Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja Reports False Information Campaigns to DIICOT Regarding the Sale of Romania’s Lakes to Foreign Entities
Monday, December 30, 2024, the Minister of Energy, Mr. Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, filed a criminal complaint with the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) against those conducting disinformation campaigns targeting the public with false claims about the “sale of Romania’s accumulation lakes to foreigners.” The complaint is based on the offense of communicating false information, as stipulated in Article 404 of the Penal Code.
This action was prompted by the systematic dissemination of false and defamatory information online, clearly aimed at misleading the public and discrediting the Ministry of Energy’s strategic initiatives. These materials, published on social media platforms, contain untrue and biased statements about the Ministry’s hydroelectric projects, falsely insinuating that they involve the “transfer of accumulation lakes to foreign entities.” Such baseless claims represent a threat to national security under Article 3 of Law no. 51/1991 on Romania’s national security and severely undermine public trust in governance.
The statements are not isolated incidents but part of orchestrated campaigns designed to promote the false idea of selling Romania’s lakes to foreigners. These campaigns appear to serve certain state and non-state actors, including political competitors, who aim to erode public trust in democratic institutions and propagate extremist and xenophobic rhetoric.
The Ministry of Energy reminds the public of Article 136 of Romania’s Constitution:
“(3) The resources of public interest in the subsoil, airspace, waters with exploitable energy potential of national interest, beaches, territorial waters, natural resources of the economic zone, and the continental shelf, as well as other goods determined by organic law, are the exclusive property of the public domain.”
This article emphasizes that Romania’s public-interest resources cannot be sold to any individual or legal entity.
Furthermore, the Ministry stresses that the initiatives to develop pumped storage hydroelectric power plants, such as the Tarnița-Lăpuștești project, are compliant with Romanian and European legislation. These projects aim to strengthen the National Energy System (SEN) and ensure energy security. Pumped storage projects play a critical role in balancing energy production and consumption and are a strategic pillar of Romania’s energy transition.
The Ministry warns that any disinformation or sabotage of these initiatives, including through campaigns supported by organizations opposing energy development, will be promptly referred to the prosecutorial authorities. This measure ensures the protection of Romanian interests and the country’s energy security.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Energy announces plans to launch new pumped storage hydroelectric projects in the Carpathian region in 2025. These initiatives will enhance energy storage capacity and support a sustainable future for Romania. The Ministry remains committed to protecting national interests and combating any attempts to undermine the country’s stability and energy security.
Minister Sebastian-Ioan Burduja’s Statement:
“Today, I reported to DIICOT a systematic disinformation campaign that endangers national security and undermines the development of pumped storage hydroelectric power plants. These false narratives erode public trust in Romanian democracy and energy security, creating uncertainty that deters strategic investments. Let me reiterate: the country’s resources, including its accumulation lakes, are not and will not be for sale. This is prohibited by Romania’s Constitution, which we have sworn to uphold.
As Minister of Energy, I will uncompromisingly defend national interests, including by taking firm action against those who spread lies and deliberately sabotage investments in Romania’s energy sector. Building pumped storage hydroelectric power plants and increasing our capacity to store electricity are irreversible goals for Romania, and no one will divert us from this strategic direction.”
About the Ministry of Energy:
The Ministry of Energy is dedicated to safeguarding Romania’s energy security, promoting sustainable development, and supporting initiatives that enhance the national energy system. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, the Ministry works to ensure a resilient and prosperous energy sector for all Romanians.