Romania to attract EUR 6 bln from EU funds in 2012, Romanian PM says

The Romanian Prime Minister has recently said that in 2012 Romania is expected to attract EUR 6 billion in funding from the European Union- from the Cohesion Fund and funds for agriculture. He added that the absorption of EU funds is one of the necessary measures to create jobs, according to Mediafax newswire. Another objective for 2012, presented by the Prime Minister, is to support the investments. A total of EUR 8.7 million (RON 38.1 million) will be allocated for this matter in 2012, according to Emil Boc. Last week the Prime Minister said that Romania posted an economic growth of nearly 2 percent in 2011, above the official target of 1.5 percent, and the country also managed to reach its budget deficit target of 4.4 percent last year. He added that the main priorities for 2012 include maintaining jobs and investments and increased absorption of EU funds, which are essential for “maintaining the 2.1 percent economic growth forecast for 2012”. The Romanian Government will also continue the state reform this year, will pursue the fight to combat tax evasion, and will support small and medium enterprises and the business environment. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com (photo source: Sxc.hu)