The four programs are related to the regional sector, the environment, transport and competitiveness, said Leonard Orban, Minister of European Affairs.
In December 2011, the European Commission resumed payments to Romania for these four programs, under the condition that the Bucharest authorities meet certain requirements concerning the internal organization of the public procurement and EU fund management authorities, by June 2012. To this end, Commission officials will audit the programs between July 5 and 17.
Orban insisted that payments for the programs will not be suspended or interrupted, and that Romania will stop sending refund requests for a relatively short while.
As for the human resources development program, for which the Commission is also not taking refund requests, the minister said a Commission report has revealed both structural problems and irregularities with the projects it audited. A “conciliation” procedure will begin, taking place over two months, with a decision whether or not to suspend the program expected in September.