Petition No 0703/2025 by R.-A. P. (Romanian), on behalf of Bankwatch Romania Association, on the alleged violation of EU law related to air pollution caused by a coal power plant activity affecting the municipality of Craiova, Romania

0703/2025

Summary title: Petition No 0703/2025 by R.-A. P. (Romanian), on behalf of Bankwatch Romania Association, on the alleged violation of EU law related to air pollution caused by a coal power plant activity affecting the municipality of Craiova, Romania

Petition number: 0703/2025

Topics: Environment - Pollution

Country: Romania

Name of association: Bankwatch Romania Association

Name: R. P.

The petitioner reports on pollution caused by emissions from the CET II coal Power Plant affecting the municipality of Craiova, Romania. According to the petitioner, neighbourhoods near the power plant have been covered by a thick layer of ash and fine dust, which significantly impact residents’ quality of life and health. She states that residents in these areas have reported numerous health issues, including respiratory difficulties, eye irritation, and other conditions associated with exposure to air pollutants. The petitioner explains that, following complaints from the local community, the Dolj Environmental Guard fined the Craiova Power Plant finding that the facilities were not properly sealed, allowing ash to bedispersed and polluting the surrounding air. According to the petitioner, despite multiple complaints to the Environmental Guard, the Municipality of Craiova, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Energy Ministry, the measures taken so far have been insufficient to solve the problem, and pollution persists. The petitioner alleges a violation of Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, in particular, Article 7 on sampling method, Article 13 on the compliance with limit values for pollutants, Article 23 on the development of air quality plans and Article 26 on public information. The petitioner also alleges breaches of Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions. The petitioner requires that a number of measures be taken. In particular she requests air quality measurements to be carried out according to the Ambient Air Quality Directive, a limitation of the number of power plant operating hours, the implementation of short-term action plan in cases of extreme pollution and the necessary repair works to be undertaken. The petitioner calls for compliance with the Ambient Air Quality Directive and for Romania to be encouraged to transpose Directive (EU) 2024/2881 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe in due time.