Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Wednesday that adopting the NRRP laws is 'vital' for Romania, stressing that the bills entering parliamentary debate reflect negotiations with the European Commission and must be declared compliant by Brussels for the milestone to be considered met.

He underscored that more than €4.5 billion in remaining non-repayable funds would finance major infrastructure, health, education and energy projects.

'These investments will develop connected regions, ensure European standards in health and education and improve life in many communities,' Bolojan said.

He added that passing the laws is also essential for maintaining 'reasonable' borrowing costs.

'NRRP funds act as an engine of economic growth. Without them, rating agencies and investors may lose confidence. The effect would be higher borrowing costs for the state, companies and citizens, and investment funds would avoid Romania. We must avoid this risk. (...) We can finance ourselves at reasonable costs only if we improve or at least maintain our country rating,' the acting prime minister stated.

Bolojan also said the NRRP laws are crucial for Romania to remain 'a trustworthy country'.

'The NRRP is a programme assumed by all governments since 2021. We committed to reforms and targets that make the economy more competitive and improve public services. Meeting these reforms allows access to funds. (...) The easier targets were solved, but the difficult ones were postponed. Those who should have promoted them hesitated to take responsibility,' he argued.

The head of the government underlined that the draft laws now heading to Parliament are not the proposals of a government or minister, but the result of negotiations with the European Commission. 'For the milestone to be considered fulfilled, the form adopted by Parliament must be declared compliant by the European Commission. Respecting commitments, budget discipline and predictability are the basic ingredients for a trustworthy country,' Bolojan said in conclusion. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)