Romania’s government approved a landmark National Green Procurement Programme, ending its status as the only EU member without a formal strategy to prioritise eco-friendly purchasing in public sector contracts, according to Euractiv.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Environment Ministry, mandates central and local authorities to source products, services, and infrastructure projects with reduced environmental impact, aligning with EU sustainability targets and OECD standards.
Environment Minister Mircea Fechet framed the move as both an ecological imperative and an economic opportunity:
Stimulating the purchase of environmentally friendly products, services, and works is a vital element in conserving natural resources, supporting the transition to a circular economy, and achieving energy and cost savings. If we ask citizens to care for the environment, those in public administration must lead by example.
The scheme aims to accelerate Romania’s shift toward a circular economy while addressing longstanding gaps in its climate governance. By integrating green procurement into public spending, Bucharest seeks to curb resource depletion and meet obligations under the European Green Deal.
