Constantin Damov, president of the Circular Economy Coalition, called for integrated policies to boost Romania’s lagging circular economy during an industry event organized by ROMPAP and CERC.

“It is clear that we need harmonization in policies—environmental policies, economic policies, fiscal policies, and I would even say energy policies,” Damov stated. “Why? Because a circular model cannot exist, cannot be born if it is not competitive. If you are competitive, you exist. If not, you disappear. These are simple laws of economics.”

“We have a quite weak approach in Romania in penalizing those who don’t do things right. If we accept that pollution is an environmental crime, we should penalize it.”

He noted Romania’s circularity index at 1.3%, questioning metrics: “Romania presents a circularity index of 1.3%. I think, also because of this discussion, we will need to once again see what metrics we apply in Romania to measure our circularity. I think we are not applying adequate metric and we are making a big mistake.”

Damov stressed equal conditions: “I believe any circularity model, to pass the test, must still compete on equal terms. Otherwise, it is a failure. And we have competition here with countries outside the European Union, like Turkey or other areas.” Energy is a major barrier: “We work on energy markets that are very different. In Romania, it is not the investor’s or industry’s fault that it does not have access to cheaper energy. Energy represents between 30% and, in some cases, up to 80% of costs in recycling.”

He proposed solutions: “I believe the Ministry of Economy must develop substantial support programs through which the recycling industry is supported to develop its own capacities for producing green energy. If we have competitive energy, we are capable of competing with any country in the world.”