Mihai Ghigiu estimates that Romania could temporarily lose €3.4 billion from the NRRP: Payment requests and associated risks

Update

Mihai Ghigiu presents revised documents to the EC and the schedule of decisions regarding the NRRP

The Minister of Investments and European Projects (MIPE), Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu, stated that Romania will submit revised documents to the European Commission by Friday, November 6, to convince officials in Brussels of the fulfillment of targets. Romania will submit revised documents to the European Commission by Friday, November 6, to convince officials in Brussels of the fulfillment of targets, according to statements by Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu. The Ministry maintains that the country will send revised documents to the European Commission by November 6 to convince Brussels officials that the targets have been met. ^[2]

Update

Mihai Ghigiu estimates receipt of €3 billion from the NRRP, with €3.4 billion in the suspension zone

According to Minister Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu, Romania estimates it will receive approximately €3 billion from the remaining €6.4 billion to be drawn via the NRRP by the end of 2026, while the other €3.4 billion is expected to enter a “suspension zone.” After the three renegotiations, the total funding allocated to Romania via the NRRP is €20.1 billion, and so far, the country has drawn €13.7 billion. ^[3]

Update

Ghigiu: Romania will send revised documents to the Commission to unlock NRRP funds

The Minister of Investments and European Projects, Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu, transmitted revised documents to the European Commission by Friday, November 6, to demonstrate fulfillment of NRRP targets, with Brussels expected to decide on partially fulfilled milestones and associated amounts to be received by the end of 2026 on November 20. According to official estimates, Romania will initially receive approximately €3 billion, while the remaining €3.4 billion out of the €6.4 billion pertaining to payment requests 5 and 6 will enter a “suspension zone,” with the prospect that part of these sums will be drawn in spring 2027. ^[5]

Update

Ghigiu: Romania will receive €3 billion from the NRRP, with €3.4 billion suspended

The Minister of Investments and European Projects (MIPE), Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu, estimated that Romania will receive approximately €3 billion from the remaining €6.4 billion to be drawn via the NRRP by the end of 2026, while the difference of €3.4 billion will enter a “suspension zone”. [s:E926057|Financial Intelligence] ^[4]

The total value of funding allocated to Romania via the NRRP, after three renegotiations, is €20.1 billion, of which €13.7 billion has been effectively drawn so far. The remaining amount to be recovered, approximately €6.4 billion, refers to the last two submitted reimbursement requests (requests 5 and 6). [s:E926057|Financial Intelligence][s:E925890|Bursa] ^[4]

Mihai Ghigiu specified that, unlike the first four reimbursement requests, starting August 31 there is no longer an option to extend deadlines, estimating that “unfortunately, the situation is by no means extremely optimistic”. [s:E926057|Financial Intelligence][s:CURRENT|Economedia] ^[4]

By November 6, Romania will transmit revised documents to the European Commission, aimed at convincing Brussels officials of the fulfillment of established targets. [s:E926057|Financial Intelligence][s:E925782|News.ro] ^[4]

The European Commission will decide on November 20 which milestones are fulfilled or partially fulfilled, thereby determining the associated sums to be received by the end of 2026. [s:E926057|Financial Intelligence] ^[4]

At the level of payment request 5, there are six milestones with problems identified by the ministry. [s:E926057|Financial Intelligence] ^[4]

For request 6, one of the largest submitted by Romania, Minister Mihai Ghigiu highlighted that out of the 104 milestones and targets included, 32 present a risk of penalties or of not receiving any associated amount, primarily motivated by the postponement of many reforms towards the end of NRRP implementation. [s:CURRENT|Economedia][s:E926057|Financial Intelligence] ^[4]

Update

Mihai Ghigiu: Romania will receive €3 billion from the NRRP, with €3.4 billion suspended

The Minister of Investments and European Projects (MIPE), Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu, announced that Romania expects to receive €3 billion by the end of this year, from the €6.4 billion that still needs to be drawn via the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The remaining €3.4 billion is to enter a “suspension zone.” ^[6]

After the three renegotiations, the total value of funding allocated to Romania via the NRRP is €20.1 billion, of which the country has so far drawn €13.7 billion. The remaining amount to be recovered, approximately €6.4 billion, refers to the last two submitted reimbursement requests (request 5 and 6). ^[6]

Romania will transmit revised documents to the European Commission by Friday, November 6, to convince officials in Brussels of the fulfillment of targets. ^[6]

