Panel XIIa, entitled “The Energy Dimension of Cooperation in the Black Sea”, was moderated by Adrian Măniuțiu, a journalist from Romania, and featured a video message from Sebastian Burduja, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Energy. The panel included the following speakers: Cristian Bușoi, Secretary of State; Alexandru Maximescu, Vice President of OMV Petrom; Andrian Prokip, Head of Energy Programs at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, who participated via videoconference; and Oleksiy Ryabchyn, Chief of the International Relations and Partnerships Office at Naftogaz, Ukraine, also joining remotely.

The panel focused on Romania’s strategic role in regional energy security, emphasizing both immediate and long-term priorities for the Black Sea region. Speakers highlighted Romania’s investments in gas and electricity infrastructure, including the Neptun Deep project, the vertical corridor, and interconnections with neighboring countries, which position Romania as a key energy provider for Ukraine, Moldova, and wider Europe. The discussion emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, state-private sector coordination, and European Union support to ensure energy resilience, facilitate Ukraine’s reconstruction, and advance clean energy initiatives aligned with the Green Deal.
Speakers also addressed security challenges, including hybrid threats to critical infrastructure and the need for robust physical and cyber protections. They underscored Romania’s preparedness, leveraging both state mechanisms and private sector expertise, and stressed the strategic value of multinational cooperation in safeguarding energy assets. Looking ahead, the panel emphasized the potential of the Black Sea as a major energy hub, the role of Romanian expertise and technology in reconstruction efforts, and the importance of continuing investments in gas, electricity, nuclear, and renewables. The discussion concluded with recognition of the broader geopolitical context, including the ongoing Russian threat, and the shared responsibility of Romania, its neighbors, and international partners to secure a sustainable, resilient, and independent regional energy future.