Co-financing has represented the main issue in accessing European funding between 2007 and 2013, Agriculture minister Achim Irimescu said, and he stressed that it is essential for Romania to focus on resolving this issue. He said: "We should have focused on what could be done when it comes to the absorption of European funds, since back in the 2007-2013 period. Romania has already uncommitted almost one billion Euros, as well as many hundred million Euros in corrections and penalties. Even though we have had a good absorption rate, I cannot say that I am pleased with the way things have evolved. We have done all we can for things to improve where absorption is concerned. I have made it may goal to simplify the accession procedures as much as possible". The Minister of Agriculture has mentioned that the Agency for the Financing of Rural Investments (AFIR) has made a big mistake in being "too forgiving" with the beneficiaries of funds, and thus they have canceled projects amounting to 800 million Euros last year as they did not have the money for co-financing. "I think we shouldn't have been so lenient", the minister said, and he added: "Our beneficiaries have not had money for co-financing. In this context, the AFIR shouldn't have been so lenient on those who did not pay on time. The agency should have terminated the contracts of those who have been late in the payment of co-financing and allow other applicants to access the funds".
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