Romania intending to close 2007-2013 financial framework on 80-pct absorption rate of European funds

Romania is intending to close the 2007-2013 financial framework on an 80-percent absorption rate of European funds, given that so far in 2016 three billion euros have actually entered Romania's coffers, which is a 20-percent jump, according to Minister of European Funds Cristian Ghinea. 

"Since Dacian Ciolos became the prime minister, three billion euros worth of European funds have entered the country, absorbed under the 2007-2013 financial programming. That increased the absorption rate by 20 percent in the November 1, 2015 - August 8, 2016 interval. We are expecting 3.4 billion euros to be absorbed as of end-2016, but March 2017 is more important because it is the month by which Romania has to complete its operational programmes under the 2007-2013 pogramming period. We want to close on an 80-percent absorption rate," Ghinea told Digi 24 private broadcaster on Sunday. 

He added that in his first 100 days in office, guides for seven billion euros were released for the 2014-2020 Budget, while in November 2015, guides for 13.2 billion euros were launched. 

"After my tenure runs out, I will sleep very well knowing that I managed to start off an important programme to reduce school dropping out under which tens of thousands of children will receive hot meals, clothing, and school supplies to stay at school. I have also managed to start up a project to bring solar panels and micro hydropower stations to the villages that cannot be linked to the power grid," said Ghinea. 

Ghinea on Monday will release an activity report on his first 100 days in office. AGERPRES