The European Commission found on Monday 10 February that Romanian aid of 53 million euros (2020-2025 period) for the creation of a network of recharging stations for electric vehicles complies with EU State Aid rules.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President responsible for Competition Policy, welcomed the fact that Romania will contribute to the fight against global warming, in line with the European Green Deal’s objectives. “This scheme will reduce harmful car emissions and improve the health of citizens, without unduly distorting competition”, she said.
The scheme aims to stimulate investment into recharging stations for hybrid and battery electric vehicles in Romania. It will cover urban, suburban and rural areas and aims to develop a nationwide network of recharging stations.
The Commission considers: - that the measure will encourage a significant uptake of low-emission vehicles, thus making a major contribution to the reduction of CO2 and pollutant emissions; - the aid will be granted through a competitive bidding process and the necessary safeguards limiting the aid to the minimum will be in place; - the scheme's contribution to the EU's objectives outweighs any possible distortion of competition. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)