NNDKP Environment Flash No.4/2026
1. EU DEVELOPMENTS SELECTION
1.1. The Council sets out its position on amending the CRMA
On 4 March 2026, the Council adopted its position on amending the Regulation 2024/1252 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (“CRMA”).
The amendments aim, among others, to transfer the responsibility for identifying large enterprises to the European Commission, as well as to strengthen transparency and accountability requirements for such enterprises.
The Council underlines the importance of critical raw materials for industry, including defense, and aligns the methodology for calculating recycled content with the Regulation 2024/1781 on eco-design for sustainable products.
The Council supports the objectives of the proposal while introducing larger involvement of Member States by informing them about the identified companies and existing vulnerabilities. In addition, the European Commission’s powers regarding risk mitigation are clarified, and the use of digital product passports is permitted to ensure the traceability of materials and support the resilience of supply chains.
1.2. Actions of the European Commission against Romania for incorrect transposition of the Seveso III Directive and failure to report invasive species
On 11 March 2026, the European Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Romania for the incorrect transposition of Directive 2012/18 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances (“Seveso III”).
The Seveso III Directive aims to prevent major accidents and limit their impact on health and the environment. The shortcomings identified by the European Commission relate to risk reassessment, public participation, and the deadlines for information and consultation. Romania has two months to respond before a possible reasoned opinion is issued.
At the same time, the European Commission has sent a letter of formal notice to Romania for failing to submit the mandatory six-year reports under Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. The reports provide essential information for the protection of biodiversity, health, and the economy. Romania has two months to address the deficiencies before the issuance of a reasoned opinion.
1.3. The European Commission launches a public consultation on the revision of the Water Framework Directive
On 17 March 2026, the European Commission launched a call for contributions regarding the revision of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60.
The aim is to simplify the legislation and identify the bottlenecks, while maintaining environmental and health protection standards.
The consultation is open until 14 April and is aimed at businesses, public authorities, and civil society.
The review aims to increase the resilience of water resources and support access to critical raw materials, and stakeholders are invited to provide evidence on the impact of the current rules, including on the environment, supply, and costs, with their contributions serving as the basis for proposals to modernize the legislation.
1.4. Intermediate climate target for 2040
On 18 March 2026, Regulation 2026/667 was published in the Official Journal of the EU, amending the European Climate Law, which introduces a binding interim climate target for 2040 to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels.
More information on the EU’s climate targets can be found in NNDKP`s Environment Flash No. 3/2026, available here and in NNDKP`s Environment Flash No. 11/2025, available here.
1.5. The European Commission publishes PPWR guidelines
On 30 March 2026, the European Commission published guidelines for the implementation of Regulation 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (“PPWR”), intended to support the uniform application of the new rules across the EU as of 12 August 2026, when the PPWR takes effect.
The guidance documents clarify, among others, the circumstances under which a company is considered a producer, the items covered by the rules, the restrictions on single-use packaging, the application of the PFAS restriction, and the targets for packaging reuse. The documents also address the topic of extended producer responsibility, providing practical guidance for companies and authorities.
The European Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of the PPWR and will prepare delegated and implementing acts on waste sorting labeling, recyclable content, and recyclability criteria.
2. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS SELECTION
2.1. Legislative proposal for the efficient collection and recovery of electrical waste
On 9 March 2026, the Senate adopted the bill to amend GEO No. 5/2015 on waste electrical and electronic equipment. The proposal is currently undergoing the legislative process in the Chamber of Deputies.
More information on the draft law on the management of waste electrical equipment can be found in NNDKP’s Environment Flash No. 3/2026, available here.
2.2. Legislative proposal on the recovery of raw materials from closed landfills
On 11 March 2026, a legislative proposal was submitted to the Senate to amend GO No. 2/2021 on landfill of waste and GEO No. 61/2025 implementing the CRMA, with a view to regulating the controlled recovery of raw materials from closed landfills.
The initiative aims, among others, to align the national framework with the CRMA, thereby increasing the circularity of critical raw materials and the recovery of existing resources from landfills, tailing ponds, and other decommissioned sites, under strict environmental protection conditions, while also reducing dependence on imports. It also aims to contribute to the remediation of industrial sites and the economic development of the affected areas.