The European Commission will decide on November 20 which milestones are fulfilled or partially fulfilled, determining the associated sums to be received by the end of 2026. The country has two months to provide additional explanations, so that part of the suspended sums can be drawn in spring 2027. ^[6]

Mihai Ghigiu emphasized that, unlike the first four reimbursement requests, starting August 31 there is no longer possibility of extending deadlines. “The situation at the moment is by no means extremely optimistic,” the minister stated. ^[6]

There are problematic milestones both in reimbursement request 5 (which implies a sum of €2.08 billion) and in request 6 (€4.35 billion). For request 5, there are six milestones with problems identified. ^[6]

For request 6, one of the largest submitted by Romania, the minister highlighted that because many reforms and targets were postponed towards the end of NRRP implementation, there are 104 milestones and targets, of which 32 present a risk of penalties or of not receiving any associated amount. ^[6]

Update

Mihai Ghigiu: We find legal solutions to complete missed NRRP investments

The Minister of Investments and European Projects (MIPE), Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu, stated on Wednesday, November 4, that the government will try all legal avenues, using both European funds and the national budget, to complete NRRP and PPPR investments that missed deadlines. The official emphasized the desire to bring essential projects for local communities and the Romanian economy to completion, excluding the intention to recover the money or “shirk responsibility”. Solutions are being identified to complete NRRP projects that are at an advanced stage, either through European funds or allocations from the state budget. For highways that missed the NRRP deadline, the minister mentioned that funds from the SAFE program are being considered, while others may be phased for the future National and Regional Partnership Plan (PPNR). “We will try all legal avenues, both through European funds and the national budget, to conclude the investments. Our goal is not to run away from anyone or try to recover this money, but to bring those investments to completion... We will do everything possible to finish all those investments,” Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu specified. A sum from the SAFE program will be specifically allocated for highways, and other projects will likely be seen as phased for the future NPPR. “We are in discussions with the Ministry of Transport; we will identify solutions. Infrastructure is a priority for both the Ministry of Transport and MIPE; I am convinced we will find solutions,” the minister added. Although he does not have a clear picture of the exact number of projects that lost funding, the minister presented a preliminary image: over 100 projects originate from five reform coordinators. “Those projects that are 80% complete will certainly have priority, but also those with low progress have their phasing considered on various other programs,” Mihai Ghigiu explained. ^[7]

Update

Ghigiu seeks solutions to complete missed NRRP projects: National and European funds will be used

The Minister of Investments and European Projects (MIPE), Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu, announced that authorities are seeking solutions to complete projects from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) that have reached an advanced stage of execution but missed deadlines or face penalty risks. These projects will continue with assistance from other European funds or allocations from the national budget. “We will try all legal avenues, both through European funds and the national budget, to conclude the investments. Our goal is not to run away from anyone or try to recover this money, but to bring those investments to completion, which are essential for local communities, especially, but also for the Romanian economy in certain cases. We will do everything possible to finalize all those investments; there will be exceptions, but we will try to find the best options,” Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu stated. ^[8]

Regarding highways that lost funding through the NRRP, the minister explained that MIPE is discussing with the Ministry of Transport to identify alternative sources. Part of the works could receive funds through the SAFE program, while others could be included in the future National and Regional Partnership Plan (PPNR). “A sum from the SAFE program will be allocated for highways; others will likely be seen as phased for the future NPPR this time, but we are in discussions with the Ministry of Transport; we will identify solutions. Infrastructure is a priority for both the Ministry of Transport and MIPE; I am convinced we will find solutions,” Ghigiu added. ^[8]

Mihai Ghigiu clarified that there is no complete record yet of projects that lost NRRP funding. The centralized data is preliminary, coming only from five or six reform coordinators, indicating over 100 affected projects. Projects with an execution status of over 80% will have priority, but phasing of those with low status on other European programs is also being analyzed. “I have requested coordinators; so far we have a preliminary situation, I believe from 5 or six reform coordinators, somewhere over 100 projects from these five entities. Those projects that are 80% complete will certainly have priority, but also for those with low status, their phasing on various other European programs is being considered,” the minister concluded. ^[8]

Update

Ghigiu: Romania will receive €3 billion from the NRRP, with €3.4 billion suspended, until the end of 2026

