In the context of the crisis generated by COVID-19 and the profound impact that the measures recently adopted by the authorities have had on the economy, the FPPG calls for permanent consultations with the government in order to prioritize projects aimed at supporting real economic recovery, medium and long-term recovery and stimulating private investment through competitive fiscal conditions.
We unanimously recognize that it is of paramount importance to protect people both during the declared state of emergency and after its lifting. At the same time, reducing the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Romania's long-term economic competitiveness can be achieved by restoring the balance between state and society.
The oil and gas industry is facing the most difficult period in the last century. At the same time, the oil and gas industry can become a driving force for Romania's economic recovery, given its weight in the economy through the investments made, the annual contributions to the state budget and the number of employees. In this context, the members of the federation propose the following measures:
- Economic recovery through large-scale projects - Black Sea and the urgent need to amend the offshore law to clarify the stability clause, define competitive fiscal terms and create free market conditions.
- Liberalization of the gas market and abolition of additional taxation from 1 July - linked to the implementation of measures to protect vulnerable consumers.
- Modernizing the energy law (123/2012):
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- so that the changes allow new investments in electricity generation capacity (bilateral contracts).
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- Liberalization must allow for autonomous price formation, the abolition of the obligation to trade on centralized markets (CMOs) and its replacement by a Gas Release Program, to be discussed in advance with the whole industry.
- Unlocking EU-funded projects - to facilitate new technological solutions that enable collaboration between industries in the energy transition.
- Digitizing the oil and gas industry in order to de-bureaucratize and promote new technologies to support businesses and authorities alike.
- Promoting energy efficiency projects - This would allow considerable investment in energy efficiency in buildings and help lower utility bills.
- Urgent amendment of the Labor Code and matching provisions with employers' needs.
The analysis of the current situation and the FPPG's proposals for economic recovery are to be submitted to the authorities and published on the association's website.
