside of the organisational chart, within public institutions and authorities implementing projects funded by non-reimbursable European funds or through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
'The proposed measure will ensure a fair approach to the use of public funds. We are introducing meritocracy into public administration. Those who deserve it, those who ensure the absorption of European funds for Romania's development, can receive bonuses of up to 50%, based on strict criteria. However, those who do not significantly contribute to the implementation of these projects, as reflected in a progress report, will not benefit from such bonuses,' Minister of Development Cseke Attila is quoted as saying in a press release sent to AGERPRES.
Thus, bonuses will be awarded based on both the actual hours worked per month and the value of the implemented project, provided that a quarterly progress report, approved by the budget holder, demonstrates progress in implementation in the previous quarter. Depending on the combination of these two indicators, hours worked and project value, the bonus can range from 5% up to a maximum of 50%.
'Progress in the implementation of a project is deemed to have occurred if there is an increase of at least 5% in the execution of documentation (such as studies, memos, payment requests, or design documents including obtaining permits), depending on the complexity of the project, or if there is at least a 3% increase in physical execution. Likewise, if at least 3% of eligible activities have been carried out, depending on the project's complexity, or 3% of the goods, services, or works outlined in the project have been received, that is also considered progress,' the ministry explains.
If the monthly time worked on EU-funded investment projects is no more than 20 hours, the bonus can range between 5% and 10%, depending on the value of the project(s). This percentage increases gradually. For over 80 hours worked per month, bonuses may range from 25% to 50% for projects valued at more than 20 million lei.
The Romanian Court of Accounts can verify the progress reports. If found to be inaccurate, the entire project team, the individuals involved in the approval process, and the budget holder will be held jointly liable for any funds obtained unlawfully, the source adds.
The measures outlined in the draft legislation are proposed to enter into force on 1 September 2025
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