In recent weeks, Romania’s Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja has been insisting on the need to adapt the European Green Pact to the national specificities and economic competitiveness of each member state.
While the European Union is rushing to become a world leader in decarbonisation through the Green Deal, global economic reality shows that this model risks losing competitiveness and economic relevance. […] High energy costs are another example of a self-imposed burden. The CO2 emission allowance and the marginal pricing mechanism artificially double energy prices and make our industries uncompetitive. source
Europe’s “greening” policies were not well thought-out public policies, but an ideology blindly followed, modelled on shock therapy. And, like any ideology imposed without careful planning, it has turned into a utopia that is costing us dearly – economically, socially and strategically. source
Any change in strategic positioning causes excitement and uncertainty, and reactions from the energy industry have started to come in, forcing the minister to come back with further clarifications.
Balance is the answer to energy dilemmas that plague many: Green Deal, coal/gas vs. renewables vs. nuclear. All of the above, I contend. […] Even if coal plants are the most polluting, a pragmatic approach is absolutely necessary. The transition to clean, cheap energy must be gradual, well-considered, not in the blind Green Deal shock therapy mould, which may sound good, but is not good. We will move carefully from coal to gas and from gas to nuclear. Plus hydro, solar, wind, storage. Geothermal, biomass, hydrogen. Like I said, ALL OF THE ABOVE. source
We already have a possible repositioning model for the European Green Pact from France, which proposes a strategy based on developing clean, not necessarily green, markets by stimulating European demand for low-carbon products, standardising eco-labels and implementing green public procurement. According to a document sent to Brussels in December and summarised by Contexte, Paris is calling for a revision of European public procurement directives to create a clear preference for European production and limit access for non-EU companies that do not have reciprocity agreements with the EU. In addition to these measures, France proposes the creation of innovative financial mechanisms, such as an Electrification Bank modelled on the Hydrogen Bank, and the adjustment of carbon market rules to protect industrial sectors exposed to global competition. More specifically, Paris has sent specific notes to Brussels on the chemicals, steel and automotive sectors.
For the time being, Romania, through Minister Burduja, is focussing on protecting the competitiveness of the economy and energy security, drawing attention to the risks of an accelerated and rigid green transition. The Romanian official warns of the danger of EU environmental policies being applied uniformly, without taking into account the national specificities of each member state, and emphasises the importance of own resources, such as natural gas from the Black Sea, which can play a key role in ensuring energy stability in the medium and long term.
What might a document similar to the one proposed by France look like for Romania? It could include the following elements, listed by minister Burduja in a Facebook post.
The key to a successful transition is simple:
- Reliable and cheap energy production. We must not give up coal-fired power stations until we put something in its place – in the short to medium term, gas-fired; in the long term, nuclear.
- Invest in storage, so we can have green energy when the sun is not shining or the wind not blowing.
- Investment in grids, to have a truly single and functioning European market and to accommodate more green energy producers (including prosumers).
- Let’s use equipment made in Romania and in Europe, not subsidise with European money production in other parts of the world. (source)
It remains to be clarified how these principles could be reflected in concrete measures that take into account or amend European regulations, directives and funding mechanisms, as well as strategic documents already adopted by Romania. These are the main principles on the basis of which investors have built and base their projects in Romania. A strategy that combines climate ambitions with economic and geopolitical realities could include adapting emission reduction targets to the specificities of the national energy mix, reconfiguring some targets and deadlines in the energy transition and supporting major energy infrastructure projects to strengthen security of supply.
Finally, Romania could propose a review of EU funding mechanisms to ensure that EU funds support not only renewable energy but, to a greater extent than at present, the modernisation and diversification of energy infrastructure as a whole. Last but not least, new forms of support for the regions and economic sectors affected by the energy transition should be identified, once they have been clearly identified.
On 13 February, at the conference “Romanian energy market – Facts of 2025”, organised by Energynomics, minister Sebastian Burduja and representatives of the energy industry will discuss the changes we anticipate from this year onwards. SECURE YOUR PLACE!
Energynomics begins the year by provoking and facilitating a 360° discussion on the pressing issues that will redefine the priorities and direction of the energy industry. The event will be attended by senior representatives of the authorities, alongside members of the most important market players and trade associations. They will contribute to shaping a dynamic and constructive dialogue, addressing current challenges and development opportunities in the sector. The discussions will provide a clear perspective on investment strategies, current regulations and initiatives to support development and innovation. Through the presence of leading experts, the event will facilitate the exchange of ideas and concrete solutions for the future of the industry.
