It is important for Romania that the future Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 allocates specific funds for water-related projects, and investments should focus on sustainable water management, but also on research, innovation and digitalization in this sector, Minister of Environment, Waters and Forestry Diana Buzoianu told an event held in Cyprus.

According to a press release from the relevant ministry, Diana Buzoianu led the Romanian delegation to the informal meeting of European Union environment ministers, which took place on February 5-6 in Lefkosia, Cyprus.

The agenda of the discussions included topics such as: aligning climate and water resilience policies, strengthening the effectiveness of the European Union in international negotiations on climate change and addressing the most critical gaps in current EU legislation.

The first session focused on building a resilient Europe: how legislation and financing can strengthen the alignment between European climate and water resilience policies.

'For Romania, it is important that the future Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 provides specific funds for water-related projects. Investments should focus on sustainable water management, but also on research, innovation and digitalisation in the water sector. Romania's efforts in the synergistic implementation of the Integrated Climate Resilience Framework Package and the Water Resilience Strategy must be supported in order to set implementation priorities, cooperate across borders and better protect water infrastructure,' said Buzoianu, quoted in the press release.

The Council meeting also highlighted expectations from the new Circular Economy Act.

'Romania supports the development of the Circular Economy Act as a key instrument for improving the EU's access to resources, strategic autonomy and competitiveness. We support a pragmatic approach, focused on transparency, regional cooperation and the efficient use of EU funds. The circular economy is no longer just an environmental objective, but a critical component that can support the national economy. We presented the implementation of the SGR at the Informal Council, a success story that shows us how we can collaborate with private actors to remove plastic and bottles from nature and reuse them through recycling', the Minister of Environment pointed out.

In 2025 alone, consumers returned over 5.2 billion pieces of packaging through the SGR.

Diana Buzoianu congratulated the Cypriot Presidency for the 'excellent organization of this Informal Council and for establishing a focused and future-oriented agenda'.

'The meeting represents an important opportunity to advance towards a common European understanding on three closely linked priorities: climate and water resilience, the EU's role in international climate negotiations and the future of the Circular Economy Act,' she added.

Diana Buzoianu also invited ministers to participate in the European Conference on the Guarantee-Return System, which will take place in Bucharest on March 18, 2026. This represents one of the most important European events of the year dedicated to the implementation of the circular economy, bringing together ministers and key actors to share concrete experiences of circularity, the press release also states. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Tilica; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)