According to ministerial estimates, Romania will receive in the first phase approximately €3 billion from the remaining €6.4 billion to be drawn via the NRRP by the end of 2026, while the difference of €3.4 billion will enter a “suspension zone.” After the three renegotiations, the total value of funding allocated to Romania via the NRRP is €20.1 billion, of which the country has so far drawn €13.7 billion. ^[9]

“Unfortunately, the situation is not optimistic. We estimate that after the Commission's analysis, Romania will likely receive approximately €3 billion from the €6.4 billion in the first phase. This means that €3.4 billion will move to the suspension zone,” the minister declared. ^[9]

Request 5 has a value of €2.08 billion, while the sixth request, which presents the most problematic milestones, amounts to €4.35 billion. ^[9]

In request 5, there are six milestones with identified problems. For request 6, one of the largest submitted by Romania, Minister Mihai Ghigiu highlighted that out of the 104 milestones and targets included, 32 present a risk of penalties or of not receiving any associated amount, primarily motivated by the postponement of many reforms towards the end of NRRP implementation. ^[9]

MIPE staff and those of other ministries collaborate closely with the technical side of the European Commission to provide necessary documentation for clarification. ^[9]

There are three main categories of problems: the first concerns the non-fulfillment of reforms and milestones included in the NRRP. The second category includes situations where activities have been carried out, but supporting documents for target fulfillment are missing. One example is the Ministry of Development, where energy efficiency projects lack building heating sources, and in others, reports differ from Commission expectations. Romania will have the most work in this period to convince the Commission that investments have been made. This second category is critical, as contests will need to be filed to convince the European Commission that the assumed milestones and targets were fulfilled, even though documents were not available in time. ^[9]

The third category covers investments with data quality issues, such as incomplete minutes. A relevant example is AMEPIP, where there are contradictions between data transmitted to the Commission, the Agency's internal criteria, and what was initially assumed. Regarding boards of directors, the Commission expected reporting based on the reality of permanently occupied seats, not just the commercial register, as the Agency did. Thus, the third category includes investments that have “data quality problems.” “And here we have, for example, minutes that do not include information requested by the European Commission. We have situations, for example at AMEPIP, the agency managing public enterprises, where on one hand, there is contradiction between the data the agency transmitted to the European Commission at various times, we have internal AMEPIP criteria, which somehow fall outside the framework established at the beginning of targets and milestones, and we also have, at AMEPIP, situations where the indicators the Agency communicated to the European Commission are different in documents than what the Agency assumed.” A concrete example reveals the discrepancy at AMEPIP: in the boards of directors of companies belonging to local public authorities, the Agency reported a percentage based on the Commercial Register, while the Commission expected alignment with reality, namely with the seats actually occupied permanently. ^[9]

By November 6, revised documents will be transmitted to the European Commission to convince them of target fulfillment. Revised documents will be submitted in the following period, including Friday, to convince the Commission of target fulfillment. A major objective is to draw as much money from the NRRP as possible this year. The minister noted gradual improvement: request 6 initially presented 33 unfulfilled milestones, a number reduced to 32. The volume of documents, sometimes extremely large (up to 1,000 pages per milestone), did not allow the Commission to conduct an anticipatory analysis, although work began only in the last weeks, when it would have been ideal to start in September or October. ^[9]

It is expected that on November 20, the European Commission will decide which milestones are fulfilled and the associated sums, in order to receive the money by the end of 2026. “We expect that on November 20, the European Commission will decide which milestones are fulfilled by Romania or which are partially fulfilled by Romania and the associated sums, respectively corrections, and that we will receive these sums by the end of 2026, followed by for those targets that are not fulfilled, but for which the reasons are lack of supporting documents or quality of supporting documents, in the following two months... to continue work... so that in spring next year we can draw part of these sums, let's call them, suspended,” Ghigiu added. ^[9]

The minister emphasized that the mentioned sums are MIPE estimates, in dialogue with the European Commission. These figures may differ by November 20. Also, based on recently transmitted documents, scenario improvements might be obtained, although the minister does not wish to make promises. ^[9]

Mihai Ghigiu mentioned that, together with the Ministry of Finance, options are being sought for financing and completing NRRP projects that are in advanced stages of execution. ^[9]

“For beneficiaries who look at us, I think it’s important that we will try, together with the Ministry of Finance, to identify options to complete by the end of this year those NRRP projects that are at an advanced stage, either insofar as European legislation allows moving them to other funds, cohesion funds or other European funds, but within the limitations posed by European legislation, or together with the Ministry of Finance, from the state budget.” ^[9]

