The Foundation For The Defense Of Citizens Against State Abuses(FACIAS) has recently prevailed in a lawsuit against the Romanian Government. The court action was initiated to compel the Executive to draft the implementing regulations of the Youth Law, which was adopted in 2006 but has yet to be implemented due to the absence of such regulations. Despite the government's attempts to impede the lawsuit through various means, including the assertion that FACIAS lacked sufficient interest or motivation, the court ultimately ruled in FACIAS's favour.
For almost two decades, a significant proportion of the younger generation has been denied the necessary support to develop their careers and businesses as a consequence of a lack of interest from the government.
If this legislation had been enacted, what tangible advantages could young people have derived from it?
Despite its unimplemented status, the 2007 law provides a number of essential forms of material support for young people in Romania.
- Stimulating entrepreneurship: Young people could benefit from non-reimbursable financial allowances for access to business start-up consultancy services.
- Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) start-ups: Through preferential credit schemes, young people could set up small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in rural and low economic areas.
- Tax relief: Tax relief for companies set up by young graduates for at least one year.
- Training future entrepreneurs and managers: Organisation of free introductory courses in management and business administration.
Government bureaucratic obstacles
In the lawsuit won by FACIAS, the government employed a variety of tactics to impede the success of the action. In lieu of providing support to young people and expeditiously formulating the requisite regulations, the government attempted to terminate the FACIAS action on the grounds of non-payment of stamp duty and the foundation's lack of interest. The court, however, dismantled the government's bureaucratic hurdles, recognizing the importance of FACIAS's action.
The Foundation For The Defense Of Citizens Against State Abuses (FACAS) urges the Romanian government to assume responsibility and implement the Youth Law in a meaningful manner, rather than merely making promises. It is imperative that the 2006 law be transformed into a genuine instrument of support for young people in Romania.