European environmental regulations and waste management challenges in Romania and Moldova

In Romania, the National Confederation for Female Entrepreneurship (CONAF) has raised concerns regarding the implementation of EU Regulation 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, effective August 12, 2026. CONAF notes a lack of official estimates regarding how many companies will be affected by these new obligations. The organization warns that administrative costs may disproportionately impact small and micro-enterprises, as fixed compliance costs represent a higher percentage of total costs for smaller firms compared to large corporations.

Meanwhile, in the Republic of Moldova, authorities face challenges managing asbestos waste. Although the import and use of asbestos have been banned since 2024, the material remains prevalent in many buildings, including schools and kindergartens. A specialized center for hazardous waste disposal, including asbestos, is not expected to be operational until 2028, necessitating interim solutions to manage the health risks associated with the carcinogenic material.