Predictability until the end of the year is crucial for local authorities and private entities, allowing the completion of as many NRRP investments and projects as possible. ^[9]

Update

Communication errors and missing data risk penalties for the NRRP, Mihai Ghigiu announces

The Minister of Investments and European Projects, Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu, explained during the press conference on November 4 that Romania risks penalties for NRRP funds because official reports transmitted to the European Commission lacked data or did not comply with the regulation imposed by Brussels. The minister anticipated returning with exact figures of the sums in question in the coming days. Mihai Ghigiu presented three categories of problems affecting NRRP fund absorption. In addition to the non-fulfillment of milestones and reforms, a major source of risk is represented by errors in drafting and transmitting official reports to the European Commission. ^[10]

According to the minister, the second category of problems, the most critical for the immediate upcoming period, includes situations where Romania carried out activities and completed investments, but the supporting documents necessary to demonstrate the fulfillment of assumed targets were missing. A case of non-compliance was identified at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration, where building heating sources were missing from reporting documents for energy efficiency projects. In other cases, reports were prepared differently from the strict requirements of the European Commission. “Practically, from this second category we will have the most work in the coming period, because we will have to convince the European Commission that these investments were carried out during those months of contestation. However, due to those lost 5-6 months, we failed to have all documents available to demonstrate that we fulfilled the assumed milestones and targets,” the minister explained. ^[10]

The third category concerns data quality problems. Ghigiu cited as an example AMEPIP, the Agency for Management of European Funds, where there are contradictions between data transmitted to the Commission, the agency's internal criteria (outside the initially established framework), and assumed indicators. Regarding boards of directors of companies belonging to local public authorities, AMEPIP reported indicators different from those assumed. The Agency considered only reporting to the National Trade Register Office relevant, while the European Commission expected data reported to reality. “The European Commission expects that percentage to be reported to reality, i.e., how many seats are truly permanently occupied in the boards of directors. The Agency considered only reporting to the National Trade Register Office relevant. Therefore, we have quite a few situations in this category regarding data quality,” the minister concluded. ^[10]

Update

Romania risks suspension of €3.4 billion from the NRRP, according to ministerial estimates

The Minister of Investments and European Projects, Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu, stated on Wednesday that Romania might receive approximately €3 billion in a first phase from the €6.4 billion allocated through the last two payment requests (5 and 6) of the NRRP, while the remaining €3.4 billion could enter “a suspension zone,” after the European Commission's analysis. ^[11]

Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu publicly criticized the management of the Agency for Management of European Funds (AMEPIP), suggesting that any penalty due to problems related to the management of state-owned enterprises should be assumed by the agency heads. The minister mentioned that although he received recommendations to revise data from his technical team, AMEPIP insisted on transmitting information non-compliant with the Commission's expectations. ^[11]

“Romania, after the three renegotiations, remained at a sum of €20.1 billion awarded through the NRRP. So far, Romania has drawn €13.27 billion, meaning that somewhere around €6.4 billion should be drawn through the last two submitted requests, reimbursement requests 5 and 6. [...] We estimate, and I insist on this word, estimate that, after the Commission's analysis, Romania will likely receive, in a first phase, approximately €3 billion. [...] which means that €3.4 billion will go into a suspension zone,” the minister stated. Request 5 is valued at €2.08 billion, while request 6, which presents the most milestones with problems, amounts to €4.35 billion. ^[11]

In request 5, six milestones are identified as problematic out of a total of 75. For request 6, the minister highlighted that due to the postponement of many reforms and targets towards the end of NRRP implementation, there are 104 milestones and targets, of which 32 present a risk of penalties or of not receiving any associated amount. ^[11]

Ghigiu identified three main categories of problems affecting fund absorption: the first concerns the non-fulfillment of reforms, milestones, and targets included in the NRRP. ^[11]

The second category, which the minister considers critical for the immediate upcoming period, includes situations where Romania carried out activities and completed investments, but the supporting documents necessary to demonstrate fulfillment of assumed targets are missing. Ghigiu warned that “months of contestation” will be needed to convince the European Commission that investments were carried out, due to the lost 5-6 months. A pertinent example given by the ministry is that of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration, where building heating sources are missing from reporting documents for energy efficiency projects, and in others, reports were prepared differently from the expectations of the European Commission. ^[11]

