Europe’s security depends on its defence capabilities. These must be also underpinned by strong infrastructure and the ability to respond quickly to emerging risks. Through its funding programmes, the European Union supports Member States’ defence capabilities by modernising transport links, strengthening cross-border connections and improving preparedness for the civil and environmental challenges which arise from conflicts.
In Romania, several EU-funded projects are doing just that. From modernising bridges and building a new border crossing, to protecting the Black Sea from pollution linked to armed conflicts, these initiatives show how EU support strengthens resilience on the ground.
Boosting mobility, building security
Romania’s military mobility package is reinforcing key bridges across the national road network -ensuring they can handle both civilian and military transport.
With €14.4 million from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport and coordinated by Compania Națională de Administrare a Infrastructurii Rutiere SA, the military mobility package is upgrading five key bridges on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), located in Ovidiu, Azuga, Arginesti, Straja and Viișoara.
The crossings will be upgraded to reinforce the bridges so that they meet the technical standards required for improved civilian traffic flow and the transit of military assets. They will also improve road safety and efficiency for everyday traffic, reducing bottlenecks and facilitating transport for citizens and businesses alike.
By combining strategic mobility with everyday use, the project strengthens both national defence readiness and the resilience of Romania’s transport network.
The Ungheni Bridge: linking Romania and Moldova
The new Ungheni Bridge represents another vital step towards a more connected and secure Europe.
Also funded by the Connecting Europe Facility, with an EU contribution of €16.16 million, the project will build a new 261 metre bridge over the Prut River, complete with the necessary infrastructure for border control and customs checks, strengthening the connection between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Coordinated by the same national road authority, it is part of the future Târgu-Mureș - Iași - Ungheni motorway on the TEN-T Core Network.
Once completed, the bridge will reduce travel time by about 30%, lowering vehicle operating costs, and cutting greenhouse-gas emissions by easing congestion. Designed for both civil and defence mobility, it will also improve cross-border trade, strengthen regional ties and support Moldova’s deeper integration with the European transport network.
Protecting the Black Sea from conflict-related pollution
The Black Sea SIERRA project tackles a different challenge: pollution caused or worsened by armed conflict.
Funded through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) with around €600,000, the initiative unites partners from Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye, Italy and Ukraine.
Covering about 90,000 km² of coastal and marine areas, the project studies pollutants caused or intensified by armed conflicts - including microplastics, pesticides as well as underwater noise - and their impact on biodiversity, particularly dolphins.
The project will deliver risk maps, a regional database and a pollution-assessment handbook, helping authorities respond faster and cooperate better - protecting the sea, its wildlife, and the people who depend on it.
Together for a stronger Europe
From modern bridges to cleaner seas, these EU-funded projects show how European cooperation strengthens resilience and security in Romania and beyond. They connect regions, support innovation, and protect both people and the environment.
By combining investment, expertise and cross-border collaboration, the EU helps Romania and its neighbours build a more sustainable, connected and secure future.
Your EU – Your projects: where EU support makes a difference
These examples show how the EU programmes managed by CINEA (the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) translate European ambition into concrete results and impact. By combining funding with expert advice and cross-border cooperation, the EU helps innovative projects scale up, deliver benefits for citizens and businesses, and support a more sustainable, resilient Europe. Discover more stories in other countries!
More information about the projects
Military mobility package related to works of art on the national road network – Learn more
Design and Build of the Ungheni Bridge – Learn more
Black Sea SIERRA – Learn more
Details
- Publication date
- 5 January 2026
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency