Update on Environmental NGO Interactions with Romanian
Authorities
Dear Ms. Claudia Fusco and Mr. Florian Geyer,
We acknowledge the critical importance of conducting a comprehensive and impartial
assessment of the current situation surrounding environmental advocacy in Romania. As
highlighted in your previous correspondence, any evaluation must carefully consider input from
all parties concerned, including the Romanian authorities. In the spirit of transparency and due
diligence, we are providing additional context to our previous communication regarding
interactions between environmental NGOs and the Romanian Energy Minister.
Our intention is to present a detailed account of recent developments, recognizing that a fair
assessment requires a nuanced understanding of the full context. We appreciate the
Commission’s commitment to examining the matter objectively and ensuring a fair and impartial
assessment that considers all perspectives.
Since our initial communication, significant developments have occurred that raise serious
concerns about the treatment of civil society organizations.
Specific Actions of Concern
Minister Sebastian Burduja has recently taken new actions that the civil society organizations
perceive as attempts of intimidation. In social media posts, he publicly encouraged national
energy company directors to file maximum damages lawsuits against environmental NGOs. In
the post specific energy infrastructure projects are mentioned, which have been legally
challenged by organizations like Greenpeace, Bankwatch Romania, and Declic. Further in an
interview he made allegations suggesting potential Russian influence on actions of
environmental organizations.
On 25 March 2025, 75 civil society organizations signed an open letter to Prime Minister Marcel
Ciolacu, detailing what they perceive as systematic challenges to their advocacy work. The
PM’s reply came through a press conference and Facebook post: “I would like to say publicly to
the Minister of Energy that he has my full support, I have seen that he is being attacked both by
Soros’ NGOs and by the (political) parties that play Russia’s game.”
Potential Implications for Civic Space
Not only is the minister’s message in conflict with the Aarhus Convention on Access to
Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making, and Access to Justice in Environmental
Matters and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, it also constitutes a direct and serious (as it
comes from a Member State’s minister and is directed to a State owned company) incitement to
start legal actions in violation of the EU anti-SLAPP Directive. At the same time, the Romanian
Government is currently working on the transposition of the directive, and is apparently in favor
of extending the guarantees of the new law to national cases, according to European
recommendations.
Request for Comprehensive Review
We respectfully request the European Commission to continue a thorough investigation that
includes perspectives from all parties and to assess whether the actions constitute a systematic
attempt to reduce civic space and environmental advocacy.
We understand the complexity of such assessments and the need to hear from Romanian
authorities. Therefore, we welcome a comprehensive dialogue that ensures a fair and balanced
understanding of the situation.
The enclosed documentation, including the open letter signed by 75 civil society organizations,
provides additional context for your review.
We remain committed to constructive dialogue and the protection of democratic principles of
public participation.
Sincerely,
Vlad Popescu, Bankwatch Romania
Tudor Brădățan, Declic
Cătălina Rădulescu, Ecolegal
Elena Ionescu, Greenpeace Romania
Gabriel Păun, Agent Green
