Minister of Energy, Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, meets with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Péter Szijjártó, at the Ministry of Energy headquarters
Sebastian Burduja, Minister of Energy:
“We will never again allow Europe’s energy security to be in the hands of those who have used and continue to use energy as a tool for blackmail. Our region must diversify its supply sources and rely more on itself. Romania, currently the largest natural gas producer in the European Union, will double its production capacity in two years through the Neptun Deep project. Thus, we will play a key role in strengthening the region’s energy security.”
Bilateral discussions focused on the volatility of regional energy markets, strengthening energy security, and diversifying the natural gas supply. The Neptun Deep project and the Agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary on the Strategic Partnership for Green Energy Development and Transport (AGRU – Green Corridor) were key topics of the meeting.
*”We reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to the energy security of our region and our determination to eliminate any dependence on resources from those who have blackmailed Europe for decades. We emphasized the need for European solidarity and, most importantly, for diversifying energy supply sources.
In this regard, Romania, now the EU’s leading gas producer, is working on launching the Neptun Deep project in 2027, which will double our natural gas production capacity, enabling us to supply part of the region’s needs. In this respect, the BRUA pipeline and the Tuzla-Podișor segment (currently under development) will be crucial for gas transportation. Romania has no issue replacing dependence on Russian gas with reliance on Romanian gas under commercial conditions, ensuring a fair price for quantities exceeding our domestic consumption needs.
Regarding electricity, Romania is developing the 5,000 MW High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Interconnector, which will facilitate energy transport to the West with minimal losses. Together with Hungary, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, we will extend this interconnector through the Black Sea, creating a connection with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Transelectrica and counterpart companies from the other countries are in the process of completing all necessary procedures to operationalize the project company, headquartered in Bucharest.
We also stressed the need to develop interconnections at the European level. Europe must ensure fair energy prices, and to achieve this, every member state must fulfill its obligations regarding interconnections, just as Romania has done.
Regarding the possible MVM-E.ON transaction, I presented my Hungarian counterpart with the same position that the Ministry of Energy has publicly expressed,”* said Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja.
Romania will protect its sovereignty and the strategic interests of its citizens. Romania’s energy will remain in service of the Romanian people.