Romania, Hungary Approve Trans-Border Cooperation Projects Worth EUR13M

The first call for projects was launched at the end of 2008 and mainly targeted projects focused on large investments (studies, plans), as well as projects meant to stimulate cooperation, exchange of experience and partnerships in the fields of transport, communications, environment protection, workforce market, research-development (R&D), innovation, education, healthcare and intra-community cooperation.

Each project will be implemented via a Romanian-Hungarian partnership. The first projects will be implemented as of September this year, when the first financing contracts are to be signed as well.

The second call for projects provides financing worth over EUR104 million. The Common Selection Committee proposed that 120 conceptual projects be minutely drafted, but the final decision regarding funds will only be made upon completing the second stage of selection. The total value of funds for the 120 projects amounts to EUR185.5 million.

The second call for projects provides financing opportunities for concrete infrastructure projects, as well as small-scale investment projects. Projects target, among others, construction and upgrade works on several connection roads and bicycle routes, the setting up of several business incubators, as well as research centers.

The Program provides financial support for the joint development of the Romanian-Hungarian cross-border region during 2007-2013. The eligible cross-border region includes counties Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Hajdú-Bihar, Békés and Csongrád on the Hungarian territory, and counties Satu Mare, Bihor, Arad and Timis on the Romanian territory.