Romania Gets Environmental Infringement Notice

The European Commission has launched 10 environmental infringement procedures against Romania

Corina Cristea, 15.03.2017, 13:43

The European Parliament has recently adopted draft legislation increasing the share of waste to be recycled, as global economy is becoming more and more polluting. The share of waste to be recycled is to rise from 44% today to 70% by 2030. For packaging materials, such as paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, metal and wood, MEPs propose an 80% target for 2030, with interim 2025 targets for each material.

The question arises, however, if member states have the capacity to conform to these new targets. Romanias representatives are rather sceptical. MEP and member of the European Peoples Party Marian-Jean Marinescu said:

Marian-Jean Marinescu: “As a citizen, I want this percentage to rise because we all want to live in a cleaner environment. At the same time, however, we must consider the possibilities, and be realistic, while trying to do more.

Referring to the situation in Romania, MEP and member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Maria Grapini notes that:

Maria Grapini: “The problem is that on the one hand, Romania lacks the technology and investment in recycling technology, and on the other, it lacks the budget to be able to make these investments. I also believe that 2025 is a very close deadline for these targets, which are really high.

“The problem of waste is very important, we have to address a number of infringements. We must adapt our model for economic development to a greener model, said the former minister for the environment, waters and forests Cristiana Pasca-Palmer at the end of her term. The new occupant of the post Daniel Constantin has announced that the European Commission has launched 10 infringement procedures against Romania because of its environmental problems:

Daniel Constantin: “Three cities are currently facing an infringement procedure due to the high level of pollution, namely Bucharest, Iasi and Brasov. We are working with the respective local administrations to deal with the procedure. Unfortunately, most of Romanias problems in relation to the European Commission have to do with the environment. We have failed to meet many of the deadlines and commitments we have made, which has led to the launch of 10 infringement procedures against us, which means we are being monitored in these areas. Our problems are mainly to do with two large categories: waste and pollution.

Romania is already facing a trial at the Court of Justice of the EU over its non-compliant waste deposits, and risks being penalised.