Romanian Environment Minister unveils salvaged car scrappage program worth RON 200 million for automobiles
In a move aimed at promoting greener transportation solutions, the Romanian Environment Minister, Diana Buzoianu, has announced the resumption of the government-sponsored scrappage scheme named "Rabla" for 2025. However, the long-term future of the program remains uncertain due to a significantly reduced budget and changes in eligibility.
The Rabla scheme, originally designed to replace older, polluting cars with newer models, has faced a budget cut, with the 2025 allocation set at 200 million lei (approximately $46.3 million), a sharp decrease from previous levels. This reduction has contributed to a drop in new car registrations, with a 50% year-on-year decrease in June 2025, marking the largest decrease in the EU.
Despite the budget constraints, the focus of the 2025 Rabla scheme remains on scrapping old vehicles to buy new ones. Notably, there's a new emphasis on electric mobility, with vouchers for electric scooters increased to up to 15,000 lei. This strategic push towards electric mobility could signal a shift towards more sustainable transport solutions while maintaining some level of consumer support.
The minister made the announcement on her Facebook page, acknowledging the economic difficulties faced by the Romanian executive. However, the long-term future of the Rabla scheme beyond 2025 is not yet certain, with the policy's evolution likely depending on government priorities balancing fiscal constraints and environmental goals.
Buyers of electric models can receive vouchers up to EUR 7,500 under the Rabla 2025 program. Financing the purchase of diesel-powered vehicles is not permitted under the program. The Environmental Fund Administration manages the Rabla program, and the registration session for individuals was scheduled to start on June 19, 2025, but was postponed.
The resumption of the Rabla scheme has caused concern among Romania's major automotive associations, who express worries about its impact on the automotive market. The minister has emphasized the need for impact analyses concerning the reduction in emissions regarding the Rabla scheme.
The temporary suspension of the Rabla program for individuals until the formation of the new government has now ended. The program offers non-reimbursable funding for scrapping old, polluting vehicles and purchasing new, less polluting, and more energy-efficient vehicles. The minister's statement marks a significant step towards promoting cleaner transportation in Romania, albeit with a more modest budget and a strategic focus on electric mobility.
[1] Romanian Government Website [2] European Commission Environment Report 2025
- The 2025 Rabla scheme, irrespective of its budgetary constraints, continues to prioritize the replacement of old, polluting vehicles with new ones, displaying a strategic focus on environmental science and the advancement of electric mobility in the transportation industry.
- Despite the concerns raised by Romania's major automotive associations, the Rabla scheme's resumption for 2025 highlights a significant shift in finance towards cleaner transportation solutions, aligning with the government's environmental goals and the broader objectives of the European Commission in promoting greener transportation.
