STB Halts Tram Purchases from Gruia Stoica
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bucharest Cancels Tram Procurement Due to Russian Ties of Supplier
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The Bucharest Transport Company (STB SA) has cancelled a tram procurement contract after discovering the winning bidder proposed a manufacturer based in Moscow, violating EU sanctions against Russia. The decision centers on the involvement of Romanian businessman Gruia stoica.
Last updated: September 25, 2025, 00:53:03
Cancellation of the Procurement Procedure
The Bucharest Transport Company (STB SA) announced on Wednesday evening that it woudl no longer proceed with the purchase of trams from the company associated with Gruia Stoica,which were to be manufactured in Russia. This decision follows the cancellation of a sectoral procurement procedure for 18-meter, low-floor trams.
According to a statement released by STB SA, the cancellation is a direct result of the inability to finalize the contract. The winning bidder failed to provide the necessary guarantees and documentation to extend the validity of their offer, despite repeated requests from STB SA.
Gruia Stoica and the Russian Connection
The core issue revolves around Electroputere VFU Pașcani, a company controlled by Gruia Stoica. During the auction process, Electroputere VFU Pașcani identified a manufacturer based in Moscow, Russia, as the proposed supplier for the tram delivery.
This revelation triggered the cancellation due to Regulation (EU) 2022/576, which amends Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures against Russia. The regulation explicitly prohibits awarding or executing public procurement contracts with Russian entities or those controlled by them.
EU Sanctions and Public Procurement
the EU’s sanctions regime, intensified following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, aims to exert economic pressure on Russia. A key component of these sanctions involves restricting access to EU public procurement markets for Russian companies and entities linked to the Russian government. This prevents EU funds from indirectly supporting the Russian economy.
Regulation (EU) 2022/576 builds upon earlier restrictions, tightening the criteria for determining control and ownership, and expanding the scope of prohibited transactions. Public bodies like STB SA are legally obligated to ensure compliance with these regulations when awarding contracts.
Background on Gruia Stoica and Electroputere VFU Pașcani
Gruia Stoica is a Romanian businessman with meaningful interests in the energy and transportation sectors. Electroputere VFU Pașcani, a company he controls, is a major manufacturer of electrical equipment, including transformers and railway vehicles. The company has been involved in several public procurement contracts in Romania.
Prior to the cancellation, Electroputere VFU