Moldovan civil society's warning: amendments made to industrial emissions law endanger public health, environment

Over 30 non-governmental organizations, brought together around an opinion drafted by the NGO EcoContact, are sounding an alarm regarding the amendments made to the Law No. 227/2022 on industrial emissions, warning that they could severely compromise the quality of air, water and soil in Moldova, with a direct impact on public health.

According to the document submitted to the authorities, the legislative proposals include the removal of several potentially polluting activities from the environmental authorization regime, including livestock farms, food industry units, sewage treatment plants, as well as activities involving the trade of chemicals and waste. These modifications would allow them to operate without strict state control, creating a dangerous legislative gap.

“If these amendments are adopted, the authorities will no longer have the necessary tools to prevent and control pollution. This is a direct threat to citizens' health and the constitutional right to a healthy environment,” warns EcoContact.

Circumventing consultations and lack of transparency

The NGOs also highlight a severe procedural problem: the amendments regarding industrial emissions were introduced through amendments to a draft on amending the Water Law (No. 81 from March 19, 2025), already voted in the first reading. These changes were not subjected to public consultations, discussions with local authorities or an impact analysis on the environment and health.

“This is a non-transparent approach, which undermines not only the quality of the legislative process, but also the public’s trust in the authorities' ability to protect the environment,” the document notes.

Contradictions with European commitments

EcoContact and the signatories of the opinion draw attention to the fact that these amendments contradict the European directive on industrial emissions and the international commitments made by the Moldova in the process of integration into the European Union.

“This reform does not mean simplification, but the abandonment of regulation. A functional legislative framework must be coherent, consultative and effective in protecting the public interest,” the opinion further states.

The NGOs' recommendations:

Maintaining potentially polluting activities under the authorization regime;

Broad consultation of the public and local authorities before any modification;

Observance of European standards and the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court in the legislative process.

On 24 June, the government issued a single opinion on the amendments, confirming that the changes to Law 227/2022 represent a distinct legislative initiative, which requires debate and adoption in two readings. The cabinet recommends the observance of the parliamentary procedure and constitutional provisions.

The signatory organizations urge the parliament to give up the proposed amendments, to protect the environment and to ensure a responsible legislative framework, in line with European norms and citizens' expectations.