Romania launches forest monitoring platform amid ANM procurement scandal

Romania's interim Minister of Environment, Diana Buzoianu, has announced two major developments regarding institutional oversight and accountability. First, the National Forest Guard has launched a new digital platform designed to provide near real-time monitoring of forest inspections. The system allows citizens to submit petitions, track the status of their reports, and even request to participate in field inspections to ensure transparency in combating illegal logging.

Second, the Ministry is addressing a procurement scandal at the National Meteorological Administration (ANM). Minister Buzoianu has called for the potential dismissal or suspension of ANM Director Elena Mateescu following an audit that identified irregular luxury purchases, including perfumes and high-end clothing, funded by the institution. The Minister also highlighted administrative paralysis at the ANM, noting that the Board of Directors has been unable to function for months due to a lack of quorum, a situation she claims is exacerbated by the refusal of AMEPIP to approve qualified expert appointments.