Romania could prove before the November 28 deadline that it has a new legislative project ready that meets the demands for fairness and sustainability regarding the reform of special pensions, but it is not very clear whether the European Commission will accept anything other than the promulgation of the law, Minister of European Investments and Projects Dragos Pislaru said on Wednesday.

He specified that compliance with the calendar depends largely on the „good faith” of the Superior Council of Magistrates (CSM) in issuing its opinion on time.

Romania must submit its formal response to the European Commission by November 28, via the dedicated IT platform, addressing the suspended milestones from six months ago. The government aims to present a legislative proposal that ensures equity and sustainability in the pension system, aligns with budgetary and salary policy prerogatives, and is ready for the legislative process, Pislaru explained.

However, the minister acknowledged growing uncertainty over whether the law can be promulgated in time, noting that chances are diminishing. Even if the legislative intent is demonstrated, Romania may still face a €231 million penalty, depending on the outcome of the Commission’s audit. „We are being realistic. Discussions in Brussels confirmed that the delays are significant,” Minister Pislaru stated.

The six-month deadline for remediation, set by EU regulation, is non-negotiable and cannot be extended, warned Minister Pislaru. Romania faces four key milestones, including three on corporate governance – appointments to the boards of state-owned companies in energy and transport, and the reform of AMPIP – as well as the restructuring of special pensions.

„This reform is essential for ensuring equity and sustainability in the pension system. The NRRP reflects Romania’s own commitment to meaningful change. No one will force us with a whip – this is about doing what’s right for the country.”

Minister Pislaru criticized the CSM for overstepping its role, saying it interferes in government policy areas, particularly salary legislation. He emphasized that the judiciary has no mandate to dictate pension policy or challenge the government’s prerogatives, especially in dialogue with the European Commission. Referring to the suspended pension reform, he explained that the original over-taxation mechanism was struck down by the Constitutional Court, prompting the government to propose a 70% pension-to-salary ratio – which was accepted by the Commission as a fair alternative. He called CSM’s claims unprofessional and a breach of institutional boundaries. AGERPRES