Romanian deputies reject Forestry Code re-examination

The Environment, Agriculture and Legal Committees within the Chamber of Deputies rejected on May 12 President Klaus Iohannis’ request to reexamine the Forestry Code. The President’s appeal came after tens of thousands of Romanians took to the streets last Saturday, protesting against deforestation and illegal logging in Romania. In the committees, 20 deputies voted for the reexamination request, whereas 35 voted against, reports local Agerpres. Closely related, the Competition Council has asked for the European Commission’s opinion on the draft law amending the Forestry Code. The bill provides that a company can acquire maximum 30% of the volume for each type of timber. The Council has asked the EC whether this measure would break the EU Treaty on the free circulation of goods. On Saturday, Klaus Iohannis said that the issue of deforestation and illegal logging in Romania will be on the agenda at the first meeting of the country’s Supreme Defence Council. editor@romania-insider.com