CFR SA faces funding crisis as Romanian unions demand budgetary unblocking

The Drum de Fier - ELCATEL Union Alliance has issued an open letter to Romania's political leadership, demanding the immediate unblocking of budgetary financing for the state-owned railway infrastructure manager, CFR SA. The union warns that the current funding impasse threatens the entire national rail system, potentially leading to economic, social, and strategic crises.

The conflict arises from the Ministry of Justice's refusal to endorse two critical documents: the 2026–2030 Rail Infrastructure Development Strategy and the 2026–2030 Activity and Performance Contract. The Ministry cited the lack of a fully empowered government as the reason for withholding endorsement.

Union leaders argue that the situation transcends mere administrative delay, impacting traffic safety, employee jobs, and national economic security. They contend that existing legislation, specifically article 251(7) of OUG 12/1998, mandates the continued transfer of funds to the rail infrastructure administrator during contract transitions, regardless of pending approvals.