Laszlo Borbely: Romania lagging behind other EU countries in terms of sustainable development

 

"We've had a sustainable development strategy for Romania since 2018, with targets and objectives for 2020 and 2030. We did an analysis based on 98 indicators and found that we are not faring very well. Let me tell you that, for example, [US economic analyst] Jeffrey Sachs and his team release a sustainable development dashboard report every year on the performance of 167 countries and Romania is on an honorable 39th position, we are close to the United States of America, but that does not mean that we are faring well. There are gray areas where they have no data. If we look at the European Union and make a comparison based on the 17 objectives set, Romania is last or almost on the last position, even if we joined the EU later," said Borbely.

 

According to the government official, by the end of this year Romania will have a plan of action designed by a consultant on European funds.

 

"We fare the worst in education, which is one of the most important elements. (...) As regards functional illiteracy, as you know very well, we are the last in Europe according to PISA data! This means that there are 14, 15-year-olds who know how to read, but don't know how to interpret what they have read," the government official continued, mentioning that a solution is needed for dual education too.

 

"Regarding circular economy, Romania must have a strategy, because we are talking about a new concept. The discussion will start in a month, we will come up with a draft. Also, Romania's decarbonization is a difficult endeavor. Hydrogen is perhaps the most ambitious project in energy talks, and Romania can become a regional leader, together with the offshore wind sector. Our green energy performance is not bad, but this does not mean that we must not do more," Borbely added.