The Ministry of the Environment has launched the National Guide for Beach Organization, introducing unified rules for layout and access on the Romanian coast for the first time. In parallel, the authorities in Mangalia are preparing to sign financing contracts worth €28 million for infrastructure projects, while a national campaign is underway to remove over 4,000 structures suspected of being illegal in the coastal zone.
The strategic document targets seven key areas: Năvodari, Mamaia, Constanța, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Tuzla, and Vama Veche. The new regulations cap the use of sunbeds at a maximum of 70% of the rented area, with the remaining 30% mandatorily reserved for free beach space on the sand. Additionally, maintaining a free contact zone with the water and ensuring continuous pedestrian pathways, including for people with reduced mobility, is required. All permitted structures—cabins, showers, first aid or lifeguard stations—must be temporary, demountable, and made of sustainable materials, such as wood or natural textiles, with the use of permanent foundations being prohibited.
According to the Minister of the Environment, Diana Buzoianu, the implementation of these standards will be integrated into the new 10-year lease contracts to ensure predictability for operators. A significant restriction concerns the ban on setting up terraces in beach sectors that do not have a Zonal Urban Plan (PUZ). Regarding utilities, the ministry emphasizes the municipalities’ 20-year-old obligation to provide the necessary infrastructure. The measure comes after septic tanks and gas tanks illegally buried in the sand, as well as pipes discharging directly into the sea, were identified in Năvodari and on Margona beach.
In the commercial segment, the auctions for the beaches in Năvodari generated record interest, with 303 bids submitted for 58 subsectors. In addition to these reforms, the deputy mayor of Mangalia, Paul Foleanu, announced the imminent signing of the €28 million contracts. According to Rador, the modernization works will begin in autumn, being suspended during the 2025 summer season so as not to affect tourist flow. The new measures aim to transform the coast into a civilized space, eliminating chaotic occupation and ensuring compliance with the legislation by all economic operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new rules regarding sunbeds on the beach?
The new regulations limit the use of sunbeds to a maximum of 70% of the rented area, with the remaining 30% mandatorily reserved for free beach space on the sand.
What investments are planned for the Romanian coast?
The authorities in Mangalia are preparing to sign financing contracts worth €28 million for infrastructure projects, with works scheduled to begin in autumn.
What types of structures are allowed on the beaches under the new guide?
Only temporary, demountable structures made of sustainable materials (such as wood or natural textiles) are permitted, while permanent foundations and terraces in areas without a Zonal Urban Plan (PUZ) are banned.