EC Approves EUR 53 Mn Scheme for EV Charging Stations in Romania

The European Commission has approved the EUR 53 million scheme to support the creation of a network of charging stations for EVs in Romania

The European Commission (EC) has found plans to support the creation of a network of charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) in Romania to be in line with EU State aid rules. The measure will contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions and other pollutant emissions without unduly distorting competition in the single market.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said 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”.

The scheme, which will have a budget of EUR 53 million covering the period from 2020 to 2025, is expected to stimulate investments into recharging stations for hybrid and battery electric motor vehicles in Romania. It will cover urban, suburban and rural areas and aims to develop a network of EV charging stations that will cover the entire country.

The scheme is open to all economic operators meeting certain criteria, for example in terms of plug equipment. The beneficiaries will be selected through an open and transparent tender procedure and the support will be awarded in the form of grants.

The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules which allows the Member States to support the development of certain economic activities that pursue a common interest, under certain conditions.

The Commission considers that the measure will encourage a significant uptake of low-emissions vehicles, thus making a major contribution towards the reduction of CO₂ and pollutant emissions, in line with the EU’s climate and environmental objectives and the goals set by Green Deal. Furthermore, the Commission found that 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 European Green Deal, presented in December 2019, sets out how to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90 percent reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050.