Romania discusses energy security and Vertical Corridor infrastructure

Romanian officials and former ministers are discussing the country's energy strategy, focusing on infrastructure and the role of traditional energy sources.

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that Romania supports the development of the Vertical Corridor, a gas infrastructure project intended to connect Greece with Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Bolojan emphasized that while the country supports the transport infrastructure to diversify supply routes, it is not obligated to purchase American liquefied natural gas (LNG). He also called for the strategic partnership between Romania and the United States to be protected from domestic political disputes.

Former Finance Minister Dan Vîlceanu suggested that European perspectives on coal may shift, noting that the United States continues to utilize coal for energy production. Vîlceanu argued that closing energy capacities and overtaxing energy companies makes cheap energy unattainable, warning that reducing coal availability without sufficient alternatives could lead to higher costs and increased dependency on imports.