Ungureanu pointed out during the meeting that Romania registers the lowest EU fund absorption rate in the European Union, and added structural deficiencies must be corrected.
According to data presented by European Affairs Minister Leonard Orban, Romania absorbed EUR1.211 billion in structural and cohesion funds by February 10, which represents 6.3% of the sum allotted by the EU.
The prime minister said procedures checking refund requests must be simplified. He pointed out that the 45-day deadline management authorities have to check refund requests, before they are sent to the European Commission, must be strictly observed.