The state reduces the lease duration for the Giurgiulesti International Free Port from 99 to 49 years, according to a bill approved by Parliament in the first reading. The changes also provide for the introduction of guarantees for the period after 2030, when the port will fall under the jurisdiction of European Union legislation, without special fiscal and customs regime, reports IPN.

The project was developed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization. Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu emphasized that the provisions of the bill favor the state in its relations with the general investor and the residents of the Giurgiulești International Free Port.

The opposition criticized the fast-track approval procedure for the amendments and warned about the risks of Giurgiulesti International Free Port falling into uncontrolled hands. They highlighted the lack of a clear port management plan and called for transparency regarding the future of the infrastructure.

The government representatives have rejected the opposition’s accusations, emphasizing that the law does not transfer ownership, but only confers surface rights. They added that the administrative return of the port will take place earlier than initially planned.

The project stipulates the application of the Competition Law and the obligation of annual audit reports for residents. The port will be declared a strategic infrastructure objective, providing favorable conditions for development and attracting investments. Also, investors will have to return to the state the constructions made and bear the costs for changing the destination of agricultural lands into construction lands.

According to official data, at the end of last year, 74 companies were registered as residents of the port, and the total investments exceeded 137 million dollars, the largest coming from the general investor.

The project was supported by 53 deputies of the Action and Solidarity Party and is set to be put to the final vote.