This represents the second financing agreement with the EIB for the Sibiu-Pitești highway, one of Romania's infrastructure projects. The decision provides the legal framework for drawing funds to finance construction of the first highway crossing the Carpathian Mountains, facilitating road connections between Romania's historical regions and integration into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

"The Sibiu-Pitești highway is one of Romania's infrastructure projects, with a role for economic connectivity and integration of European transport corridors. Through our partnership with the European Investment Bank, we secure the financial resources necessary for implementing this strategic project and for utilising European funds for transport infrastructure modernisation," said Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare.

According to the contract, the loan can be drawn in maximum 10 tranches, each worth at least €50 million. EIB financing can cover up to 50% of the total project cost. VAT expenses and expropriation costs are not eligible. The loan drawdown deadline is three years from the contract signing date, and the loan can be granted for up to 27 years.

The Sibiu-Pitești highway is the first highway crossing the Carpathian Mountains and represents a strategic project of the national road network, included in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The project is structured in five sections and aims to improve mobility, reduce travel times, increase road safety and stimulate economic development in the regions it crosses.

Project completion is estimated for 2028, with implementation managed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure through the National Road Infrastructure Administration Company. This loan represents the second of two EIB-approved loans totalling €1 billion for the Sibiu-Pitești highway.