NNDKP Environment Flash No.3/2026
1. EU DEVELOPMENTS SELECTION
1.1. European Commission adopts methodologies for certifying permanent CO₂ removal
On 3 February 2026, the European Commission adopted the first set of methodologies under the Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF), establishing the certification framework for activities that ensure the permanent removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
The new methodologies cover, among others, three types of permanent CO₂ removal activities: direct air capture with storage (DACCS), biogenic carbon capture and storage (BioCCS), and carbon removal through biochar (BCR), and define what constitutes a ton of CO₂ removed, permanence assurance criteria, and risk management mechanisms such as reversal and liability.
More information on Regulation 2025/2358 which sets out the rules on certification schemes, certification bodies, and audits under Regulation 2024/3012 can be found in NNDKP`s Environment Flash No. 11/2025, available here, and in NNDKP`s Environment Flash No. 1/2026, available here.
1.2. EU adopts new rules to prevent the destruction of unsold textiles
On 9 February 2026, the European Commission adopted new measures under the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear.
The new measures include, among others, a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear for large companies starting 19 July 2026, and for medium-sized companies in 2030, the establishment of justified exemptions, and the introduction of a standardized format for reporting the volumes of unsold products discarded.
More information on EU rules to reduce textile can be found in NNDKP`s Environment Flash No. 9/2025, available here.
1.3. Intermediate climate target for 2040
On 10 February 2025, MEPs backed a political agreement with the Council on amendments to the EU Climate Law to include a new binding EU mid-term climate target for 2040, namely a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990 levels.
The new amendments concern, among others, the possibility that, starting 2036, five percentage points of the emissions reduction to be achieved through international carbon credits, postponing the introduction of the ETS2 emissions trading system until 2028, and submitting a progress report every two years, with the possibility of revising the climate target for 2040.
More information on the EU’s climate targets can be found in NNDKP`s Environment Flash No. 11/2025, available here.
1.4. Exemption of certain transport packaging from full reuse
On 25 February 2026 the European Commission adopted a Delegated Decision supplementing Regulation 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, by exempting certain economic operators using pallet wraps and straps from the requirements for 100% reuse of these packaging formats.
The decision will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
1.5. Amendments regarding sustainability reporting and due diligence for companies
On 26 February 2026, Directive 2026/470 amending Directives 2006/43/EC, 2013/34/EU, 2022/2464, and 2024/1760 as regards certain corporate sustainability reporting requirements and certain corporate sustainability due diligence requirements for companies was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
More information on simplifying proposals can be found in NNDKP’s Environment Flash No. 2/2025, available here, NNDKP’s Environment Flash No. 11/2025, available here and NNDKP’s Environment Flash No. 1/2026, available here.
2. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS SELECTION
2.1. Online publication of authorized waste management operators
On 11 February 2026, the Chamber of Deputies adopted a draft law to supplement GEO No. 92/2021 on waste management. Subsequently, on 11 March 2026, it was published in the Official Gazette and became Law No. 26/2026.
The law provides, among others, for the obligation of the National Agency for the Environment and Protected Areas to publish online and keep up to date the list of authorized waste management operators, with open access to environmental authorizations’ data. It will enter into force on 11 July 2026.
2.2. The government adopts the framework for the development of alternative fuel infrastructure
On 12 February 2026, the Government adopted the GEO No. 4/2026 establishing the institutional framework and the measures necessary for the implementation of the provisions of Regulation 2023/1804 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure and repealing Directive 2014/94/EU.
This GEO includes, among others, the development of a national infrastructure network for alternative fuels in all modes of transport, the establishment of national targets and institutional responsibilities, implementation of deadlines and monitoring mechanisms, diversification of sources, and integration with national energy and climate plans, with the aim of supporting emissions reduction, the transition to climate neutrality, and the economic modernization of Romania.
2.3. The government proposes shortening the deadlines for environmental impact assessments
On 15 February 2026, the Government launched a public consultation on the draft GEO on simplifying administrative procedures for investors.
The draft proposes, among others, a total reduction of 40 days in the maximum duration for adopting decisions within the environmental impact assessment procedure. In this regard, the deadline for the initial assessment stage is reduced from 15 to 10 days from receipt of the notification.
Similarly, the deadline granted to the authorities represented in the Technical Analysis Commission for formulating requests for additional information or opinions on the presentation memorandum reduces from 20 to 15 days from the date of receipt of the presentation memorandum.
At the same time, the maximum duration for adopting the screening phase decision reduces from 90 to 60 days from the receipt of all necessary information from the project proponent.
The draft also aims to digitize and standardize the process, as well as to increase the traceability of environmental data, while maintaining the required environmental protection standards.
2.4. Legislative proposal for the efficient collection and recovery of electrical and electronic waste
On 20 February 2026, a draft law amending the GEO No. 5/2015 on waste electrical and electronic equipment was registered with the Senat.
This draft law aims, among others, to:
- clarify the responsibilities of producers and users for the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment;
- introduce a marking indicating the date of placing equipment on the market;
- make it mandatory for producers to register in the national register; and
- ensure the proper financing of the collection, treatment, and recovery of historical and current WEEE.
Both EU and national developments are listed chronologically.
The Romanian version of this newsletter is available here.
