Romania announces 1.5 billion lei for water and sewerage projects

The Romanian Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests has launched a public consultation for a new funding guide to support water and sewerage infrastructure projects. Managed through the Administration of the Environmental Fund (AFM), the program offers 1.5 billion lei to local authorities to expand, establish, or modernize water supply and wastewater treatment systems, including storm sewers.

Under the proposed rules, funding can cover up to 95% of eligible expenses, requiring a minimum 5% local contribution. The selection process will shift from a ‘first-come, first-served’ model to a competitive scoring system. Criteria for selection will include the maturity of the project, the local authority's financial contribution, and the number of new connections or households benefiting from the infrastructure.

Maximum funding limits are determined by the population of the administrative-territorial unit (UAT): up to 12 million lei for units with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, 20 million lei for those with 5,000 to 10,000, and 30 million lei for units with over 10,000 residents. Projects may be submitted individually or through associations.