Interim Minister of Foreign Affairs Emil Hurezeanu said Romania will pay its contribution to the European Peace Facility (EPF), which was due by May 13.

The clarifications were made on Thursday, after the minister was asked by the press when the EUR 18.6 million contribution would be paid and what penalties the country would incur for the delay.

„It will be paid. It is all in order. (…) The elections, discussions around certain topics, the fact that the government underwent leadership changes, and so on, led to these delays. (…) If this legislative act is approved today (in the government meeting), I will be able to tell you what penalties Romania will face,” said Hurezeanu before the government meeting.

Regarding the statements made by U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio, who announced „a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and individuals complicit in censoring Americans,” Hurezeanu clarified that Romania is not in such a situation.

„No, as far as I know, Romania will not be affected. There has been no violation of freedom of speech for American officials,” said the minister.

When asked about Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, Hurezeanu said he could not provide an estimate, noting that the decision belongs to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

„We know the criteria that led to the suspension: organised crime and a high visa refusal rate. (…) [The refusal rate] remains an open issue. (…) I cannot say when Romania will be accepted into the program. It is a matter under review by Homeland Security,” he explained.

The government meeting agenda includes a decision to increase the Foreign Ministry’s budget by 93 million lei to cover part of Romania’s annual contribution to the European Peace Facility (EPF), Pillar II.

According to the explanatory note, the payment deadline was April 14, and the grace period for payment without interest penalties is 30 days. In the case of late payment, penalty interest is calculated at €3,181 per day until the full amount is paid.

The document also states that, given the current regional security context, the EPF contribution is aimed primarily at: „Strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to train its armed forces, as well as its defence capabilities and resilience.”

„Furthermore, in light of the ongoing aggressive actions by the Russian Federation, reinforcing the EPF is described as an urgent necessity, reflecting Romania’s political commitments at the EU level as a security provider,” the document also provides.

AGERPRES