Romanian Government presents high footprint investments strategy
The Government of Romania announced in June the National Investment and Job Creation Plan. According to Prime Minister Victor Ponta, the plan aims to attract foreign investments worth over €10 billion in the areas of energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure and industry.
The plan includes controversial investments, such as Chevron’s shale gas operations, offshore gas exploration by Exxon Mobil, Romgaz and OMV Petrom, and gold mining at the area of Roșia Montana. Particularly the gold mining investment has caused dynamic local and international reaction due to its heavy impact on the human and natural environment of an ancient settlement that has already suffered from previous mining activity. The Plan also includes funding of €50 million for the support of family farms.
Sources: Romanian Government, Romania-insider.com, Presentation of the National Plan (in Romanian), WWF on Rosia Montana.