The third category covers investments with “data quality problems,” including minutes that do not contain information required by the European Commission. ^[11]

The Agency for Management of European Funds (AMEPIP) is at the center of major non-compliances. Ghigiu explained that there are contradictions between data transmitted to the Commission, AMEPIP's internal criteria (which are outside the initially established framework), and assumed indicators. A concrete example reveals the discrepancy at AMEPIP in the boards of directors of companies belonging to local public authorities: the Agency reported a percentage based on the Commercial Register, while the European Commission expected reporting aligned with reality, namely with seats actually occupied permanently. ^[11]

The minister emphasized that, in his opinion, if Romania is penalized due to the situation at AMEPIP, “someone from the Agency will have to assume this responsibility,” reaffirming the principle that primary responsibility lies with the head of the institution. ^[11]

Ghigiu described a situation of “stubbornness” by AMEPIP to keep non-compliant data, ignoring recommendations from the MIPE technical team and discussions held with the Commission. He warned that any institution, led by a minister, president, or state secretary, has ultimate responsibility for these errors. ^[11]

By November 6 inclusive, MIPE and other ministries will transmit revised documents to the European Commission to convince them of target fulfillment and to draw as much NRRP money as possible this year. The number of unfulfilled milestones in request 6 decreased from 33 to 32, due to continuous contact with the Commission. The minister admitted that the volume of documents (sometimes up to 1,000 pages per milestone) and the fact that work was done in the last weeks (instead of September/October) will not allow the Commission an anticipatory analysis. ^[11]

The European Commission will decide on November 20 which milestones are fulfilled or partially fulfilled, determining the associated sums to be received by the end of 2026. For targets that are not fulfilled due to lack of supporting documents or their quality, Romania will have the following two months (after the communication of the decision on November 20) to continue work and submit them, so that in spring 2027 it can draw part of the sums kept in the “suspension zone”. ^[11]

Ghigiu specified that the mentioned sums are MIPE estimates, in dialogue with the European Commission, and figures may differ by November 20, with the possibility of improvements based on recently transmitted documents, without making promises. ^[11]

The minister confirmed that, together with the Ministry of Finance, options are being sought for financing and completing NRRP projects that are in advanced phases, to avoid losing them. ^[11]

Identified solutions include moving projects to other European funds (such as cohesion funds) or financing from the state budget, within the limits permitted by European legislation. Ghigiu emphasized the importance of predictability until the end of the year for local authorities and private entities. ^[11]

Update

Drăgoș Pîslaru rejects the idea of “the burden of inheritance”: €1 billion from the NRRP is lost politically, other funds depend on the government's effort

Former Minister of European Funds, Drăgoș Pîslaru, publicly contradicted the statements of the new holder, Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu, regarding the loss of NRRP funds. Pîslaru specified that, of the €3.4 billion mentioned by Ghigiu as being in the “suspension zone,” one billion is lost for political reasons, mainly due to the non-adoption of the unified salary law, but for the rest of the sums, PSD ministers must work hard. ^[12]

In a lengthy post, Drăgoș Pîslaru sent current decision-makers the message that the NRRP is a field requiring competence, not job specialization. He emphasized that throughout his mandate, from June 2025 until handover, it was marked by daily fighting against reduced administrative capacity at line ministries, forced by the incomplete organization of the public sector. The former minister launched a direct attack against the new leadership, saying: “Now you must also work, not just talk big, as you did ‘in opposition.’” He stated he was surprised to hear complaints about reporting and documentation problems, inviting current ministers to come into “NRRP reality.” ^[12]

Drăgoș Pîslaru highlighted the lack of an integrated IT system for the NRRP during 2021-2024, noting that this gap made MIPE coordination become merely “decorative”. He related that all reporting on milestone fulfillment, even those now contested, was done under the signatures of line ministries, and MIPE transmitted documents based on this official assumption. Pîslaru detailed the evolution of the NRRP crisis, which, unlike the myth of the “burden of inheritance,” started since payment request 2 and became entrenched in the blockage of request 3. He urged the current government not to waste time looking for scapegoats elsewhere, but to “roll up sleeves” and remain in painful negotiations until November 20 to convince the European Commission. ^[12]

