Overview of DR-30 Subvention Program in Romania

The Romanian government's commitment to revitalizing its agricultural sector through the CAP Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, submitted to the European Commission, showcases a determined effort to enhance support for young Romanian farmers. Amidst the European Union's efforts to foster a more equitable and sustainable agricultural climate, PNS becomes a crucial tool in this initiative, emphasizing the essentiality of targeted support for small to medium-sized farms to achieve a fair distribution of direct payments.

The long-awaited intervention DR-12, one of the novelties brought by the National Strategic Plan 2023-2027, will be launched this year! Through it, young established farmers will be able to benefit from a financing of 200,000 euros/farm, with an intensity of 80%. These measure describes subventions for young farmers in Romania.

The Official Gazette of Romania  has released the SME grant scheme, which falls under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), offering EUR 500,000-3 million to non-IT companies in partnership with IT companies for digitization projects.

The scheme, known as "Grants to support entrepreneurs in the development of advanced digital technologies," aims to assist SMEs in implementing innovative digital technologies such as data and cloud computing, blockchain, high performance and quantum computing, the internet of things, and cyber security.

Non-reimbursable European funds are an important source of financing for central and local authorities, but especially for Romanians who want to open or expand a business. The European Union has prepared the non-refundable funds for the Romanians who need them, they only have to apply for them. The good news for those who want non-reimbursable European funds in 2024 is that in the 2021-2027 EU budget exercise, Romania can receive approximately 4 billion euros through the European Union's Cohesion Policy.

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Romania

Romanian farmers and entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector have the opportunity to receive financial aid through various DR interventions. Depending on the type of investment, the maximum amount available for projects can range from 3 million to 10 million euros. The total budget for these European funds is 210.3 million euros and the registration period is open from December 20, 2023 to April 30, 2024, until 4:00 p.m.

1. SME grants of EUR 200,000-8 million in just transition counties

Micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 6 counties affected by the reduction of polluting industrial activity will be able to obtain grants of 200,000-8 million euros per project, in the form of regional state aid and de minimis aid.

New provisions on the sale of farmland located outside of the buildable areas is installed as per 13 October 2020.

As per 13 October, the foreigners can still buy agricultural land if they buy a company via a share deal. Other transactions are not possible any more for foreigners. Romania has put as single European country a limit for European citizens and other foreigners. Not very correct towards the citizens of Europe in my opinion.