The panel was chaired by Mr. Adrian Măniuțiu, journalist from Romania, and focused on the energy potential of the Black Sea, analysing both the strategic opportunities and the region’s pressing challenges. The discussion brought together H.E. Sebastian Burduja, Minister of Energy of Romania; Mr. Mitat Çelikpala, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences at Kadir Has University, Türkiye; Mr. Alexandru Maximescu, Vice President of OMV Petrom, Romania; and Mr. Ion Sterian, CEO of Transgaz, Romania.

The discussion highlighted the Black Sea’s growing importance as a strategic energy hub, with Romania emerging as a key player through projects like Neptune Deep, expected to position the country as the EU’s leading gas producer. These gas reserves have the potential to stimulate the Romanian economy and strengthen regional energy security by reducing dependence on Russian gas and supporting both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Speakers emphasised the need for robust transport infrastructure, drawing lessons from past supply disruptions, and noted that gas remains essential for the EU’s decarbonization goals.

Watch the live sessions on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/89RK68zlL58?feature=share