Thus, the initiative introduces a mechanism for authorizing such activities, subject to obtaining the relevant environmental approval and authorization, as well as compliance with the “polluter pays” principle.
2.3. The government adopts the GEO shortening the deadlines for environmental impact assessments
On 12 March 2026, the Government adopted GEO No. 17/2026 amending and supplementing certain legislative acts. The Ordinance aims, among others, to simplify and digitize environmental impact assessment procedures, shorten decision-making timelines, and improve data traceability.
More information on the draft GEO simplifying the environmental procedure can be found in NNDKP’s Environment Flash No. 3/2026, available here.
2.4. The government adopted new rules for transposing the Greenwashing Directive
On 19 March 2026, the Government adopted GEO No. 18/2026, amending certain legislative acts in the field of consumer protection.
This legal act transposes, among others, Directive 2024/825 amending the relevant European framework as regards empowering consumers for the green transition through better protection against unfair practices and through better information (the “Greenwashing Directive”).
GEO No. 18/2026 will enter into force in stages and will regulate, among others, the combating of greenwashing in B2C relationships. In this context, starting from 27 September 2026, companies will no longer be allowed to use generic environmental claims such as “eco”, “sustainable” or “environmentally friendly” without recognized evidence, nor to apply non-certified sustainability labels or make claims regarding future environmental performance or climate neutrality without verifiable and measurable plans.
At the same time, the ordinance also provides for obligations to inform consumers about product durability, available eco-friendly delivery options, and the impact of software updates on product functionality.
2.5. Draft GEO introducing new rules for placing used, repaired, or refurbished products on the Romanian market
On 20 March 2026, the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Forestry (“MEWF”) submitted for public consultation a draft GEO regarding the placing on the market of used, repaired, or refurbished products, as well as the recall of hazardous new products from the market.
In this context, economic operators will be required to ensure the cleaning, disinfection and pest control of products, to keep records, and to provide the appropriate documentation for each batch, under the supervision of the National Environmental Guard (“NEG”), the National Authority for Consumer Protection (“NACP”) and other enforcement authorities.
The rules will also apply to used tires, furniture, and motor vehicles, and the import of damaged motor vehicles will be prohibited.
Individuals will be allowed to introduce on the market a limited number of used motor vehicles, bicycles, or electric scooters per year, subject to an obligation to declare them to the NACP within 72 hours.
2.6. New draft procedure for recording inspections carried out by the NEG
On 24 March 2026, the MEWF submitted for public consultation a draft order approving the Procedure for the recording and documenting by photo-audio-video means, the activities of the NEG, as well as the storage and access to such materials.
The Procedure sets out in detail the NEG’s responsibilities for the implementation of this legal framework, in compliance with the provisions on personal data protection. Its purpose is to ensure effective and transparent oversight of environmental activities.
2.7. MMAP launches the first digital platform for monitoring aggregate quarries
On 24 March 2026, MEWF launched the “Inspectorul Balastierelor” platform, the first public digital map that allows users to verify authorized mineral aggregate exploitations nationwide.
The platform provides citizens and authorities with access to official information regarding, among others, the authorized perimeters, the validity of permits, the responsible operators, and their geolocation.
The map includes 6,216 sites authorized over the past 5 years, of which 1,849 are active, and represents the first component of the broader “Radarul Balastierelor” system, which will integrate the monitoring of the traceability of operations and the quantities of aggregates used.
2.8. New draft order for the approval of the procedure regarding the issuance of ETS permits
On 26 March 2026, MEWF submitted for public consultation a draft order approving the procedure for issuing permits regarding greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the use of excisable fuels. The procedure targets the road transport sector, residential buildings, institutional/commercial buildings, the energy industry, the manufacturing industry, and the construction sector, and is part of the regulatory framework regarding the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme (ETS).
The draft will contribute to the monitoring and control of greenhouse gas emissions, in line with national and European climate policies. The interested parties may submit comments and proposals within 10 business days from the date of publication.
Both EU and national developments are listed chronologically.
The Romanian version of this newsletter is available here.
