November 19 (SeeNews) - The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) on Monday said it has approved a 177 million euro ($202.1 million) loan to the Romanian government for the construction of new facilities that will strengthen the country’s prison system and improve detention conditions.
The loan provided by the CEB will make a major contribution to governmental plans to enhance the quality and capacity of its prison facilities, CEB said in a press release.
More specifically, the CEB funds will be used for the construction of a high-security prison in Berceni for 1,000 people and a prison in Unguriu with a capacity of 900 inmates.
In addition, the CEB will support the construction of facilities for prison staff, including for training and professional development, in the cities of Pantelimon and Rodbav.
The design and management of the prison facilities will conform to the European Prison Rules (EPR). In addition to benefiting inmates and staff by providing new, modern facilities, the project will help to improve Romania’s prison system and infrastructure as a whole, relieving overcrowding and ensuring that facilities adhere to best international practices and standards.
"The CEB and Romania maintain an excellent cooperation in several social areas. I am pleased that this substantial loan will support the government’s plans to improve its prison facilities and strengthen compliance with international standards. A strong judiciary and an effective penitentiary system are key to upholding the rule of law, which is one of the core values of the Council of Europe and the CEB," CEB governor Rolf Wenzel said.
Romania’s prison system, which comprises a total of 44 prison facilities and just over 22,000 detainees, is facing a space and staffing shortage and is therefore in need of modernisation, CEB said.
The Romanian government has put a strategy in place for the period 2018-2024, with measures aimed at easing prison overcrowding and improving detention conditions.
Romania joined the CEB in 1996 and has had loans approved for 33 projects amounting to 1.9 billion euro.
CEB operations cover a number of areas, including the rehabilitation of important historical and cultural buildings such as the Royal Palace in Bucharest, the Romanian Opera House, the Palace of Culture in Iasi, and the National Library.
Set up in 1956, the CEB has 41 member states.
($= 0.8758 euro)