EcoContact representatives, Executive Director Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov, and Programme Management Officer Irina Punga participated in the 15th EU–Moldova Civil Society Platform meeting held in Chisinau in a hybrid format.
During the thematic session “Environmental Liability – A New Framework for Moldova: Prevention, Remediation, and Financial Mechanisms for Environmental Damages,” EcoContact joined officials from the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Finance, and the financial sector. Discussions centered on implementing the “polluter pays” principle in national legislation through a robust legal framework that ensures effective prevention and remediation of environmental damages.
“Environmental liability reform is key to aligning Moldova with EU standards. Civil society is significant in ensuring transparency and efficiency in these transformations,” Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov emphasized. She highlighted the fundamental principles of Directive 2004/35, including preventive action at source, proportionality, and the application of damage significance criteria for triggering liability.
FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
Irina Punga outlined provisions in the draft Law on Environmental Liability, adopted in its first reading in December 2024. The law introduces financial guarantees for preventing and remediating environmental damages based on a detailed risk analysis.
“We must integrate European best practices and establish functional financing mechanisms to hold economic actors accountable for their environmental impact,” Punga stated.
The EU–Moldova Civil Society Platform organized the event with European institutions and Moldovan authorities. The meeting strengthened dialogue on Moldova’s Association Agreement implementation and the EU integration process.
In addition to environmental liability, discussions covered:
✅ Preparations for opening negotiations on Cluster 1 – Fundamentals, including the rule of law and justice reform.
✅ Moldova’s economic growth plan in the context of European integration.
✅ Steps for implementing EU Directive 2022/2041 on adequate minimum wages.
Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gerasimov delivered the opening remarks.