Prime Minister Luca Niculescu said Romania is very close to the goal of joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. He said that status could open new development opportunities and access to international capital. In the same message he presented European financing and investment as government priorities.
The remarks followed a meeting at Victoria Palace with representatives of the county councils. Budget revision was at the centre of the discussions. According to Niculescu's message, the meeting covered difficulties shared by county administrations and problems specific to each county. Chief concerns included pressure on local budgets and securing money for projects close to completion.
Deputy Prime Minister Marian Neacșu, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare, Labour Minister Florin Manole, Development Minister Alexandru Stoica and Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete took part, according to the head of the Executive's message.
Niculescu announced that the talks produced agreed measures to complete projects financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and to draw cohesion funds more quickly. He did not set out the measures, the sums that might be allocated or the deadlines for applying them.
Administrative-territorial reform, including voluntary merger, was also on the agenda. Niculescu said these solutions are in the governing programme and are meant to use public money more efficiently. He argued that a predictable working relationship between the Government and local administration is needed to continue the reforms, set clearer rules for local public finances and protect investment in health, education and infrastructure.
The Victoria Palace talks also covered preparation for the cold season, securing the energy needed by the population and the economy, and measures for people in vulnerable situations.