Romania’s ANI Law Passes Lower House Amid Low Turnout and PSD-AUR Alliance

Romania’s Chamber of Deputies adopted the National Integrity Agency (ANI) reform law, a vital 770-million-euro milestone tied to the country’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), according to legislative records. Lawmakers advanced the project with 184 votes in favor, 2 against, and 16 abstentions out of 270 participating deputies, keeping alive the deadline to secure non-reimbursable European funds before August 31.

Senate Debates and Final Adoption Timeline

The legislative package moves to Senate specialized committees for debate, followed by a plenary vote where the upper house acts as the decisional body, as reported by parliamentary schedules. If approved by the Senate, the law heads directly to President Nicușor Dan for promulgation. To protect the 770 million euros allocated under the PNRR, the legislation must be published in the Official Gazette no later than August 31. Last week, the same project failed in the Senate due to disputed transitional rules, prompting the Chamber of Deputies to take up the measure during a light Monday evening session where only 80 deputies attended physically while others logged in online.

PSD and AUR Amendments Reshape the ANI Reform

The Juridical Committee introduced major changes backed by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), drawing sharp resistance from the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Save Romania Union (USR). PNL leader of deputies Gabriel Andronache warned during the debates that the contested additions threaten the entire European funding framework. “PNRR is not for PNL, nor the Government, nor any party,” Andronache stated according to official transcripts, urging the PSD to withdraw provisions he characterized as unconstitutional. AUR deputy Ramona Bruynseels countered from the parliamentary tribune that challenges to the legislation are politically motivated attempts to shield specific officeholders.

Retrospective Sanctions Target Past Integrity Rulings

Deputies reconfirmed a PSD amendment establishing that individuals with final incompatibility or conflict of interest rulings will automatically lose their mandates or public positions within 30 days of the law taking effect, even if authorities established the violation before the enactment date. This specific provision directly threatens the mandate of Dominic Fritz, following a June 2026 High Court decision upholding an ANI conflict of interest finding. USR deputy Radu Mihaiu pushed for a fresh vote on the measure, which ultimately passed the chamber with 158 votes in favor, despite warnings from liberal factions that retroactively applying the 3-year ban jeopardizes the entire reform package.

Expanded Asset Disclosure Rules for Public Officials’ Partners

Lawmakers also greenlit an AUR proposal requiring spouses, partners, and individuals maintaining relationships akin to marriage with top state officials to submit public asset and disclosure declarations. Valeriu Munteanu sponsored the amendment, which mandates financial disclosures from individuals linked to the President, members of Parliament, the Prime Minister, government ministers, state secretaries, and top chancery advisers. PNL representatives criticized the wording as legally vague and difficult to enforce, but the measure survived the plenary vote with 142 deputies supporting the text.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the financial stake attached to the ANI reform law?

According to PNRR guidelines, Romania risks losing 770 million euros in non-reimbursable European funds if the legislation is not formally adopted and published in the Official Gazette by August 31.

How does the new law affect officials with older conflict of interest rulings?

Under a PSD amendment confirmed by the Chamber of Deputies, individuals facing final incompatibility decisions issued before the law’s entry into force will lose their public mandates within 30 days if their three-year ban has not yet expired.

Who must submit asset declarations under the new AUR amendment?

The approved provision requires spouses and domestic partners of high-ranking state dignitaries, including the President, ministers, and parliamentarians, to complete and publish detailed asset and interest disclosures.