The State Chancellery has announced that the voluntary amalgamation process of local public administrations is progressing, with 175 mayoralties having adopted their final decisions to date. To support the amalgamation process, local administrations are eligible to access the first financial incentive provided by the Government, TRIBUNA reports.

A total of approximately 170 million lei has been allocated in the 2026 state budget for the first incentive. So far, 24 groups, comprising 81 mayoralties, have received the first incentive, amounting to a total of 10 million lei.

The first incentive is intended to support the preparation of the voluntary amalgamation process and may be used to procure consulting services required by the newly formed mayoralties. It covers the preparation of the documentation necessary for amalgamation, the organization of public consultations with citizens, the development of investment projects and related technical documentation, as well as the drafting of the post-amalgamation reorganization and institutional integration plan.

Some of the submitted applications concern projects with a direct social impact, including the modernization of kindergartens and the development of urban public transport systems. However, the largest share of the requested funding is intended for the establishment of 26 Unified Public Service Centers, which are expected to improve citizens’ access to high-quality public services.

At the same time, the Government is preparing the launch of the second incentive, aimed at financing investments in the development of amalgamated communities. It will provide 3,000 lei per resident, with the funds to be invested in infrastructure modernization and the improvement of public services.

Funding for the second incentive will be included in the 2027 state budget and allocated in accordance with the commitments undertaken and the implementation schedule of the reform.