What happens to European funds via SAFE for outstanding lots on A7 and A8 highways. Ministry of Transport's explanation after deadline expiration

Romania is set to retain European Union funding through the SAFE program for its A7 and A8 highway projects, despite missing the May 31 deadline for signing contracts on several lots. Horațiu Cosma, State Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, confirmed exclusively to Adevărul that the projects' cross-border nature prevents the loss of these crucial funds.

Challenges persist with contract awards for certain sections. On the A8 highway, the Târgu Frumos – Lețcani lot (28.6 km) is under appeal by Strabag and Makyiol, while the Iași – Ungheni lot (15.5 km) faces challenges from Concelex and Construcții Erbașu. Similarly, on the A7 highway, the Bălcăuți – Siret lot (12.7 km) is awaiting contract finalization with FAR Foundation SRL – Automagistral Pivden SRL – Lincor Trans, after appeals by MIS Grup and Concelex were rejected. This same consortium is set to execute two other lots on the Suceava – Siret segment, consolidating the entire section under one contractor.

Further along the A7, the Pașcani – Suceava sector, spanning 62 km across two lots, has been entirely awarded to the UMB Tehnostrade group. Additionally, UMB Tehnostrade will construct the Târgu Neamț (Moțca) – Târgu Frumos (27 km) lot on the A8 highway, while the Lețcani – Iași (17.7 km) section will be built by Spain's FCC.

Cosma explained that while the SAFE program typically requires contracts to be finalized by May 31, this rule does not strictly apply to these Romanian highway segments. Because the projects extend into Moldova and Ukraine, they are classified as joint, cross-border acquisitions. "The Moțca – Pașcani and Suceava – Siret highway sections, as well as Pașcani–Ungheni, having that cross-border component... are considered by the Commission a joint acquisition, a project carried out in partnership by several states. And under the SAFE regulation, this falls under the possibility of signing contracts even after May 31. That's why we managed to find this interpretation of the regulation and why we don't have a problem at this moment," Cosma stated.

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The Moțca – Pașcani and Suceava – Siret highway sections, as well as Pașcani–Ungheni, having that cross-border component... are considered by the Commission a joint acquisition, a project carried out in partnership by several states. And under the SAFE regulation, this falls under the possibility of signing contracts even after May 31. That's why we managed to find this interpretation of the regulation and why we don't have a problem at this moment.