In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the primary contributors to global warming, and reducing its concentration in the atmosphere is crucial to mitigating climate change. In 2019, the European Union launched the European Green Deal, aiming to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

However, achieving net-zero emissions requires more than just a shift to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency. It will also depend on technologies like CO2 capture and storage (CCS), carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), and carbon dioxide removal (CDR), particularly in sectors such as power and heat generation, cement, steel, chemical production, and waste incineration.

To realise the full potential of CO2, enabling policies and regulatory frameworks are essential. Governments around the world are beginning to recognise the importance of CO2 use and are introducing policies and incentives to support its development and deployment. This presents a significant challenge, especially from a legal perspective, and it is a challenge that is also highly relevant for Romania.