According to Pîslaru’s estimates, of the remaining €6.4 billion in requests 5 and 6, almost €1 billion is already irretrievably lost due to politically missed milestones. The attraction of €2.5 billion for December remains to be negotiated, and the “mission” of the current government is to obtain the necessary evidence and check whether ministries only messed up the documentation or if it is something serious. ^[12]

In conclusion, the former minister delivered a lesson in governance: “This means to be a minister serving Romania: honest work, not propaganda and political PR. Examine the ministries down to the smallest detail, verify if they did things properly and obtain supporting evidence.” ^[12]

Update

Ghigiu: Romania will receive €3 billion from the NRRP, with €3.4 billion suspended

The Minister of Investments and European Projects (MIPE), Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu, stated on Wednesday that Romania would receive in a first phase approximately €3 billion from the €6.4 billion remaining to be drawn through payment requests 5 and 6 of the NRRP, the rest of the sum, €3.4 billion, being set to enter a “suspension zone” after the European Commission's analysis. ^[13]

If estimates hold true, Romania will draw, after the three renegotiations, a total of €20.1 billion through the NRRP, of which €13.27 billion has already been captured so far. The total sum of €6.4 billion refers to the last two reimbursement requests submitted by the state. ^[13]

Request 5 amounts to €2.08 billion, while request 6, one of the largest ever requested by Romania, is €4.35 billion and records the highest number of problematic milestones. In request 5, six of the 75 milestones were identified as deficient, while in request 6, out of 104 milestones and targets, 32 present a risk of being penalized or not receiving any associated amount, mainly due to the postponement of reforms towards the end of NRRP implementation. ^[13]

The minister emphasized that MIPE staff and those of other ministries collaborate closely with the European Commission to provide necessary documentation for clarification. He identified three main categories of problems affecting fund absorption: the first concerns the non-fulfillment of reforms, milestones, and targets included in the NRRP. ^[13]

The second category, considered critical for the immediate upcoming period, includes situations where investments have been completed, but supporting documents demonstrating target fulfillment are missing. An example is that of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration, where building heating sources are missing for energy efficiency projects, and in others, reports were prepared differently from Commission expectations. Ghigiu specified that “months of contestation” will be needed to convince Brussels, as not all documents were available due to the lost 5-6 months. ^[13]

The third category covers investments with “data quality problems,” including incomplete minutes. The Agency for Management of European Funds (AMEPIP) is at the center of major non-compliances: there are contradictions between data transmitted to the Commission, the agency's internal criteria, and initially assumed indicators. For example, regarding boards of directors of companies belonging to local public authorities, AMEPIP reported a percentage based on the Commercial Register, while the Commission expected reporting aligned with reality, namely with seats actually occupied permanently. ^[13]

Mihai Ghigiu warned that if Romania is penalized due to the situation at AMEPIP, “someone from the Agency will have to assume this responsibility,” reaffirming the principle that primary responsibility belongs to the head of the institution. The official described a “stubborn” attitude from AMEPIP, which ignored recommendations from the MIPE technical team and insisted on transmitting non-compliant data. ^[13]

By November 6, MIPE will transmit revised documents to the European Commission to convince them of target fulfillment. The number of unfulfilled milestones in request 6 decreased from 33 to 32. The minister admitted that the volume of documents (sometimes up to 1,000 pages per milestone) and the fact that work was done in the last weeks will not allow the Commission an anticipatory analysis. ^[13]

It is expected that on November 20, the European Commission will decide which milestones are fulfilled and the associated sums, in order to receive the money by the end of 2026. For targets that are not fulfilled due to lack of supporting documents or their quality, Romania will have the following two months to continue work, so that in spring 2027 it can draw part of the sums kept in the “suspension zone.” ^[13]

The minister emphasized that the mentioned sums are MIPE estimates, in dialogue with the European Commission, and figures may differ by November 20, with the possibility of improvements based on recently transmitted documents, without making promises. ^[13]

Mihai Ghigiu confirmed that, together with the Ministry of Finance, options are being sought for financing and completing NRRP projects that are in advanced phases, to avoid losing them. Identified solutions include moving projects to other European funds or financing from the state budget, within the limits permitted by European legislation. Ghigiu emphasized the importance of predictability until the end of the year for local authorities and private entities. ^[13]

Update

AMEPIP rejects Mihai Ghigiu's accusations: We used official data from the National Trade Register Office

