November 21, 2008

The amendments introduced in the Ownership and Use of Agricultural Land Act were approved by the National Assembly at first reading, at its sitting dated 21 November 2008. They restrict the exchange of lands, owned by the state or municipalities with such privately owned. The restrictions cover agricultural and woodlands and forests and are aimed at ending the unprofitable practice . Changes will be introduced in several other legal acts as well. The bill is moved by the government and suggests that swap deals of lands will only be possible when there exists a common ownership between the state and a private person or entity and when such exchange is stipulated by an international act.