The decision of the new coalition to dissolve the Ministry of Energy poses a major risk, given that Romania is extremely fragile from an energy point of view and, this year, has encountered numerous difficulties in ensuring the energy necessary for domestic consumption, draws the attention of the Association of Prosumers and Energy Communities (APCE).

“Romania has a long-standing habit of making decisions that seem to undermine its own national interests. Unfortunately, this time, the situation is much more serious and we are playing with fire. The first controversial decision of the new coalition of the conjuncture is the merger of the Ministry of Energy with the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, an already oversized and difficult to manage structure. In a country extremely fragile from an energy point of view, this decision raises major concerns. In 2024, Romania encountered numerous difficulties in ensuring the energy necessary for domestic consumption. This summer, in conditions of extreme heat, only the contribution of prosumers avoided the occurrence of blackouts and power outages caused by the high consumption of air conditioners and refrigeration systems,” APCE states.

The organization emphasizes that Romania needs systemic reforms in the energy field, and investments in storage, development and re-engineering of energy networks – which are in a critical state – are essential for national energy security and require special attention from decision-makers, according to Agerpres.

“Hence, the vital importance of the Ministry of Energy as a separate entity. A key ministry, such as the Ministry of Energy, is wanted to be merged and pulverized into another ministry, already merged. A vital ministry, such as that of Energy, is about to be dissolved and integrated into an already overburdened government structure. If other ministries – such as that of Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities or the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization – may be subject to reorganization, the decision to dissolve the Ministry of Energy represents a major risk,” the statement said.

According to the cited source, this will have serious consequences for the energy sector. In this regard, prosumers draw attention to the fact that the dissolution of the Ministry of Energy will strengthen the role of the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE), “a cumbersome, rigid and highly politicized institution” as a major arbiter in the energy field.

“ANRE, as recent history shows, is a cumbersome, rigid and highly politicized institution. ANRE is often unwilling or unprepared to manage the complexity and emergencies in the energy area. This situation will have catastrophic consequences for national energy security. If this decision is implemented, the new governing coalition risks indirectly facilitating the achievement of Russia’s objectives in destabilizing the energy sector in Romania. We call on the responsibility of political decision-makers to re-evaluate this measure and prioritize Romania’s energy stability and security,” the APCE press release also says.