Romania's legislature moved on Wednesday to pass a set of measures intended to free about €3 billion ($3.4 billion) in EU recovery financing that authorities say is needed to hit this year’s budget deficit objective.
Lawmakers convened an extraordinary session in Bucharest to approve the package before a statutory deadline at the end of August. The session produced several approvals that the government and its backers consider necessary steps for the release of the funds.
Among the measures adopted were amendments to the administrative code and enactment of a law establishing a performance-based incentive system for tax and customs personnel - a change aimed at strengthening revenue collection. The incentive scheme is intended to tie rewards to measurable performance in tax and customs administration.
Some of the bills obtained cross-party backing during the session, with support reported from across the political spectrum, including votes from far-right deputies.
Lawmakers also approved a statute that declares a temporary state of crisis in the fuel sector. That law reduces excise duties on diesel, imposes limits on exports under certain conditions, and prolongs a windfall tax on so-called exceptional profits in the sector.
Parliamentarians and government officials framed the package as necessary to satisfy conditions tied to EU recovery funding disbursements and to shore up public finances for the year.
Despite these approvals, the country remains in a period of political uncertainty. Romania has been unable to install a new government and has experienced months of political deadlock. The passage of the recent measures does not end the broader political impasse.
Officials will still need to secure parliamentary approval for at least two other key reforms by the end of next month to meet remaining conditions. The need to pass further legislation underlines ongoing political and policy risks as the country seeks to secure EU funds and stabilize its budget outlook.