Romania's Minister of the Environment, Water and Forestry Diana Buzoianu told a recent meeting of the Council of European environment ministers, held in Brussels that Romania supports the European decarbonisation objective, but insisted on a balanced approach that takes into account the economic and energy differences between member states.
"We have entered these negotiations with a clear mandate: Romania gets committed to the green transition, but it needs real tools, not just targets on paper. As a result of the intense discussions, we have won the necessary flexibilities and realistic deadlines for the measures to be applicable and produce results in people's lives. The target for 2040 remains ambitious, but the road to that must be fair for all member states," Buzoianu is quoted as saying in a statement released by the Environment Ministry (MMAP).
According to MMAP, two major subjects were on the agenda of the discussions: a proposal to amend the European climate law, establish a binding intermediate climate target for 2040, as well as the European Union's Nationally Determined Contribution (NSC), which will besubmitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The proposal put forward by the European Commission introduces a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. Following the negotiations held within the Environment Council, it was established that 5% of this target can be achieved through international credits, through investments in decarbonisation projects in non-EU countries. Thus, the level of internal (domestic) emission reduction at European level is 85%, which reduces the pressure on European industries.
The minister also underlined, in her speech, Romania's active role in the negotiations, showing that the country has contributed to shaping a solution that also meets the needs of the states with greater challenges in the transition process.
"Romania's voice mattered. We have shown that you can be a fair, involved and constructive partner, while defending the interests of your own citizens. We are part of the same European mission to combat climate change, but a just transition means achievable deadlines, targeted support and fair access to finance and technologies. Yes, it is possible, with hard work, solid arguments and honest partnerships," Buzoianu said.
Another important result of the negotiations is an additional year for the implementation of the emissions trading scheme in the fields of transport and construction.
The minister said that this time frame is essential for Romania, being a crucial year "which will allow us to prepare thoroughly and avoid price increases in two key areas - transport and construction - in an already difficult economic context for our country."
The next international climate change meeting in which Romania will participate is the United Nations Climate Change Conference - COP30, which will take place between November 10-21, 2025, in Belem, Brazil.
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