The effective absorption rate for the water and wastewater sector exceeds 56%, above the average of the Sustainable Development Programme (PDD) 2021-2027, under which Romania ranks first in the European Union in attracting European funds, demonstrating both the priority given to the sector and the efficiency in using these funds, Investment and European Projects Minister Dragos Pislaru said on Monday.
The head of the Ministry of Investments and European Projects (MIPE) attended the signing of the financing contract for the regional project aimed at developing water and wastewater infrastructure in Harghita County. The total value of the project exceeds 1 billion lei (around 212 million euros), of which 634 million lei (approximately 127 million euros) represent European funds.
'Today marks an extremely important moment for Harghita County, for the water and wastewater sector in Romania and for Romania as a whole. We are signing the financing contract for the regional project for the development of water and wastewater infrastructure in Harghita County, a project with a total value of over 1 billion lei, or 212 million euros, of which the European Union contribution exceeds 634 million lei, or more than 127 million euros,' Pislaru said.
The minister stressed that the project represents not only a major investment in infrastructure but also in public health, environmental protection and the quality of life of Harghita County residents.
'We cannot speak about a modern Romania, about a Romania aspiring to European competitiveness and to the new generation of instruments through which we can aim for an important place in Europe, without taking care of things at home. We must take care of Romanians, of living standards and of these basic elements, of the minimum standards we need. And yes, at national level we still have compliance gaps, especially in smaller areas, in terms of water supply as well as wastewater collection and treatment. There is the European Directive 2184/2020 on drinking water, which sets the standards and the level of additional investments needed in infrastructure and modernisation. Ultimately, this is the essence of our participation in the European Union, and these are the tangible benefits of how the EU supports us, including through the Cohesion Policy and the Sustainable Development Programme,' the minister said.
According to him, the water and wastewater sector has made significant progress, with the effective absorption rate exceeding 56%.
'This priority related to water is a national strategic priority. It is an essential sector both for avoiding infringement procedures, but it is not only about complying with European standards - it is about investing in public health and fulfilling Romania's European commitments. I have already referred to the Sustainable Development Programme (PDD) 2021-2027. We have a dual mission: continuing the phased projects from 2014-2020 and launching new projects that can truly support this critical sector in Romania. The water and wastewater sector is a central pillar of the programme and the progress recorded is significant. The absorption rate has already reached 56%, above the programme average, and this is also very important to note: under this Sustainable Development Programme Romania ranks first in the European Union in attracting European funds, which demonstrates both the priority and the efficiency in using these funds,' Pislaru said.
Regarding the project to be implemented in Harghita County, the minister described it as 'an example of perseverance and professionalism', noting that its preparation began during the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (POIM) period and benefited from the support of the European Investment Bank.
'The project aims to increase access to water supply services to 91%, achieve 93% compliance in wastewater collection and treatment, build 160 kilometres of water networks and more than 198 kilometres of sewerage networks, and includes energy efficiency solutions such as photovoltaic panels, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is a complex project combining compliance with European directives, technological modernisation and long-term sustainability. Accelerated implementation is, of course, necessary. We count on the good cooperation we have already had with county and local authorities and must understand that we need efficiency and responsibility. Today, as I said, it is not just about signing a contract; it is about confirming a commitment - how we use European funds to modernise Romania and how we transform critical infrastructure into a model of sustainable development for local communities,' the Investments Minister added.
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