The Government has adopted a draft law clarifying and supplementing the legislation on issuing passports

The government adopted on Thursday two draft laws, one updating the services for issuing passports and driving licences and the other bringing domestic legislation into line with certain European rules on criminal law.

At the same time, the executive dismissed and appointed prefects and sub-prefects and modified the methodology related to the so-called natural risk maps for earthquakes and landslides.

The draft law drafted by the government provides a concise and clear character to the General Directorate of Passports' task of certifying Romanian citizenship in cooperation with other institutions.

In order to optimise the process of issuing travel documents, the General Directorate of Passports will verify the collection of the amount representing the countervalue of simple passports and will be able to refund this amount in cases where it has been paid erroneously or the related service has not been rendered.

Another bill adopted by the government transposes EU rules into Romanian criminal law.

Among other things, it concerns procedural safeguards for children who are suspects or defendants in criminal proceedings.

Another decision modifies the state budget funding of natural risk maps for earthquakes and landslides. Thus, the transformation into a multiannual programme will lead to a predictable framework for the implementation of the funding programme for these maps and ensure optimal land use conditions that would make investment planning safe.

Translated by: Radu Matei