Romania is already at the forefront of gas producers in the EU, and the Neptun Deep project will strengthen this position, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday.
According to the minister, „Romania has a historic opportunity to play an important role if it defends the direction it has carefully built over the decades. And this depends on each one of us. We are already at the forefront of gas producers in the EU, and the Neptun Deep project will consolidate this position. Don’t have illusions. There will be more and more attacks on this project because it can change the game at the regional and European level. But these attacks will not stop us; they will only strengthen our determination to carry things through to the end.”
Additionally, Sebastian Burduja praised the message from the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jorgensen: „Instead of using taxpayers’ money to pay for gas whose revenues end up in Putin’s war chest, we must ensure that we produce our own energy.” Furthermore, the Romanian official welcomed the clear intention of the European Union to rely on alternative gas sources to meet Europe’s needs, with the declared goal of eliminating dependence on Russia once and for all.
„Europe is starting to wake up in all respects, and this awakening will make us stronger,” said Burduja.
He underscored that European countries must invest more in diversifying energy sources and in modernising and expanding existing ones, alongside the development, without delay, of interconnections. Romania serves as an example in this regard. Diversifying energy sources, expanding infrastructure, and using all available resources can help Europe remain not only relevant but also a leader in the global economic competition, which will intensify in the coming years.
„It is a shame that Europe needed a war in its immediate neighbourhood to wake up and realise that dependencies keep it hostage and lower its economic competitiveness and opportunities to act as a relevant global player. Better late than never,” said Burduja.
AGERPRES
