Ooni Koda
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Newsfeed
  4. /
  5. EIB Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris: Romania benefited from...

EIB Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris: Romania benefited from EIB Group financing of 1.5% of GDP in 2024

April 15, 2025

The European Investment Bank Group, made up of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), supported climate action, infrastructure, energy transition and SMEs in 2024, also focusing on urban development and innovation. The EIB has reaffirmed its strong commitment to Romania with new financing of EUR 2.49 billion, generating total investment of some EUR 5.27 billion, equivalent to 1.5% of Gross Domestic Product. The EIB Group finances part of a project, attracting other investors. “Investment supported” refers to the total amount invested in projects benefiting from EIB Group financing.   EIB Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris met with Romanian leaders from the Ministries of Finance, Investment and European Projects, Energy and Energy to exchange views on financing priorities and investment targets for growth. These are based on the EIB Group’s eight strategic priorities, 2024 deliverables and plans for the period ahead.   In 2024, EIB and EIF operations in Romania covered six of the strategic priorities: EU cohesion policy (108 operations – EUR 2.062 billion) climate action and sustainability (28 operations – EUR 968 million) digitization and technological innovation (13 operations – € 320 million) Capital Markets Union (4 operations – €115 million) agriculture and bio-economy (one operation – €49 million) social infrastructure (one operation – €25.2 million)   “Our investments in Romania are about and for the people: we make homes more energy efficient, industries more competitive and cities greener and better connected”, said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. “From cutting-edge semiconductors to cleaner transportation, stronger energy grids and vital support for businesses, universities and infrastructure, the EIB Group is shaping a more sustainable and competitive future. We remain committed to developing communities, boosting job creation and ensuring that Romania and Europe continue to be leaders in innovation and sustainable growth.”   This brings the total EIB Group financing for Romania over the last five years to EUR 9.3 billion, with an annual average of EUR 1.8 billion. In 2023, Romania was one of the largest recipients of EIB Group financing, with record financial commitments of EUR 4.1 billion.   Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Tánczos Barna, said: “Romania appreciates the excellent cooperation with the EIB and the EIF to accelerate investments in key sectors for sustainable growth. The financial and advisory support provided by the EIB Group helps to strengthen Romania’s economic resilience and competitiveness. We will continue our strategic partnership to unlock new opportunities in the short, medium and long term, for the benefit of the country’s citizens, businesses and communities.”   Two contracts worth EUR 600 million have been signed by the EIB for the modernization of the Caransebe? – Timi?oara – Arad railway line and the electrification and rehabilitation of the Cluj-Napoca – Oradea – Episcopia Bihor line. These investments will reduce travel times, improve safety, lower transport costs and ensure better connectivity between Romania’s regions and European markets. The 330 km of railway are part of the Trans-European Core Transport Network and are co-funded by Romania and the EIB through the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.   Modern infrastructure in Bucharest (2025)   The EIB signed a EUR 34 million loan with Bucharest City Hall to modernize the district heating system by replacing over 100 km of hot water pipes. This project improves energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and reduces energy losses. In addition, the JASPERS program provided technical support for the planning of the upgrades.   EIB Group activity in Romania in 2024   The EIB has financed 212 projects in Romania since 1991, with a total value in excess of EUR 21.17 billion. More than two thirds of this financing was allocated to transport, lending, energy, health and industry.   In 2024, the EIB financed: EUR 780 million for sustainable energy and natural resources EUR 673 million for urban and regional development EUR 623 million for SMEs and medium-sized companies, including in agriculture (as highlighted by EIB Group President Nadia Calviño in her opening speech at the EIB Group Forum).   Romania has received EIB support for the world’s first zero-emission tire factory through a EUR 150 million loan to Nokian Tyres in Oradea. The EIB is supporting a rapid and fair transition to green energy, upgrading grids to ensure energy independence and interconnectivity in Romania and Europe. From new wind capacity to smart and efficient electricity grids, the EIB Group is ensuring that Romania will lead the green transition.   In 2024, the EIB’s advisory department provided extensive support to public and private project promoters, helping to prepare, develop and implement EIB and EU investment projects. EIB services included financial and technical advice as well as capacity building tailored to clients’ needs. Key sectors supported included transport, higher education, health, climate change, water, waste, energy and digitization.   In concrete terms, the EIB assisted Antibiotice S.A. with growth opportunities in generic pharmaceuticals and Electrica Group with financial modeling and capacity building. For the public sector, the EIB focused on structuring the investment plans of universities, supporting the operationalization of the Investment and Development Bank, analyzing the potential demand for financing of municipal infrastructure projects that can contribute to just transition, and supporting major infrastructure projects in health, transport, environment and energy. In 2024, the EIF has committed more than EUR 820 million to Romania through venture capital, guarantees and inclusive finance operations, including funds allocated under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan mandate. The EIF launched, together with the Romanian Government, the Innovation Romania program, financed by structural funds, aimed at innovative start-up companies. (Photo:https://www.eib.org/)

Read in full - click here
Save now, relax carefree in summer: The PLUS Deposit over 7 months with special interest rates from Exim Banca Românească

Exim Banca Românească continues the savings campaign under which it pays attractive interest rates, above the market average, for new deposits in lei and euro, over 7 months: interest rates of up to 7.20% per year for lei and 2.50% per year for euro. The offer is available both for the PLUS deposit in lei, […]

Orange Romania’s 5G Bet: Why Network Leadership Still Matters

In a telecom market shaped by economic pressure, fierce competition, and rapidly evolving consumer habits, Orange Romania is betting heavily on network leadership as its defining advantage. With the largest 5G spectrum investment in the country’s history - around EUR 265 million - the company is doubling down on speed, coverage, and long-term infrastructure at […]

Romanian job market showed focus on retention and high competition in 2025, analysis shows

The Romanian job market was marked by extremes in 2025, according to an analysis by employment platform BestJobs. In some sectors, job-seekers dictated the rules, while in others they fiercely competed for a limited number of positions, giving employers the upper hand.  In the IT sector, the limited number of available positions led to a […]

Untold Universe announces Massif Week format for Poiana Brașov from 2026

Poiana Brașov, a popular mountain resort in central Romania, will host a new winter event format starting in 2026, as Untold Universe launches Massif Week, scheduled to take place between February 27 and March 8. The initiative is designed to diversify the resort’s winter offering and extend the tourist season through a series of indoor […]

Memorial march in Bucharest to mark Romanian 1989 Revolution

A memorial march will take place in central Bucharest on December 21 to mark the victims of the 1989 Revolution, which led to the fall of communism in Romania. The march will follow the Victory Square – University Square – Revolution...

Sale of Zenith Conference & Spa hotel in Romania’s Mamaia completed

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox announced the completion of the sale of the Zenith Conference & Spa hotel in Mamaia, one of the top hospitality units on the Romanian seaside, to the owners of Steaua de Mare Hotels & Resorts, based in Eforie Nord. The property was previously controlled by the RC2 investment fund and Antares […]