Environment Ministry aims for better absorption of EU funds

The absorption of EU funds allocated to local authorities for environment, waste management and protected areas are main priorities of the Environment Ministry in 2008, according to Minister Attila Korodi. During a visit to the central Romanian city of Sfantu Gheorghe on Saturday, he said the absorption of EU funds for environment was low in 2006. He added that, for the next year, the ministry wants "management plans put in place, to help local communities absorb and use" the funds.
Korodi emphasized the importance of persuading the population to take part in the environment-related decision-making process, because this involvement is currently very low. He added that public debates are to be organized on the issue. (NewsIn)