PNRR: 27% of the Allocated Funds for Highways and Investments in Cluj

Prime Minister Florin Cîțu visited Brussels this week to negotiate details regarding the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

According to sources from Digi24, approximately 27% of the PNRR funding is allocated to highway construction. These funds are also set to be directed towards infrastructure projects in the Cluj area, alongside significant investments in the Healthcare, Education, and Energy sectors.

Among the requirements set by the European Commission is the presentation of the PNRR in Parliament.

During the discussions in Brussels, Prime Minister Cîțu advocated for a full allocation of PNRR funds for Romania, with a focus on critical infrastructure and irrigation projects. Substantial funds for road and rail infrastructure were obtained following these discussions, according to the mentioned sources.

Minister of European Funds, Cristian Ghinea, announced that Romania intends to submit the PNRR to the European Commission by May 31. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan represent a coalition government, with projects evaluated at 29 billion euros.

Regarding investments in regional infrastructure, Cluj is among the potential beneficiaries. Minister of Investments and European Projects, Cristian Ghinea, indicated that the government's proposals include funding for the Cluj-Napoca metro project, as well as the A7 Highway, Ploiești - Pașcani, which will connect Moldova to Bucharest.

Ghinea emphasized that both projects must be completed by August 2026, the deadline for spending EU funds allocated for post-pandemic economic recovery.

Additionally, the PNRR plans include the completion of the Transylvania Highway ring towards Hungary, offering significant opportunities for regional development and cross-border connectivity.

The Cluj-Napoca metro project already faces challenges, with the discovery of a salt deposit in the planned route. However, local and governmental authorities are determined to find solutions to continue the project implementation.

Cluj Mayor, Emil Boc, is optimistic about overcoming the obstacles and continuing the project, although experts warn of potential risks and additional costs associated with the salt discovery.

Despite these challenges, PNRR investments represent an important opportunity for regional infrastructure development and the strengthening of the national economy in the coming years.