European Commission approves export credits of 7.2 million euros for Romania

The European Commission approved on Thursday, according to EU norms about state aid, the reintroduction of Romania's short term export credit, with a budget of 7.2 million euros, according to a press released of the European Executive.   The Romanian state can cover risks supported by small companies with a small business figure made from exports and risk of single export transactions. Initially, the plan was approved in August 2014, extended in February 2017 and made to expire in December 2021. In February 2022, Romania notified the intention to reintroduce the plan, which would last until December 31, 2026.   The maximum annual business figure for export for small companies to be eligible was established at 2.5 million euros (on the rise by 0.5 million euros compared to the initial plan).   The commission evaluated the plan according to EU norms about state aid, especially the 2021 Communication about short term export credit. The EU Executive decided that the measure is necessary because there are no insurance products to cover the risk of non payment by foreign buyers for small companies with small business figures from export, or private insurers to cover export transactions.   The Commission concluded that the plan is proportional, as it made sure that Romania will cover only transactions for which private covering is not available in the market and make sure that private insurers are not excluded, in case they want to cover such risks.   In December, EC adopted a reviewed Communication about insuring short term export credits which establishes norms to make sure that the support granted by the state for export credits do not affect competition between private and public export credit insurers and set up competition conditions between exporters from various member states.   Export credits allow foreign buyers of goods and services to delay payment. This delay involves a credit risk for sellers, which in their turn get insurance for this risk. The reviewed communication about short term export credits came into force on January 1,2022, without expiry term.