11 years since Colectiv. 65 lives lost, court proceedings continue / ISU seeks recovery of compensation paid to the victims

11 years after the fire at the Colectiv club, the tragedy of October 30, 2015, continues to generate litigation in Romania’s courts. Records on the courts’ portal show that, in the 11 years since the tragedy, judges have handled hundreds of cases concerning the disaster in which 65 people lost their lives.

ISU is trying to recover from those responsible the compensation awarded to Colectiv victims

Some of the ongoing lawsuits concern the recovery of compensation paid by ISU Bucharest-Ilfov. Two of the lawsuits filed by ISU Bucharest-Ilfov received rulings in 2026. The institution is seeking to recover amounts paid as compensation, proceeding against the individuals and companies involved in the Colectiv case.

How much ISU paid Colectiv victims

On May 12, 2022, the Bucharest Court of Appeal issued the final ruling ordering the club’s owners, the two pyrotechnicians, the companies involved, the District 4 City Hall, and ISU Bucharest-Ilfov, jointly and severally, to pay more than 50 million euros in compensation to the victims and the families of those who died. Payments of more than 8 million lei to hospitals were also established, for hospitalization expenses.

On October 30, 2024, ISU Bucharest-Ilfov had paid approximately 60 million euros in compensation to around 300 survivors and relatives of those who died.