Romania spends over EUR 55 mln on ineffective online platforms

Romania’s central public administration has spent EUR 55.2 million on 400 online platforms in the last years, according to the recently founded Ministry for Public Consultation and Civic Dialogue (MCPDC). The platforms were aimed at improving the document management and enabling participatory decision-making in central government. However, none of these platforms promotes a friendly space for public debate and effective communication with citizens, according to the MCPDC, reports local Economica.net. Over 80% of the funds invested in these projects come from non-reimbursable European funds. The Ministry of Communications and Information Society made the largest investment for such a platform, namely EUR 11.5 million for the project e-Romania/Participatory Democracy Forum, which was finalized in 2013. The Ministry of Regional Development has recorded 11 online applications and platforms in the last years. The Justice Ministry has allocated over EUR 4.4 million for implementing the N-Lex portal that grants access to the national and international law. editor@romania-insider.com