Romania to improve compliance with EU waste management legislation

Romania has to improve compliance with EU waste and urban wastewater legislations in order to meet the EU targets as the final deadlines set out in the Accession Treaty are drawing near.

This is one of the main challenges Romania faces according to the EU Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) report drafted by the European Commission (EC).

The country has significantly improved its environmental performance since its accession in 2007, the EIR reads. However, the implementation of Romanian legislation which accurately reflects the environmental requirements agreed at the EU level on the ground is a challenge. It is mainly prompted by a lack of planning, coordination and appropriate funding.

The implementation gap is problematic especially when it comes to waste management and wastewater treatment. Improving coordination and enhancing the administrative capacity of the authorities and agencies involved in the implementation of EU legislation is among other challenges. This applies in particular to water and waste management and the Natura 2000 sites protection and management.

The report also states that Romania could perform better in pulling together the best solutions into comprehensive, realistic waste management and prevention plans based on an inclusive public participation process and eliminating the obstacles to the adequate and targeted use of EU funds to support the implementation of the EU requirements. Besides, Romania should use the next river basin management cycle to improve the monitoring networks and assessment methods of the water status.

The EC also recommended Romania to increase support and promotion of resource efficiency measures by SMEs when it comes to eco-innovation. Besides, the suggested activities include ensuring a long-term strategic policy and an integrated approach for mainstreaming sustainable development and developing concrete actions from the national and local level to use EU funds and invest in sustainable solutions.