The European Commission decided on Thursday to send Romania an additional official letter of delay because it did not correctly implement the Directive establishing a framework for Community water policy (Directive 2000/60/EC) and the Council Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) on the authorization and construction of small hydropower plants, reads a press release from the European Commission.Both directives focus on ensuring the quality and quantity of water bodies, preventing and combating pollution and protecting fauna and flora.In 2015, the European Commission sent Romania an official letter of delay regarding the authorization and construction of small hydropower projects in alpine watercourses, affecting three Natura 2000 sites and the water bodies involved. Following several meetings with the Commission, the Romanian authorities assumed several commitments, such as: monitoring the projects that are subject to the infringement procedure, reassessing the damage following the authorization and construction of small hydropower projects, adopting a legal framework regarding the ecological flow and areas prohibited, the modification of authorizations, the transposition of the revised Directive on environmental impact assessment, with a coordinated project evaluation procedure based on the Water Framework Directive, and the adoption of a strategic planning (Energy Strategy).The Romanian authorities partially fulfilled their commitments, but failed to modify the authorizations and implement the measures identified to solve the deterioration of one of the previously identified water bodies. Meanwhile, the third management plan of the hydrographic basin, recently adopted, shows the deterioration of the water body in question (Arges spring, Vidraru accumulation and tributaries). In addition, the evidence available from the studies and monitoring carried out confirms that some micro-hydropower plants have been authorized without the appropriate assessment required by the Habitats Directive. Taking into account the deterioration, it is necessary to remedy the situation as soon as possible, the European Commission considers.
On November 20th, 2025, the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) celebrated 30 years since its reopening, organizing a series of anniversary events along with various representatives of the Romanian capital market. Three decades ago, the first transactions took place on the BVB, and the Romanian investment landscape as we know it today began to take shape. […]
With the holidays just around the corner, we’ve created the new Collection of Boromir Infused Cozonac with natural vanilla syrup and pistachio. Unique, slightly moist, and richly filled, our latest assortments of Boromir Infused Cozonac make every festive moment with your loved ones even more special. Each bite melts in your mouth, bringing warmth, comfort, […]
Romanian airline AnimaWings announced on Friday, November 21, that starting in 2026, it will operate five new air routes from Timișoara International Airport, serving holiday destinations in Italy and Greece. The new connections include Athens (ATH), Olbia – Sardinia (OLB), Kefalonia (EFL), Thessaloniki (SKG), and Kavala (KVA). “We want Timișoara to become a reference point […]
President Nicușor Dan promulgated a law establishing October 29 as Queen Marie Day, following the bill’s adoption by the Chamber of Deputies on October 28, news agency Agerpres reported. The new law designates the date as a day dedicated to commemorating the life and historical contribution of Queen Marie of Romania. On October 29, public […]
Horaţiu Potra, the mercenary leader with alleged ties to Russia who previously fled Romania, was placed under preventive arrest for 30 days after his extradition from Dubai. He is investigated for attempted actions against the constitutional order, violation of the regime of weapons and ammunition, and violation of the regime of explosive materials. The same preventive […]
Nicușor Dan is the political figure in whom Bucharest residents have the most trust, according to a survey by INSCOP Research. The former mayor, now head of state, is followed by prime minister Ilie Bolojan. More precisely, 44.2% of the total sample state that they have quite a lot or very much trust in Nicușor […]