Super-agency AMEPIP rejected the accusations made by the Minister of European Funds, Mihai Ghigiu, regarding the alleged non-fulfillment of some milestones in the NRRP. AMEPIP, led by Anișoara Ulcelușe, rejected the accusations in a statement, stating that it complied with legislation and used official data from the National Trade Register Office (ONRC), as the target requires. Indicators were calculated based on the target text from the Council's Implementing Decision, modified on July 17, 2026, which provides demonstration based on official data from the ONRC. At the Commission's request, AMEPIP asked authorities for supporting documents proving the actual composition of boards of directors as of August 31, 2026, these being required as a complementary verification by the European Commission. The Agency remains in technical and institutional dialogue, transmitting necessary documentation for sample verification. Documents transmitted on November 3, 2026, respond point-by-point to the technical observations of the European Commission. ^[14]

Update

AMEPIP rejects accusations regarding NRRP reporting: Official data from the ONRC was used, Commission requests additional data

The Agency for Monitoring and Evaluating Public Enterprises' Performance (AMEPIP) rejected accusations by the Minister of European Funds, Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu, regarding the non-fulfillment of some milestones in the NRRP, stating it used official data from the National Trade Register Office (ONRC), according to the target text approved on July 17, 2026. In a statement, AMEPIP clarified that Target 442, aiming to reduce provisional mandates in public enterprise boards of directors, is based on indicators calculated using ONRC data. The Institution specified that, at the European Commission's request, it asked authorities for supporting documents to prove the actual composition of boards as of August 31, 2026, this step being a complementary verification, not a substitute for ONRC data. AMEPIP leadership, led by Anişoara Ulcelușe-Pîrvan, confirmed it remains in technical dialogue with the Commission, transmitting necessary documentation for sample verification, while evaluation for errors is ongoing. ^[15]

Update

Drăgoș Pîslaru rejects the idea of “the burden of inheritance”: €1 billion from the NRRP is lost politically, other funds depend on the government's effort

Reporting and documentation problems endangering the absorption of €3.4 billion from the last two NRRP payment requests are not new, claims former Minister of Investments and European Projects, Drăgoș Pîslaru, blaming reduced administrative capacities of line ministries. The current MIPE leadership presented a worrying situation regarding milestones, but Pîslaru refuted the myth of the “burden of inheritance,” warning that “there is no heavy legacy”. The former minister emphasizes that responsibility for milestone fulfillment belongs to ministries implementing reforms and investments, with MIPE taking over transmitted reports and verifying them within the set timeframe. ^[16]

The statements come after the current MIPE leadership presented a worrying situation regarding the last two NRRP payment requests, where Minister Mihai Ghigiu announced that approximately 38 targets and milestones are at risk, and out of the €6.4 billion that should be drawn through the last two payment requests, Romania estimates it will initially receive approximately €3 billion. The rest of the sums enter a “suspension zone.” ^[16]

Pîslaru, who took over the portfolio in June 2025, accused the lack of an integrated IT system for program management during 2021-2024, which made MIPE coordination largely decorative. In his view, the problem was structured from the beginning, but it is not a sufficient reason for current ministers not to do their job. ^[16]

In a Facebook post, Pîslaru explained: “The cause is very simple: during 2021-2024, it was decided not to have an integrated IT system for the NRRP. Thus, coordination provided by MIPE became, for the most part, relatively decorative, an exercise focused solely on collecting and centralizing papers.” ^[16]

The former minister emphasized that delays did not appear in the last months, but accumulated since payment request number 2 and became evident in blockages associated with payment request number 3, adding that difficulty arises from functioning under an interim government starting May 2026. ^[16]

Pîslaru rejected the idea that his team is responsible for current errors, explaining that, unlike PNL, PSD lacks a monitoring system. The former minister is surprised by new ministers' complaints about data lack, saying: “We have the same technical team as when we were there. They had access to data then and now too, and we worked ten times harder.” He recommends current ministers stop talking big, go to line ministries, and push them to deliver correct data. ^[16]

Pîslaru refused to identify project directors responsible for errors, preferring to blame ministers. “I don’t know who is responsible for each project, but I am sure it is the ministry heads. They must come to me and show they worked to obtain evidence. My expectations are not that hard to fulfill, just don’t come tell me it can’t be done,” Pîslaru asserted. ^[16]

