The Republic of Moldova is doing quite well in terms of transposing the regulatory framework on the environmental component. However, implementation is more complicated. The most difficult—and most expensive—part of the European integration process is directly related to “environmental infrastructure”. This is according to former Minister of the Environment Rodica Iordanov, national co-leader of the Green Agenda Project. In an interview with IPN, the expert noted that Moldova’s environmental infrastructure is currently either underdeveloped or completely lacking.
Rodica Iordanov stated that everything related to the community acquis in the field of environment is very clear, including the understanding of what the infrastructure components are and what activities contribute either to pollution or to maintaining a quality environment. The Republic of Moldova is doing quite well in terms of transposing the regulatory framework. It is a process of creating legislation that is well structured. However, in her opinion, the implementation part is more complicated.
The national co-leader of the Green Agenda Project emphasized that there is a persistent problem regarding air quality. High-performance monitoring systems are needed – both at the level of industrial units, which have the responsibility to conduct their own assessments, and at the national level.
Rodica Iordanov believes that another major challenge is the lack of a well-established monitoring and control infrastructure. Good cooperation between authorities is necessary, as well as a clear hierarchy and subordination among the involved institutions.
“Even though there are discussions today, even though legislation is being transposed and constantly improved, the environmental sector has never been a priority in terms of investment. And without serious investments in environmental infrastructure, we cannot talk about real implementation,” said the former minister.