EXCLUSIVE: Romanian PM Might Propose Setting Up Ministry For EU Funds This Week

Barbu said one of the priorities Boc presented Sunday during a meeting with democrat liberal lawmakers was the creation of a Ministry for European Funds. She added authorities must clarify the duties of the new ministry, as well as the number of people it will employ.

The new institution will be tasked with coordinating EU fund management authorities, said Barbu citing the prime minister.

Boc said Saturday a proposition for future minister tasked with coordinating EU funds will be made soon, after the matter is discussed by the ruling coalition.

„The ruling coalition agreed that it is necessity to create a governmental structure aimed to coordinate all ministries and agencies managing European funds. Further steps to implement this decision will be taken this fall,” said Boc,highlighting the issue has already been discussed with President Traian Basescu.

People close to the matter told MEDIAFAX on July 7, Boc and Basescu held talks on setting up a Ministry for European Affairs to be led by former Labor Minister Marian Sarbu or by presidential adviser Leonard Orban, former EU Commissioner for Multilingualism.

On July 25, Basescu said on public television a Ministry for European Funds would be set up immediately after the Parliament ended summer recess and restarted work. He added he knew who would take over the new portfolio.