Romania is set to receive major financing through the SAFE Program, totaling €16.6 billion, of which over €4 billion are allocated to transport infrastructure.
At the forefront is the Suceava – Pașcani – Siret highway, a project with significant economic and strategic impact for the country’s northeast.
European Funding for Moldova Infrastructure
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced that following discussions in Brussels with European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, Romania secured confirmation that the Pașcani – Suceava – Siret section, along with Pașcani – Iași – Ungheni, will be included in the list of projects to be submitted to the European Commission for approval in November.
The two sections are valued at over €3 billion, representing the majority of the allocation for transport infrastructure. “Without their inclusion in the SAFE Program, we would not have had the financing necessary to start works within the next 2–3 years,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Economic and Strategic Importance
The Suceava – Pașcani – Siret highway will connect northern counties directly to the national highway network and the capital, ensuring fast and secure mobility for civil and strategic transport. This link will stimulate regional economic development by reducing transport times for goods and people, increasing investment attractiveness, and boosting tourism.
The Pașcani – Iași – Ungheni section will facilitate a direct connection between Iași and the Republic of Moldova, supporting cross-border trade and regional economic integration. It is estimated that the reduction in transport time and increased road capacity will have a positive impact on regional GDP, increasing commercial flows and investment in the traversed areas.
SAFE Funding Structure
Of the total €16.6 billion, €12.5 billion are allocated to direct defence expenditures, while over €4 billion go to transport infrastructure. The SAFE Program provides Romania with a highly advantageous credit: interest rates four times lower than current borrowing, a 10-year grace period, and repayment over 40 years.
Prime Minister Bolojan explained that this financial support will also cover Romania’s defence commitments of at least 2.2% of GDP, of which nearly 1% is for military acquisitions. “This share will be covered by the SAFE Program over the next five years, ensuring continuous funding for Romania’s defence programs,” he said.
Implementation Calendar and Regional Impact
Romania’s proposals for the SAFE Program are to be finalized by mid-October, presented to the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT), and submitted to the European Commission for approval by the end of November.
The Prime Minister stressed that he will ensure the Pașcani – Suceava – Siret section remains in the program, given its strategic and economic importance. The project will increase connectivity in Romania’s northeast, reduce transport costs and time, and stimulate economic integration with the Republic of Moldova, facilitating trade, tourism, and cross-border movement.
The implementation of these highway sections will transform the northeast into a key logistics corridor, bringing long-term benefits for mobility, investment, and regional development, strengthening Romania’s strategic link with its eastern neighbors.
