The Romanian Minister of Environment, Mircea Fechet, and the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, filed a criminal complaint with the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) against individuals who intentionally disseminated false information through online press channels and social networks regarding the alleged demolition of dams in Romania.
This action aims to protect national interests, counter disinformation campaigns, and sanction those who, through such actions, jeopardize national security.
„The criminal complaint follows the dissemination of false news starting from January 6, 2025, claiming that the Ministry of Environment, Waters, and Forests issued an order providing for the demolition of dams, including those with hydroelectric purposes, following alleged European directives and regulations.
Furthermore, this information was amplified on social networks by various users, causing panic and confusion among the public opinion. In reality, the draft Order NTLH-033 exclusively regulates the management of decommissioned dams, without affecting hydroelectric dams or other strategic infrastructures," as stated in a press release by the Ministry of Environment.
The draft order submitted for public debate in December 2024 aims to ensure the efficient and safe management of unused dams through conservation, post-use procedures, or, in exceptional cases, abandonment, without providing for the demolition of functional structures.
This project complies with national legislation and is not related to the erroneously invoked European regulations in the press articles.
"Dams are essential infrastructures for national security and for protecting the population against risks such as floods.
As the Minister of Environment, I strongly reject any attempt to manipulate public opinion through the dissemination of false news. These disinformation campaigns are not only an insult to the authorities but also a direct threat to the stability of our country.
The fans of some populist leaders will not succeed in poisoning the Romanian people with lies. Every time, we will respond promptly, through legal means, to protect public interest and the integrity of state institutions," stated Minister of Environment, Mircea Fechet.
In turn, Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, emphasized that hydropower is one of the pillars of Romania's energy security, and dams play a vital role in maintaining the stability of the energy system and in protecting against floods.
"Every false rumor spread by irresponsible individuals only weakens the population's trust in authorities and fuels social tensions. These purveyors of fake news must understand that we will not tolerate such attacks on Romania.
National security and energy for citizens will always be staunchly defended. Just as we have worked excellently with Minister Fechet to unblock and accelerate investments in hydroelectric plants started before 1989, we also team up to combat false news and sanction those who propagate them, at the behest of those who do not want Romania to have secure, accessible, and clean energy produced here, in our country," stated the Minister of Energy.
The two officials reaffirmed that no hydroelectric dam in Romania will be demolished.