Conflict between Romanian Environment Ministry and Romsilva

A dispute has emerged between Romania’s interim Minister of Environment, Waters, and Forests, Diana Buzoianu, and the forestry agency Romsilva regarding labor contracts and professional regulations.

Initially, Buzoianu accused Romsilva of violating Court of Accounts recommendations by introducing collective bonuses into a new Collective Labor Contract. She argued that the agency should instead use individual performance-based rewards to ensure transparency. Romsilva denied the allegations, stating that no such bonuses have been granted since 2023 and that the contract only allows for the “theoretical possibility” of collective bonuses under exceptional circumstances.

Following this, Romsilva unionists leveled accusations against Buzoianu regarding a new ministerial order. Union leader Silviu Geană alleged that the regulation mandates annual professional training for foresters through ASFOR, a company reportedly linked to the minister. Unionists claim the regulation forces workers to pay for courses and suggests that Ministry of Environment members receive monthly commissions for certification processes.