The Black Sea and the Potential for Regional Energy Cooperation

The panel was moderated by Mr. Radu Tudor, journalist at Antena 3 CNN, Romania. The debate featured speakers including H.E. Sebastian Burduja, Minister of Energy of Romania, H.E. Victor Parlicov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Yordan Bozhilov, President of the Sofia Security Forum from Bulgaria, and Mr. Alexandru Maximescu, Vice President of OMV Petrom, Romania. Additionally, Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources of the USA, joined the discussion via a video message.

The discussion addressed the potential for regional energy collaboration, with a focus on countering destabilizing actions by the Russian Federation, such as blocking the exclusive economic zones of Romania and Bulgaria, naval mine presence, and energy price blackmail. Romania has been recognized as a pillar of regional energy security. The Neptune Deep project will transform the country into the largest natural gas producer in Europe, allowing for the supply of natural gas to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Additionally, Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt reiterated the United States’ commitment to promoting energy security in the region.