Romanian PM Unpleasantly Surprised By EC Decision On Automobile Craiova Sale

“The Commission considered state aid was involved (in the privatization – e.n.), when, in fact, we only received one offer, and one price. Would it have been better if we sold the plant to produce toilet paper or build stores? All of Europe is complaining about shortage of job vacancies, but we are seen as a state that distorts competition. What does the Commission want from us – to produce buttons while other countries manufacture aircrafts and cars?,” Tariceanu said rhetorically.

Following EC’s decision regarding Automobile Craiova, the Romanian authorities are able to complete the privatization, Tariceanu said. He said Romania will have to subtract EUR27 million from the state aid granted for the privatization.

The European Commission asked the Romanian government to recover EUR27 million from Automobile Craiova, which represent, following EC investigations, illegal state aid in the context of the company’s privatization and its sale to Ford Motor Company in September 2007.