The Regional Development Agency - West just launched the auction for the environment projects, part of the Phare 2005 programme Economic and Social Cohesion. The financing applications must be submitted until August 15.

The main objective of the programme is to offer assistance to public authorities with responsibilities in environment protection in all of the eight Romanian development regions. The financing is aimed at encouraging the wastage volume reduction, the wastage selection and the improvement of the water's quality. The amount for each region is 3.34 milion Euros.

Out of the total amount to be spent at the national level, 20 million euros come from Phare funds, while the rest of 6.67 milion is to be co-financed from the state’s budget.

The co-financing ranges between 300.000 and 1 million euros for each project. Every beneficiary must bring in at least 10% of the project’s budget, in cash. The funds are aimed at townships with a maximum of 50.000 inhabitants.