Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Environment on Moldova's alignment with EU environmental standards

Interview with Irina Punga, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment on Moldova's alignment with EU environmental standards, conducted with the support of AO EcoContact
 
Question: How can Moldova’s alignment with EU environmental standards as part of the accession process contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection in the country? 
Irina Punga: Currently, Moldova is working on adopting EU environmental standards, a crucial step that involves legislative screening. This process also highlights the need to strengthen administrative capacities and legal frameworks, preparing us to implement the EU’s Environmental Action Program. Meeting these standards is vital for sustainable development and a better quality of life for our citizens. 
 
Question: What are Moldova’s main environmental challenges in meeting EU standards for accession and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, specifically in decarbonizing industries through investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy? 
Irina Punga: Moldova is in the early stages of aligning its legislation with EU acquis. The country faces several challenges in meeting EU accession requirements and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, such as insufficient financing and the need to improve administrative capacity, especially for implementing and enforcing environmental laws.  
Moldova tracks pollution and is a party to the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents. The country follows its Low Emission Development Strategy up to 2030 along with an Action Plan for its implementation (GD 1470/2016). However, significant investment is required to ensure that its economic activities comply with the industrial emissions standards of the EU.  
In April, our Parliament passed a law on climate action, bringing Moldova’s regulations in line with several European policies and directives. This law aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Consequently, a National Commission on Climate Change was established to coordinate and approve climate policies and projects. This Commission will meet quarterly to integrate climate actions into socio-economic development policies, and its decisions will be binding. 
To mitigate climate change and reduce soil degradation, the Government approved the National Program for the Expansion and Rehabilitation of Forests 2023–2032 at the beginning of 2023. It aims to increase forested land by about 150,000 hectares. For context, only 11% of our country is currently forested, compared to the EU average of 37.7%. 
 
Question: Why is it important to consider both economic and social perspectives when addressing climate and environmental challenges? 
Irina Punga: Climate affects everything, from the economy to health, and action is needed across all sectors – including water, agriculture, forestry, energy and transportation – as these areas are all interconnected. According to the World Bank’s Global Adaptation Index 2016 vulnerability assessment methodology, we rank as the most climate-vulnerable country in Europe. Climate change will increasingly affect social, economic, and environmental aspects of Moldova, particularly worsening conditions for agriculture and rural areas over time.  
Addressing climate change requires global teamwork, and our country is fully committed to this cause. Nationally, we focus on policies that cut carbon emissions and safeguard natural resources, while balancing economic growth and community well-being. Our strategies, among others, include boosting energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy, adopting sustainable cement and glass production, conservation agriculture, afforestation and effective waste management.  
These actions align with the National Development Strategy “European Moldova 2030”, approved in 2022. This strategy commits us to a healthy, safe environment and a sustainable low-carbon economy. We are committed to creating decent jobs, eradicating poverty, and preserving the environment for future generations, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
The Ministry of Environment actively promotes the green and circular economy through various policy documents. These include: the National Development Strategy European Moldova 2030; the new Environmental Strategy until 2030; the Program for the Promotion of Green Economy for 2023-2027; the Program for Low Emission Development until 2030; and the Regulation on Ecolabeling, among others. 
 
Q.: Is Moldova ready to adopt the European Climate Agenda? What mechanisms and policies has the Government implemented to achieve their national target of an unconditional 70% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, especially in light of the EU proposing to cut 90% of its emissions by 2040? 
Irina Punga: Driven by its aspirations for European integration, our country is fully committed to modernizing and developing through adoption of the European Green Climate Agenda. The Government actively works towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% below 1990 levels by 2030. If external support is available, this target could rise to 88%. 
Actions to meet these targets by 2030 have been initiated and will continue, focusing on identifying solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions without hindering economic development and growth. These efforts include rehabilitating over 100,000 hectares of degraded land and developing integrated waste and chemical management systems to reduce waste and boost recycling. 
We at the Ministry of the Environment lead these initiatives through concrete policies and monitoring efforts, such as: the Low Emission Development Program until 2030; the National Program for Forest Expansion and Rehabilitation (2023–2032); the Sustainable Chemicals Management Program (2023–2030); and the National and Strategic Waste Management Programs for 2023–2027.  
 
Q.: What are the first important goals the country needs to reach soon in order to move towards being climate neutral by 2050? 
Irina Punga: Adopting and implementing a robust legislative framework on climate action aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment is key to move towards climate neutrality by 2050. Promoting the use of renewable and energy-efficient sources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels is also important, as is improving energy efficiency across all economic sectors, including buildings, transportation, and industry. Capacities to adapt to climate change must also be strengthened, including through sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems to enhance societal resilience. Looking forward, it is key to integrate sustainable development goals and climate change adaptation into Moldova’s national policies, development strategies, and medium to long-term investment plans.