The state’s ability to respond to the challenges posed by climate change is reduced. In this context, the financing of projects aimed at implementing the state policy in the field of environmental protection, climate change and sustainable management of natural resources is insufficient. This follows from the report of the Court of Accounts, which audited the use of funds from the National Environmental Fund (NEF) in 2023-2024.
The National Environmental Fund is a key instrument for financing environmental projects and its resources are managed by the Ministry of Environment. The audit found weaknesses in the Fund’s project and financial management, such as “delays in implementation, lack of an integrated information system and failure to follow procedures, which negatively affects the efficiency and transparency of the use of public resources,” the report said.
Between 2023 and 2024, projects totaling 148 million lei were financed from the NEF. Almost half of the resources went to water supply and sewerage projects, while a quarter went to integrated waste and chemical management. Other areas such as water protection, flood prevention, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation received much smaller allocations.
The audit mission was initiated in the context that the process of reorganizing the National Environmental Fund into the National Environmental Protection Fund was characterized by significant delays and institutional failures that affected the launching of project calls for proposals and the ability to use environmental funds. In addition, the significant volume of resources managed and the risks associated with the legality, transparency and efficiency of their utilization necessitated a detailed study.
