Environmental Policy in Romania in the European context. Where to?

 

Also, the green lobby, met both in Brussels and in the Member States strongly oppose regularly lobbies such as auto ( the German being notable ).

 

On the other hand, green or potential green industries, such as renewable energy, are still less competitive in terms of price and this diminishes their attractiveness. The idea that they create jobs and help but often justified in the eyes of decision makers, compensation, compared to tens and hundreds of thousands of people (depending on country ) employees in the energy sector, " traditional " , that when industries are put their heads as interest.

 

Speaking of policy makers, and political, that there is help green parties in many European countries, they can condition the support of their parliamentary and government support policies favorable environment. Macro trend is toward re-industrialization of Europe but to better cope with global competitive pressure. In its heyday, it was "cool" to be green, politics embraced, at least formally, parties from right to left, but the needs of the crisis changed the situation and the need for green got a " superior ", the creation of jobs and restart the economy as some primary.

 

On the other hand, because of the green should not despair, because time works in its favor: it cheaper green technologies and environmental needs are becoming more pressing, both in Europe and in the world: the case of Shanghai, the city news by regularly reaching its pollution should not be neglected. In addition, accidents such as Fukushima stifles competition and the development of nuclear energy. Because " a healthy environment for our children " can not have moral challenge.

 

The fact is that the European Union will seek to achieve its self-imposed tasks of the European Council in 2007, when 20 % unilateral commitment to reduce emissions, and possibly 30 % if other developed countries will assume comparable targets.

 

Romania also has to fulfill these targets, from a " de-industrialization ", piece by piece, in the '90s, to the needs of the economy restoring sustainable industrial base now.

 

What can we expect in Romania through the discussion of exploitation, re-industrialization, construction of highways ? We can expect the controversy, the strong divergence of opinion, but a win, finally, the camp aimed at resource exploitation and industrialization: if the Romanians would choose between jobs and a healthy environment, but with fewer opportunities, is less likely to choose the majority.

 

That does not mean that Romania will not meet European standards, on the contrary. Important to note is also that those who are able to reconcile environmental needs with economic development will gain political and social capital. It remains to be seen if they have the wisdom to do so.

 

Dan Luke is Doctor in International Relations and European Studies, founder in 2003 of the Club " Romania -EU " Brussels. He is the author of three books about Romania European Affairs, Brussels European and communication dilemmas. Professor at universities in Brussels, Gorizia ( Italy), Bucharest and Cluj.