Romania secures EUR 500 mln EIB loan for Sibiu–Pitești highway crossing the Carpathians

Finance minister Alexandru Nazare signed a EUR 500 million financing agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support the construction of the Sibiu–Pitești highway, which the ministry says is Romania’s most important road infrastructure project. It is also the first highway to cross the Carpathian Mountains in Romania.

The 122 km highway, part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), will link central and southern Romania through five sections: Sibiu–Boița, Boița–Cornetu, Cornetu–Tigveni, Tigveni–Curtea de Argeș, and Curtea de Argeș–Pitești.

Once completed, it will provide a key corridor between western Romania and the Black Sea, enhancing trade, connectivity, and regional development, according to the Finance Ministry’s press release.

“The signing of this contract is another proof of our commitment to regional development and competitiveness,” minister Nazare said. “The Sibiu–Pitești Motorway is both a national priority and a project of European importance. It will attract new investment, create jobs, and improve safety and travel efficiency. Our long-standing partnership with the EIB ensures favorable financing terms for completing this strategic objective.”

The total estimated cost of the highway is EUR 5.5 billion, financed through a mix of EU grants, national budget allocations, and EIB loans.

According to the bank, including VAT, the overall project value reaches EUR 6.7 billion. Of this, around EUR 1.83 billion comes from non-reimbursable EU funds under the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (2014–2020) and the Transport Programme (2021–2027).

EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris noted the project’s broader impact, saying, “This investment is about people, safety, and opportunity. By making travel faster, safer, and more affordable for both people and goods, we are helping strengthen regional competitiveness and connect communities across Europe.”