Electric fencing in Romanian Natura 2000 sites and compliance with EU nature legislation

Question for written answer E-000519/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Martin Günther (The Left)

Recent developments in Romania raise concerns regarding the implementation of EU environmental law. The Romanian Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests has announced a large-scale programme to install thousands of kilometres of electric fencing to mitigate conflicts between humans and brown bears, financed through the national Environmental Fund and integrated into Romania's national action plan for brown bear conservation[1].

However, reports from affected regions indicate that several large fences have been installed inside Natura 2000 sites without clear permitting, that some structures cut across key ecological corridors, and that the measures so far have not demonstrably reduced human-wildlife conflict[2]. Instead, they risk fragmenting protected landscapes and undermining the conservation objectives of the Habitats Directive.

• 1.Does the Commission provide any guidance or best-practice frameworks to Member States on the use of electric fencing in Natura 2000 areas or for large carnivore conflict mitigation?
• 2.Are EU funds or EU-linked national programmes for such measures subject to specific requirements regarding appropriate assessment, ecological connectivity, and consistency with Natura 2000 management objectives?
• 3.How will the Commission ensure that Romania's fencing programme complies with the Habitats Directive and does not lead to the uncontrolled fragmentation of protected areas?

Submitted: 9.2.2026

• [1] https://www.afm.ro/garduri_electrice_ghid.php.
• [2] https://peisajdeschis.ro/en/2026/01/27/anuntarea-unei-dezastru-mii-de-kilometri-de-garduri-electrice-in-toata-romania/.