October 29, 2024 As prepared for delivery Thank you for the invitation to join you today. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the significant role that clean energy plays in bolstering energy security and fostering a prosperous future. In the United States, our companies have created over 330,000 new clean energy jobs over the last two years. This has given consumers more access to clean energy, including wind and solar, contributing to our economic prosperity. Here in Europe, I have been struck the remarkable progress Romania has made in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, becoming a leader in Europe in reducing its carbon dependence since it joined the EU. In 2008, coal accounted for 39.5% of the country’s energy mix and more than half of Romania’s energy came from coal and hydrocarbons. In 2023, the share of coal was 13.44%, and nearly two-thirds of the energy output was carbon-free. Romania is of course blessed with a wealth of energy resources, including in the Black Sea. Offshore natural gas and wind will bolster Romania’s status as a regional energy hub, a pillar of energy security in the region. Unfortunately, Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine has created significant challenges in the Black Sea region. These issues include physical security for offshore energy projects, and security of supply for electricity and natural gas for the countries in the region. I want to commend Romania for the sustained support provided to Ukraine, including through emergency assistance in the energy sector. Moreoever, the interconnector projects that Transelectrica is building, in partnership with the system operator from the Republic of Moldova, will help reduce Moldova’s dependence on electricity based on Russian gas. We appreciate also the cooperation between Transelectrica and Moldelectrica, which Romania has encouraged, with USAID support. This engagement is helping to prepare the integration of the Moldovan electricity market with the EU single market. The United States supports a Black Sea region that is secure, prosperous, interconnected, and free from threats to territorial integrity, economic coercion, and malign influence. To this end, the United States government created a Black Sea strategy in 2023, with input from Romania and others in the region. The Strategy is part of the United States’ approach to addressing the immediate and long-term repercussions brought upon the region by Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. One of the five pillars of the Black Sea Strategy is promoting regional energy security and clean energy. Specifically on energy security, we support Black Sea and partner and Ally countries to diversify energy routes, resources, and suppliers. Case in point: Romania enjoyed technical assistance from the U.S. government in drafting its Offshore Wind Law, that became Law 121/2024. Discussions are ongoing regarding possible technical assistance for the secondary legislation. Additionally, we are organizing the Southeastern Europe Energy Transition and Energy Security Business Trade Mission to Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia from March 17-21, 2025. This mission will provide a platform for U.S. businesses to jointly explore opportunities in the region’s growing energy market and contribute to the region’s energy transition. We also cooperate with international financial institutions, EXIM, DFC, and the private sector to secure financing for low-carbon energy projects including solar, wind, geothermal, and civil nuclear power. We are confident this strategy will help create a better environment for the future security and prosperity of Romania and the Black Sea region. For investors, it is important to have a stable and predictable business climate, with legislative and fiscal decisions made in consultation with the businesses and stakeholders. Now, renewable energy is a visible component of the steady and resilient progress towards prosperity. As we cooperate to address the complexities of global and Black Sea security, and as the government consults with the businesses, the words of Romanian historian Nicolae Iorga come to mind: “Never say <> always say <>”. Paraphrasing American investor Henry Ford, I would say “Working together is success.” This stands true regarding our cooperation to address the issues facing the Black Sea region. It also stands true regarding the cooperation and consultation between the government and the businesses to reap the energy resources in the Black Sea and those onshore. And so, energy security will blend with progress towards decarbonization and prosperity. Rest assured that the United States will continue to support this progress as Romania’s partner and ally. Thank you for your attention. By U.S. Mission Romania (Photo:https://ro.usembassy.gov/ro/)
Romanian deep-tech startup .lumen, the developer of what it says are the world’s first AI-powered glasses for the blind, has secured a new investment from EIT Urban Mobility, the European innovation community focused on advancing sustainable and inclusive urban mobility solutions. The value of the new funding round was not disclosed. The investment aligns with […]
The health spending per capita in Romania was the lowest in the EU, with spending less than half the EU average in 2023, the recently released report, State of Health in the EU - Romania Country Health Profile 2025, shows. At the same time, life expectancy in Romania is 5.1 years below the EU average, […]
Romania’s annual inflation rate stood at roughly 9.8% in November 2025, similar to October, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS). Food prices increased by 7.6% last month, while services rose roughly 11% and non-food goods climbed 10.7%. The consumer price index rose by 0.42% in November compared with October, while […]
Three French soldiers deployed in Romania as part of NATO’s Multinational Battle Group at Cincu intervened to save a truck driver following a serious traffic accident on the A3 Bucharest–Ploiești motorway, the Romanian Ministry of Defense said. The incident occurred earlier this week as the soldiers were traveling toward Ploiești and witnessed the truck crash...
Eight contemporary art galleries will present the works of the artists they represent at the third edition of the Smallest Art Fair in Town, an event dedicated to works on paper. This edition showcases works “investigating the state of wandering, disorientation, and rediscovery in the face of uncertainty.” Under the title In Dark Woods, A […]
Parents everywhere are asking an important question: What skills will truly prepare a child for a world defined by rapid change, global uncertainty, and the rise of artificial intelligence? For decades, schools focused entirely on academics. Today, research from neuroscience, performance psychology, and leading universities shows a different reality: The students who thrive long-term are […]
