European funds allocated to infrastructure have represented one of the most significant drivers of economic development over the past 20 years: since accession, Romania has attracted more than €100 billion in non-reimbursable funds, directed also toward road and rail infrastructure programs, public utilities, and large regional projects.

1. The real scale of EU infrastructure funding

Most infrastructure funding comes from the European Union’s Cohesion Policy (the European Regional Development Fund – ERDF and the Cohesion Fund), which have allocated tens of billions of euros for transport, utility networks, and regional development across Member States. Recently, the European Commission transferred over €586 million to Romania for major infrastructure projects under the 2021–2027 Transport Programme.

2. Multinationals and major projects

Large multinational construction and infrastructure companies — capable of managing large-scale projects (motorways, railways, logistics hubs, energy infrastructure) — hold a clear competitive advantage in accessing these funds: financial capacity for co-financing, experience in complex project management, dedicated teams, and extensive subcontractor networks. In many cases, international consortia dominate tenders for projects exceeding €100 million, leading to the capture of a substantial share of the overall value of EU funds.

3. The role of local companies

Local companies, including SMEs, play an essential role in the infrastructure supply chain: subcontracting, related works, design, consultancy, and technical assistance. EU funds also support medium- and small-scale projects, where contractual structures allow local firms to participate directly. For example, regional programs finance local utility works, urban mobility projects, or social infrastructure modernization, where local companies can act as direct beneficiaries or key subcontractors.

4. Value balance – recommendations

Value capture depends on:

• co-financing capacity and project management capabilities;
• expertise in public procurement and EU compliance;
• strategic partnerships between local firms and multinationals (joint ventures);
• consolidation of the local subcontractor ecosystem.

For EU funds to generate maximum economic value in Romania, it is essential to integrate local expertise into large-scale projects, strengthen administrative capacity, and build partnerships that leverage the comparative advantages of each industrial segment.

(Photo: Freepik)