The President of the National Agency for Environmental Protection, Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru, gave us an interview in which he discusses the agency’s activities and challenges over the past two years. Topics include waste management, air quality monitoring, as well as strategic directions in the context of climate change and sustainable development.
On December 19, 2022, you were appointed President, with the rank of Secretary of State, of the National Agency for Environmental Protection. Nearly two years have passed since you took office. How has this period been, from the beginning of your term to the present?
NAEP President, Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru: These two years have flown by like a whirlwind, filled with major infrastructure projects, challenges related to maintaining the National Air Quality Monitoring Network at the standards required by the European Union, all while working with an inadequate budget. We’ve also had to manage various situations concerning compensation for damages caused by wild animals to crops or livestock, not to mention the urgent repair needs of the regional Environmental Protection Agencies (APMs). Additionally, there have been administrative and operational challenges across the agency, such as waste management, protected areas, and biodiversity preservation.
What do you believe are the biggest environmental protection challenges in Romania at the moment, and how is the National Agency for Environmental Protection addressing them?
NAEP President, Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru: Challenges are ever-present, but I believe Romania’s most significant issue is closing the 31 non-compliant waste landfills, which already incur daily fines for delays. Each case requires local action to prevent further penalties.
Another critical issue is air quality monitoring. Although the Ministry of Environment has outsourced station maintenance to a dedicated company, there are still instances of invalid or missing measurements. However, work is ongoing to resolve these issues systematically.
The third significant challenge involves compensating for damages caused by wild animals, as outlined by Government Decision 3/2023. Addressing these claims requires dedicated staff and periodic budget increases due to the high number of cases.
Additionally, there are urgent needs within the AEPs, ranging from administrative tasks to managing fields like waste, biodiversity, and protected areas.
How do you view NAEP’s role in achieving sustainable development goals and addressing climate change?
NAEP President, Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru: The agency plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development objectives, such as clean water, renewable energy, sustainable cities, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. We work closely with state institutions and water supply organizations to integrate environmental protection and public education into everyday practices, not just isolated campaigns.
While NAEP doesn’t have enforcement powers, we focus on regulation and collaborate with the National Environmental Guard for necessary inspections.
To what extent does current legislation protect the environment, and what changes are needed to enhance regulatory efficiency?
NAEP President, Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru: The regulatory framework operates smoothly, as evidenced by the numerous infrastructure projects approved in recent years. Procedures comply with European legislation and adhere to strict deadlines, ensuring a seamless process.
We rely on some of the best specialists in environmental regulation and biodiversity. While supporting large infrastructure projects, we ensure minimal environmental impact and compliance with environmental obligations.
How does NAEP collaborate with local authorities and other institutions to implement national environmental policies?
NAEP President, Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru: Having served as a commissioner at the National Environmental Guard before becoming ANPM President, I emphasize the importance of this control institution. While NAEP focuses on regulation, we work closely with the Guard when enforcement is required.
Local authorities bear responsibility for illegal waste dumps and fires, with the Environmental Guard ensuring compliance through clean-up mandates and sanctions.
What are NAEP’s main priorities moving forward?
NAEP President, Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru: The most pressing actions at the national level include:
- Urgently addressing the closure of the 31 non-compliant waste landfills to avoid further fines.
- Resolving air quality monitoring station issues to meet EU standards and prevent penalties.
- Reducing compensation claims under Government Decision 3/2023 by addressing root causes rather than symptoms.
Additionally, achieving milestones in PNRR and POIM projects is essential. Priorities include improving air quality, digitizing ANPM operations, and completing building renovations.
What message would you like to share with our readers?
NAEP President, Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru: During this holiday season, I wish everyone the same I wish for myself: to enjoy wonderful days with loved ones, stay healthy, and take care of their inner selves daily.
Moreover, I encourage everyone to volunteer at least once in the coming year—whether it’s cleaning beaches, marking hiking trails, picking up litter, running for charity, or promoting environmental messages. Planting a tree is also invaluable—these actions provide a priceless sense of accomplishment and long-term benefits for people and the environment. Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and a fantastic New Year!
Interview conducted by Aylin Asan.