Romania Faces Growing Pressure to Adopt Sustainable Urban Planning Principles

According to data from the World Bank and the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration (MDRAP), Romania is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable urban planning principles. By 2025, it is estimated that over 60% of the population will live in urban areas, making it necessary to rethink infrastructure, mobility, and green spaces.

The municipalities of Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași are already implementing integrated urban strategies, which include: increasing urban density through regeneration projects, expanding green corridors, and prioritizing electric public transport. Funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and European Structural Funds (ERDF) supports these pilot projects. However, experts warn that the lack of a coherent legislative framework is slowing down implementation at the national level.

The European Commission recommends adopting updated General Urban Plans (PUGs) aligned with new ESG requirements and climate adaptation goals. For construction companies, these transformations open new opportunities in areas such as smart buildings, green infrastructure, and urban rehabilitation.

(Photo: Freepik)