EC Cuts Local Infrastructure Funding For Romania, Over Procurement Problems

In a preliminary report drafted following its audit mission to Romania, between March 28 and April 1, 2011, the Commission mentions the problems in the public procurement system used to award contracts for projects through axis 2, such as the use of discriminatory bid selection criteria, unjustified use of the accelerated award procedure and additional work contracted as similar work, says a Development Ministry press release.

Because of these problems, the Commission has suspended intermediary payments through axis 2. Romanian authorities have to check each of the 124 contracts awarded to axis 2 beneficiaries.

The Commission has also asked Romania to improve the efficiency of its public procurement management and control systems.