The former minister emphasized that all reports on milestones were transmitted by MIPE based on official assumptions of line ministries, with MIPE playing a role of transmitting evidence. He hopes new ministers will look at each line ministry to verify if errors are trivial or if something is serious. ^[16]

In the same post, Pîslaru detailed the milestone situation: “All reporting on milestone fulfillment, i.e., exactly those now being turned inside out, were done under the assumed signature of line ministries. MIPE forwarded documents strictly based on this official assumption by those implementing investments.” He is surprised the current minister doesn’t know this aspect, recalling that there is no IT system. ^[16]

Pîslaru stated he has a clearer picture of problems, saying: “We have an image of the problems, but if we want to see details we must go to each ministry individually.” He warns against talking big, but going to line ministries and pushing them to deliver correct data, insisting they must see if there are formatting errors or something more serious. ^[16]

While Mihai Ghigiu demanded resignations for those at AMEPIP, Pîslaru blamed ministers. According to him, all ministers with projects that didn’t meet NRRP objectives should resign, saying: “They shouldn’t rely on technical teams but throw them at each line ministry and handle delivering data. I’m not interested in the names from AMEPIP; I want ministers from agriculture, health, and transport to come to me.” The warning comes after the current minister blamed the current head of AMEPIP, demanding their resignation. ^[16]

The former minister further mentions that in the previous period, on August 31, 2023, an increase in sums for highways was decided, under the premise that the NRRP was being lost, thus highways suddenly increased to €4.5 billion. ^[16]

Drăgoș Pîslaru presents his own estimates about recoverable funds. The former minister assesses that approximately €1 billion is lost from the NRRP, including funds for missed milestones, unified salary, or decarbonization. ^[16]

According to Pîslaru’s estimates, out of the remaining €6.4 billion total, €1 billion is lost irreversibly. €2.5 billion remains to be negotiated for December. ^[16]

Pîslaru blames political factors for the loss of €1 billion from the NRRP. “One billion is lost for political reasons, due to non-adoption of the unified salary law,” Pîslaru stated. ^[16]

The former minister warns that the remaining €2.5 billion is at stake and must continue to be negotiated. The warning comes after current minister Mihai Ghigiu announced he will stop at €3 billion out of €6.4 billion and take €3.4 billion into suspension. ^[16]

Drăgoș Pîslaru warns about political cadres' responsibility, saying the NRRP is not a place for specialists, but for politicians with discernment. He highlights that current ministers' responsibility is to check data and take necessary measures. ^[16]

Pîslaru draws attention to low administrative capacity, calling on current ministers to return to line ministries to check data transmitted to the European Commission. ^[16]

“The European Commission can forgive minor deviations or small penalties, but will never accept the inability to clarify documents,” Pîslaru specified, calling on the current Government to abandon explanations about the “heavy inheritance” and check transmitted documentation. ^[16]

Pîslaru called on the current Government to abandon explanations about the “heavy inheritance” and check transmitted documentation, avoiding wasting time looking for scapegoats elsewhere. ^[16]

The former minister considers that the current MIPE leadership and Government now have the responsibility to solve problems, given that the executive has full powers and greater coordination capacity than an interim government. ^[16]

“We are on the home stretch, and the current government has no excuse. Today you have full powers, you are a relatively monochrome government, and you have the huge advantage of a hierarchy and direct, efficient coordination,” Pîslaru affirmed. ^[16]

He asks current decision-makers to check documents transmitted by ministries and identify if problems are simple administrative errors, lack of investment justification, or more serious irregularities. ^[16]

“Leave the story about the ‘heavy inheritance’. Leave propaganda and lies. Stop wasting time trying to find scapegoats elsewhere. Work. Govern. Negotiate. Coordinate. Obtain evidence and supporting documents,” the former minister transmitted. ^[16]

Romania has drawn €13.27 billion from the NRRP, from a total of €20.1 billion. Approximately €6.4 billion should be drawn through the last two payment requests. ^[16]

According to data presented by the current MIPE leadership, Romania has €20.1 billion allocated through the NRRP and has received so far €13.27 billion. Approximately €6.4 billion should be drawn through the last two payment requests. ^[16]

The situation of the two requests is essential for absorbing European funds, given that the NRRP implementation deadline approaches, and Romania must demonstrate fulfillment of assumed reforms and investments in relation to the European Commission. ^[16]

Editorial content assisted by artificial intelligence and verified by human editor. ^[16]