The government will assume responsibility for amending Ordinance 114 in the next 2 to 3 weeks, so that by the end of the year it will cease its disastrous effects on the energy field, said on Wednesday evening, at the 7th edition of the energynomics.ro Awards Gala, Economy minister, Virgil Popescu.

“We will take responsibility for Ordinance 114 in Parliament in the next 2 to 3 weeks, we will take responsibility for the entire package of Ordinance 114, so that, by the end of the year, this ordinance will cease its disastrous effects in the energy field, obviously with a transition period, because we do not want to upset the market, especially in the middle of winter – a transition period for natural gas and electricity – and I want to assure you that in me and in the Ministry of Economy, Energy and the Business Environment you will have support. Energy is a strategic priority of mine and of the ministry and of the Government and we will ensure that this strategic priority is fulfilled,” the Minister of Economy told leaders of energy companies.

He pointed out that the main target of the Ministry of Economy for the next year is the opening in Romania of new capacities of electricity production. “The Ministry of Economy will follow the targets it has set. Our main priority in 2020 is to succeed in starting new capacities of electricity production in Romania, because it is needed. If we do not start this work, we will have big problems in the future,” Popescu warned.

He added that he would try to obtain political consensus in Parliament for the passage of large energy projects in Romania. “We have good relations with ANRE, with the Presidency, with the Industry and Services Commission in the Parliament, with the Parliament, and on the big projects I have stated, and I maintain my affirmations, that I will collaborate and try to obtain political consensus in Parliament with all political forces,” the minister said.