The Ministries of Environment, Finance, Economy and Trade issued a joint statement confirming that Decree No. 3214 does not impose a new tax, but rather implements the provisions of Law No. 38/2026 to reform the waste sector by securing sustainable financing that reduces pressure on the treasury and protects municipal funds to allocate them to local development. The statement explained that fees range between 1 and 3% based on the “polluter pays” principle, while ensuring that these funds are allocated exclusively to waste management and sorting through the competent national authority. The ministries stressed that these fees do not justify raising prices randomly, as the Ministry of Economy will strictly monitor the markets, revealing the intention to re-discuss the fees imposed on basic foodstuffs in the next government session, taking into account living conditions.