European Commission representatives warned President Traian Basescu and Minister for European Affairs Leonard Orban that Romania might lose EU funds if it fails to investigate suspicions regarding possible conflict of interests in awarding projects financed with structural funds, people close to the matter told MEDIAFAX.
If checkups are not carried out, the Commission may declare Romania’s refund requests ineligible, and the country stands to lose a part of the EU funds allotted, said the sources.
The Government decided Wednesday ministries and public authorities that manage EU funds will sign collaboration protocols with ANI based on which the institution will check with celerity notifications regarding possible conflict of interest.
Two weeks ago, Orban said the ministry would draw up by the end of November a code of conduct targeting those tasked with managing EU-funded projects to avoid cases of incompatibility and conflict of interest.