The Cantacuzino Research Institute in Bucharest could receive EUR 100 million in EU funds for equipment, said prime minister Mihai Tudose yesterday following a talk with EU Commissioner Corina Cretu.

The solution to transform the research institute into a military unit remains valid, but there is also a "financing solution of EUR 100 million from European funds”, said Tudose. Interim defense minister Marcel Ciolacu discussed with the health minister to draft a law in this regard, which will be presented in the Government’s meeting next week.

The Cantacuzino Research Institute needs EUR 25 million a year in the first five years of operation, said the former defense minister Adrian Tutuianu in August. The institute could produce vaccines in two years, he added.

After an emergency ordinance adopted by the Government on December 8 last year, the Cantacuzino Institute returned under the Health Ministry’s authority, with the patrimony and related staff. Previously it was under the coordination of the Research Ministry.

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