Investigation into Sibiu Airport Project's €54 million funding, focusing on potential tender irregularities and fraud.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is delving into an alleged fraud of EUR 54 million related to an EU-funded infrastructure project in Romania, specifically the modernization of Sibiu International Airport. The case involves suspected misuse of European funds allocated for this airport modernization project.
The investigation, part of broader EPPO efforts to uncover large-scale fraud involving EU funds in Romania, has targeted a project worth approximately EUR 54 million. Multiple raids and searches have been conducted at the Sibiu International Airport and the Sibiu County Council as part of the probe.
The tender process for the airport's modernization project, largely financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme 2014-2020, is under scrutiny. The contract for the project was awarded to a sole bidder, who is also suspected of making inaccurate statements about its ability to meet the stipulated requirements.
The EPPO is investigating potential irregularities in the tender procedure and a possible conflict of interest. The airport continues to cooperate fully with the competent authorities and provides all requested information. Sibiu International Airport has reaffirmed its commitment to legal compliance and proper use of public and European funds.
The searches, carried out under a delegation from the EPPO's Cluj-Napoca Territorial Office, took place recently (early July 2025). No final verdict or indictments specific to the Sibiu Airport case have been publicly announced yet. The EPPO continues to actively pursue investigations into such cases to protect EU financial interests.
It is important to note that all individuals involved in the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The airport has stated that its operational activity was not affected by the searches conducted by EPPO representatives.
The EPPO, based in Luxembourg, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes that affect the EU's financial interests. The investigation into the suspected fraud is still in its early stages, and no charges have been filed as of now. The airport remains committed to transparency and cooperation throughout the process.
The EPPO's investigation, in the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice, has extended to the financial sector, as they probe alleged irregularities in the tender process of a EUR 54 million EU-funded business project, specifically the modernization of Sibiu International Airport. The finance aspect comes into play with the European Regional Development Fund's allocation for the project, and the award of the contract to a sole bidder under scrutiny.
