In an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cluj-Napoca (Romania), multiple searches are being carried out today at the Sibiu International Airport and the Sibiu County Council, in a probe into suspected fraud related to a €54 million EU-funded project for the modernisation of the airport, https://www.eppo.europa.eu/ reports. A total 24 searches are being executed in Bucharest, Bra?ov and Sibiu County, including at the headquarters of six companies, as well as the houses of persons of interest in this investigation. The searches are connected to a project for the modernisation and development of airport infrastructure, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme 2014-2020, with the EU contribution amounting to €54.5 million (RON 272.493.421,67) – representing 85% of the total cost. On the radar of the EPPO are potential irregularities in the tender procedure and a possible conflict of interest. Based on the preliminary findings, during the drafting of the feasibility study, highly specific conditions were established, potentially limiting the ability of other economic operators to submit bids. This culminated in the awarding of the contract to the sole bidder, who is also suspected of having made inaccurate statements about its ability to meet the stipulated requirements. The investigation is ongoing to clarify the facts and assess whether any criminal offences have occurred. The ongoing searches are mobilising dozens of police officers from the EPPO Support Structure in Romania – Cluj-Napoca Office, Economic Crimes Investigation Directorate within the Romanian General Police Inspectorate, Economic Crime Investigation Services within Alba and Bra?ov County Police Inspectorate, County Police Inspectorate and the Romanian Gendarmerie. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Romanian courts of law. The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It?is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU. (Photo:https://www.ftm.eu/)
Former US first lady Michelle Obama, the wife of Barack Obama, was in Bucharest on Thursday, September 18, to serve as the main guest at the second edition of the Impact Bucharest series of conferences. The former first lady spent about an hour in front of a large audience, speaking about her childhood in a […]
Czech president Petr Pavel spent a few days in Romania at the beginning of September while on holiday. According to statement by the Romanian Embassy in Prague, the Czech leader traveled mountain routes by motorcycle and chose modest accommodations. Pavel tried to see as much of what Romania had to offer. He planned his routes, […]
Romania is taking tangible action toward its green transition through sustainable infrastructure projects, public‑private partnerships and green bonds. Experts, government officials and business leaders have gathered today at the CES Bucharest ESG Conference, to present progress and identify solutions through which the public and private sectors can collaborate to build a sustainable and competitive economy. […]
Prime minister Ilie Bolojan announced that he will visit Brussels next week to talk to three European commissioners about deficits, defense, and EU financing. The first meeting will be with the commissioner for economy, Valdis Dombrovskis, as Romania “must adjust the issues related to deficits to be a trustworthy country, so as not to continue […]
A large majority of Romanians, namely 85%, have heard of celebrated composer George Enescu, according to the third edition of the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research Barometer conducted earlier this month. However, the survey shows a slight decline in cultural awareness compared to 2013, particularly among younger generations. The
The volume of trade between Romania and China was almost USD 9.3 billion in 2024, according to official statistics. Trade between the two, however, is not balanced. Romania registered a USD 7.7 billion deficit with China, and a USD 2.1 billion deficit in the first quarter of 2025 as well. The People’s Republic of China […]
