(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - The European Investment Bank (EIB) backed a new loan of 1 billion euros to support investments in strategic transport projects under the Romanian Transport Master Plan. The funding covers the Romanian national contribution to the EU "Large Infrastructure" Cohesion Policy programme.

"The development of a strategic transport network in Romania will greatly benefit trade and tourism and will directly fuel the real economy", EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creu said. "Equally important is the positive impact of faster connections, safer roads and more sustainable transport systems on the everyday life of citizens", she added.

The majority of these infrastructures projects will be implemented in the less-developed regions of Romania and on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). (ANSA).