This report was created by Energynomics for the benefit of all participants. We thank the speakers for their insightful and valued contributions to this discussion.
Here is the .pdf file “Building regional energy security together: Romania’s strategic vision, regional cooperation, and US partnership — Insights from the Atlantic Council Chatham House discussion, Bucharest, June 2025”.
Here are the 10 key takeaways of a solid conversation:
Romania is at a strategic crossroads, needing to move from short-term crisis management to long-term, consistent energy planning.- Energy security is inherently diplomatic, demanding coordinated regional action and reliable partnerships, particularly with the United States.
- Policy predictability and regulatory reform are essential to attract and sustain private investment in large-scale, strategic projects.
- Natural gas remains a critical advantage, but its use must be carefully planned to support industrial value-add and regional export potential.
- Hydropower modernization and nuclear expansion are vital for balancing Romania’s energy mix and delivering reliable baseload capacity.
- Avoiding new technological dependencies is a priority, with calls to build local capacity and reduce reliance on external suppliers for renewable and storage technologies.
- Energy industry faces practical challenges, including rising CAPEX costs, complex permitting, and fragmented funding that undermines system-level improvements.
- Regional cooperation is non-negotiable, with shared infrastructure and planning needed to support Moldova, Ukraine, and broader Black Sea security.
- Digital infrastructure and innovation are seen as core enablers of the energy transition, requiring integration into strategic planning from the outset.
- Trust-based, direct dialogue among government, industry, and partners is essential to set clear priorities, share risk, and deliver an affordable, secure, and sustainable energy future.

