Authorities in Romania are actively working to ensure that environmental protection becomes a driver of economic development rather than a brake on it, with the deposit-return system standing as a successful example, Alexandru Avram, secretary-general of the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests, said on Monday at the launch event of the latest OECD Economic Survey on Romania.
"Today's launch of the 2026 edition of the OECD Economic Survey for Romania is more than a presentation or more than a report. It is a mirror in which we look at ourselves as a state, as a society and as an economy. As the national coordinator for OECD accession in the field of environment, I am pleased to see the importance given to environmental protection in the Economic Survey, which is in itself a national development strategy and a programmatic document," Avram said.
According to him, the firm objective of joining the OECD reflects Romania's ambition to become part of the select club of the world's developed economies, with clear rules and solid institutions and public policies.
"The green transition is not just a secondary topic, it is one of the major economic transformations of the century, a true beginning of a Kondratiev cycle. Romania has the chance today to be part of this transformation. We have one of the most valuable natural ecosystems in Europe, forests that represent a heritage for our entire region, and significant potential for developing green energy and the circular economy. These advantages, however, also come with responsibilities," Avram pointed out.
He underlined that, as also shown by the report launched on Monday, it is important to manage climate risks and increase resilience and the capacity to adapt to these changes.
"That is why we are actively working to ensure that environmental protection becomes a driver of economic development rather than a brake on it. A successful example we present today is the deposit-return system, where more than 8.5 billion packaging items are no longer found in our rivers, forests or national parks, but have instead become part of a genuine circular economy system. We want to continue to capitalise on cooperation with the OECD so that our country's economy becomes more competitive, more innovative, more resilient and greener," the Environment Ministry official said.
According to the report published on Monday by the OECD, Romania's public finances have deteriorated significantly, posing risks to the long-term sustainability of public finances. To avoid this, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development says that public spending efficiency needs to be increased, while the tax base should be broadened and tax compliance improved.
At the same time, the OECD notes that the recent pension reform - particularly through the increase in the retirement age for women, the limitation of special pensions and the introduction of new indexation rules - is a positive step towards improving the sustainability of the pension system and encouraging labour force participation. However, Romania also faces increasing pressure to raise spending on healthcare, education, social assistance and innovation in order to support inclusive growth. Public sector wages also account for a growing share of government expenditure, which requires stricter control.
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