Romania Constitutional Court reviews key environmental and integrity laws

The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) is reviewing several high-stakes legislative challenges. President Nicușor Dan has requested the re-examination of a law that allows for the modification of protected area boundaries to accommodate hydroelectric projects and introduces environmental impact assessment exemptions for national security and energy maintenance projects.

Additionally, the CCR is debating the Integrity Law, which has been contested by the President and opposition senators (USR and PNL). Key disputes include the retroactivity of sanctions for officials and the requirement for life partners of dignitaries to submit wealth declarations, which critics argue lacks objective criteria and infringes on privacy.

Another critical matter involves the National Biodiversity Strategy. Contested by the AUR party, this law is a milestone for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), with a financial implication of approximately 972 million euros. Failure to adopt it could result in significant EU penalties.

Separately, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) has urged the European Commission for greater flexibility regarding the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. Romania seeks to balance biodiversity conservation with agricultural interests, noting that species like brown bears and cormorants cause significant damage to crops and livestock.