The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Central and Eastern Europe CEE filed an environmental complaint in June 2024, in the context of preparations for hydrotechnical development works on the Bala branch of the Danube. According to EC representatives, the complaint procedure is still open “until sufficient progress is made in addressing the concerns expressed,” according to Digi24.

The project challenged by WWF CEE would have secured the safe functioning of the Cernavodă nuclear power plant (NPP) during periods of lower water levels on the Danube. Former transport minister Sorin Grindeanu (PSD) previously blamed WWF CEE and Greenpeace for having blocked the project amid a controversy with current environment minister Diana Buzoianu (USR), who accused him of delaying the necessary works on the Danube.

At a press conference held on August 13, 2026, PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu, former minister of transport between 2020 and 2025, blamed two environmental organisations for blocking the Bala project.

“On September 5, 2024, that is, two years ago, a decision was published in the Official Gazette approving the implementation of these works. We had one billion euros in European funds allocated for this. Immediately, but immediately after the publication, the hassles began. There were two NGOs. One of them, Greenpeace, and the other, the World Wide Fund for Nature, denounced this project in court and simultaneously filed complaints with the European Commission,” Grindeanu declared.

According to him, the impact on the sturgeon habitat was the main reason cited by WWF representatives.

iulian@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Inquam Photos/Ovidiu Micsik)