In a long-format conversation for WATT’s Next, Sebastian Metz, CEO of AHK Romania, took aim at several myths that still shape how Romanians and Germans perceive one another — and how both sides understand the energy transition. His tone was not polemical but practical, the voice of someone who has spent more than a decade navigating between two economic cultures.
The first myth, he suggested, is one that persists especially abroad: that Romania is attractive mainly because of its cheap labor. “That is definitely a myth,” he said when asked what stereotypes he still encounters. “We still have very attractive labor cost here … but you cannot compare the labor cost directly to Germany because we have another productivity level here in Romania.” In his view, competitiveness can no longer come from low wages but from skills, infrastructure, and technological capacity.
A second misunderstanding, often voiced in local debates, is that the energy transition is something only rich countries can afford. Metz dismissed this without hesitation. “It’s not the topic of rich countries,” he said. “We need a decarbonized economy. You need to decrease CO₂ emissions inside your economy. There is no way out.” Romania, he believes, has “all the ingredients … to have a successful transformation,” provided it proceeds “in a smart way.”
That idea of a smart transition — balancing competitiveness with decarbonization — runs throughout his thinking. “You cannot only focus on reduction; you have to stay competitive as well,” he explained. “You cannot have hard shifts; you need a balanced and motivating shift […] not only looking on bureaucracy and regulations.”
Another myth Metz addressed concerns European funding. He welcomed instruments such as the Modernisation Fund and REPowerEU but warned against the illusion that public money alone guarantees progress. “When you got European funds, you have to invest it in areas where you increase the competitiveness,” he said. “This money is for investment; it’s not for consumption.” Otherwise, he added, “you cannot close the cycle.”
He also touched the changing European balance of power — and the myths surrounding it. Germany, long seen as Europe’s economic engine, is facing its own pressures: slowing growth, an aging population, and the loss of cheap Russian gas, pointed out Gabriel Avăcăriței, Editor in Chief of Energynomics. Metz acknowledged these headwinds but noted a broader shift. “Poland increased in terms of importance … and I think there’s also a good place for Romania as one of the biggest countries … in terms of population and voices.” The traditional “dual engine” of France and Germany, he implied, may evolve into a more distributed European dynamic, where Central and Eastern Europe play a greater role.
Finally, Metz challenged a cultural myth — the notion that cooperation dilutes success. For him, collaboration is the only path to sustainable progress. “We all sitting in one boat,” he said. “I like the mentality of not competing about pieces from a cake which is not growing … Let’s stick together, let’s make a big cake.” It is a simple image, but one that captures the economic and social logic of partnership he has practiced for more than a decade.
About “WATTs Next”
“WATTs Next” is the new podcast by Energynomics dedicated to energy leaders, designed to provide a clear understanding of the people shaping the industry, their visions for the future and emerging challenges. Its main goal is to go beyond standardized answers and delve into the personal and professional perspectives of the interlocutor.
The interviews are structured in three essential directions:
- Shaping a personal and professional profile, providing an authentic picture of the career path and values of the interviewed leader.
- Analysis of the most current topics, to understand what’s next in the industry, what the implications are for companies and consumers, and what we should prepare for.
- Explanation of some essential concepts, by debunking myths and clarifying complex notions for a wider audience.
