In the context of administrative reforms and the European requirements for reducing bureaucracy, the digitalisation of the construction permitting process has become a priority for local administrations in Romania. The national online platform for issuing building permits, launched in pilot form in 2023, is now being expanded across several counties. According to the Ministry of Development, more than 1,500 local administrative units (UATs) will be integrated into the system by the end of 2025.

The benefits of digitalisation are clear: shorter processing times, increased transparency and easy access to documentation for all parties involved. According to a report by the Court of Accounts, average permit-issuing times could decrease by 30–40% once the system is fully implemented.

However, significant obstacles persist: insufficient IT infrastructure in some municipalities, resistance to change among administrative staff, and the lack of standardised documentation. The Union of Architects and the Order of Architects of Romania support the need for clear regulations regarding digital formats and electronic signatures.

Digitalisation is not only a technological solution but also a paradigm shift in how public administration interacts with citizens and the business environment. The success of this transition depends on staff training, consistent investments in IT infrastructure and long-term institutional cooperation.

(Photo: Freepik)