Romania could pay over EUR 20 mln to host 6,350 refugees

Romania would have to pay about EUR 20.3 million to host 6,350 refugees for a 10-month period, as the European Commission requires. The Interior Ministry estimates that it will spend almost RON 5,000 (EUR 1,120) on food and clothing for each refugee plus some RON 4,800 (EUR 1,085) per migrant for social security expenses, for a period of 10 months, reports local Profit.ro. The bigger costs are related to accommodation, as Romania can host only 1,785 refugees in its dedicated refugee centers, which means that it has to pay rent for the others. The rent and utilities costs are estimated at RON 5,875 (EUR 1,320) per migrant for the whole 10-month period. A part of this amount would come from the state budget, whereas a part would be covered from non-reimbursable funds. Romania will also have to increase its salary expenses, as the Interior Ministry has decided to supplement the number of its employees by 6,485 to face the wave of refugees, which would require another EUR 29 million for a 10-month period. editor@romania-insider.com