Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan: “Romania should be a key player in the region in energy” | EU allocates 30 billion euros for regional energy interconnection projects

Romania is consolidating its strategic role in regional energy, taking on the coordination of a joint strategy with neighboring countries to be presented to the European Commission as part of the future multiannual EU budget.

The European Union will allocate up to 30 billion euros in funding lines for energy interconnection projects, a significant increase compared to the previous 6 billion euros.

High energy prices and investment opportunities

Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan highlighted the current challenges and the importance of investments:
“The context in which Romanians today pay the highest electricity prices in the entire European Union, relative to their incomes. At the same time, I am very pleased that we have serious openness from the European Commission to find solutions through which Romania’s problem can be resolved, through regulations and very clear investments, both in the infrastructure connecting to cheap energy from Western Europe, and in new production capacities that we can use at the level of Romania.”

CESEC meeting and regional cooperation

Romania hosted a two-day meeting of energy ministers from 17 European countries, together with European Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen. The discussions focused on joint projects to reduce the region’s dependency on energy imports from Russia and to develop a strong interconnection infrastructure.

Bogdan Ivan stated:
“Today, Romania was the energy capital of Central and Southeast Europe. I chaired in Bucharest, alongside the European Commissioner for Energy, the CESEC meeting, with the participation of 16 ministers from the region. Romania still has one of the highest energy prices in Europe. That is why I brought this issue directly to the CESEC decision table and invited the European Commissioner for Energy to Bucharest to discuss concrete solutions: investments in basic production capacities – hydro, gas, nuclear; modernization of transport and distribution networks; smart storage for consumption balancing; and, above all, a close regional partnership supported by European funding.”

EU funding and short-term plans

Officials agreed on cooperation and financing tools that will enable the implementation of projects over the next two years. This represents a fivefold increase in EU funds for energy interconnection in Europe, from 6 to 30 billion euros.

International cooperation and long-term perspective

Minister Ivan also mentioned strategic collaborations with international partners:
“Since the beginning of my mandate, I have held direct discussions with Chris Wright, Jarod Agen, and Paolo Zampolli, opening new perspectives for cooperation between the region and the United States of America for civil and nuclear projects, hydrogen, storage, and infrastructure. My goal is clear: Romania should be a key player in the region in energy, in relation to the European Union and the United States of America.”

Conclusion

Through this initiative, Romania strengthens its role as a regional energy leader, not only by coordinating joint projects but also by attracting significant European funds. Modernizing infrastructure, increasing production capacities, and developing international partnerships will help reduce costs for consumers and enhance the region’s energy security. Romania’s strategy to become a key energy actor reflects the country’s commitment to turning current challenges into economic and sustainable development opportunities.