Laurențiu Pachiu, Senior Associate Expert at the New Strategy Center, participated on 5 October as a speaker at the conference “The Contribution of Regional Cooperation and Transnational Economic Projects to European Security, Ukraine’s Reconstruction and EU Accession. Romania’s Role as Chair of the Central European Initiative and Italy as Host Country of the CEI Executive Secretariat,” organized by the Embassy of Romania in Rome, the Luigi Sturzo Institute, and the Embassy of Ukraine in Rome.

During the panel “Regional Economic Cooperation within the CEI – Promoting Connectivity and Energy Diversification in the Context of Ukraine’s Reconstruction,” he presented Romania’s energy potential, including the development of the Neptun Deep project, which will make Romania the largest gas producer in the EU starting in 2027. Laurențiu Pachiu highlighted Romania’s strategic role in Ukraine’s reconstruction, given its geographical position, connectivity, and energy potential, including offshore wind. He also emphasized the importance of the Danube, the ports of Constanța and Galați, and regional energy corridors in strengthening connectivity and energy security across the region.

Laurențiu Pachiu also highlighted the importance of protecting critical infrastructure against current threats.