Romania: Two indicted over fraud involving six Erasmus+ projects

(Luxembourg, 24 June 2026) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Iași (Romania) has filed an indictment against the president and the vice-president of an association, following an investigation into six Erasmus+ projects.

Erasmus+ is the EU's programme supporting cross-border mobility, education, training and youth projects across Europe. The programme provides for an advance payment of up to 80% of the grant, which remains the property of the European Union until a satisfactory final report has been submitted.

The defendants are accused of abusing this mechanism by submitting falsified documentation to divert the funds for personal use. According to the investigation, some projects were only partially implemented, while others were not implemented at all. In some cases, project costs were inflated through false declarations.

If found guilty, the two individuals may face between two and seven years in prison.

The association, acting through an appointed representative, has entered into a plea agreement, subject to approval by the court. Under the terms of the agreement, the parties have agreed to a financial penalty and the publication of the court’s decision as an additional sanction.

Earlier in this investigation, the EPPO seized assets, including real estate, a vehicle and bank accounts, to compensate the damage, amounting to € 111 342 (approximately RON 541 000). 

All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent Romanian courts of law.

The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.