Romania to use 680 million Euro EU funds to reduce COVID-19 effects

Romania will use 680 million Euro worth of EU funds to support the medical system and business environment, in the context of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, EU funds minister Marcel Bolos announced on Thursday, March 19.

Out of the 680 million Euro, 300 million Euro will be used to pay benefits (75% of their wages) to employees sent in technical unemployment by companies affected by the COVID-19 crisis, based on a Government decision, while the remaining 350 million Euro will be used for the acquisition of medical equipment for hospitals.

Thus, for the payment of the employees in technical unemployment, the Ministry of European Funds has earmarked the equivalent of about 620,000 salaries, Romania Insider reads.

Companies from the economic sectors that face difficulties such as tourism, hospitality, transport, and import-export will be helped. The European funds will be accessed by the National Agency for Employment (ANOFM), which is subordinated to the Labor Ministry, and this institution will provide financial support to the employees who enter into technical unemployment.

Another 350 million Euro is needed for the healthcare system, including for the purchase of Covid-19 tests, as well as protective equipment and mechanical ventilation equipment. The food expenses allocated to the quarantined population for 14 days amount to 30 million Euro, which will cover about 335,000 people.