The government approved a draft emergency ordinance establishing a state aid scheme to support industrial consumers in 15 areas through CO2 emissions certificates, said on Friday the Minister of Economy, Energy and Business, Virgil Popescu.

“The emergency ordinance regarding the modification of Ordinance 115 of the Environmental Fund (GEO 115/2011 – no) and the establishment of a state aid scheme (…) has been approved today. It is basically divided into two parts – part allocates the percentage money from the Environmental Fund, 29% go to the state budget, 50% go to projects of the Environmental Fund, 15%, this time, I have agreed in the Government, together with the Minister of the Environment and the prime minister, for this State aid scheme for the 15 industrial sectors approved by the European Commission. The industry of these sectors will be helped with 15% of the value of the CO2 certificates to be sold and the money will be collected in the Environment Fund, and 6% of the this budget will go towards CO2 emission reduction projects, projects that will be approved by order of the Minister of Economy, Energy and Business Environment, carried out through the Environmental Fund,” said Popescu, quoted by Agerpres.

The minister explained that, through the normative act, the Government also helps the industry in the 15 sectors and creates the premises for future collaborations to reduce CO2 emissions.

“I think it is a good thing, we risk relocating the industries in these sectors, I think we are able to support these industries and we can keep jobs in Romania, which is very important, and increase the competitiveness of the Romanian industry,” a said Popescu.