Critical Aspects in Evaluation of Infrastructure Projects Submitted for Financing under European Programmes in Romania

Infrastructure represents a national strategic objective and a high priority is given within the Romanian public policies. Financial assistance is received through the European Programmes to support country’s efforts to develop and implement infrastructure projects. Despite the funds allocated for this area, the absorption level is low at national level. Selection of the most appropriate and relevant infrastructure projects is an important task. The technical and financial evaluation of the applications submitted for financing is the most important stage of the evaluation and enables the selection of the projects that will be financed. Various criteria are assessed, like the opportunity of the project, the relevance for the public programme, the quality and sustainability of the project etc. The present paper envisages to presenting the results of the study undertaken to identify the critical aspects that need to be taken into account in the evaluation of the infrastructure projects. The methodology applied in the study is based on in-depth analysis of existing documentation for elaboration of infrastructure projects, evaluation reports prepared by the individual evaluators and European Programmes progress. It also includes the extensive practical experience of the authors.