Romania "does not lose EU funds"

Victor Ponta said that at the European Council meeting in Brussels was agreed the possibility to transfer the funds from an operational program to another.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta, being in Brussels to attend the European Council, said that in the future will be allocated 120 billion Euros for economic growth and jobs.

"I want to say first the fact that 120 billion Euros will be allocated in the near future for economic growth and jobs," said Victor Ponta.

Romanian Prime Minister said that money will not be lose from European funds allocated to Romania and the country has not non committed funds.

He said that if Romania is able to quickly submit projects, it can already beneficiate of guarantees for projects from the European Bank.

The Head of the Romanian Executive added that was accepted also the possibility to transfer funds from one operational program to another.

"It was specifically passed to transfer the funds within Romania, so from the money generally allocated to Romania, to transfer funds from an operational program to another," said Victor Ponta, after the meeting in Brussels.

According to the Prime Minister, the European Council in Brussels adopted the pact for economic growth and jobs, discussing about the measures to be taken in this respect.
Victor Ponta said that Romania has passed the country review conducted by the European Union.

"Country analysis presented by EC President marked that Romania maintains its obligations and promises. Romania maintains the same rating as a country," said Victor Ponta.

According to him, the Council discussed the issue of Romania and Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area.

"I am optimistic that in the autumn we will answer your expect for joining the Schengen area," said the prime minister.

During the press conference in Brussels, Victor Ponta said that, at his arrival home, will propose Ecaterina Andronescu as Minister of Education.

Translated by Alexandra-Diana Mircea
MTTLC, Bucharest University