2. 10. 2024

This episode of The IR thinker examines Romania’s energy security and its strategic role in the Black Sea region with Roxana Caliminte, focusing on how offshore resources, regional tensions and EU climate goals intersect. The discussion explores Romania’s Black Sea energy strategy, relations with neighbours such as Bulgaria and Turkey, investment and infrastructure challenges, and the trade-offs between economic gains, environmental protection and long-term sustainability.

Roxana Caliminte

Roxana Caliminte served as Deputy Secretary General of Gas Infrastructure Europe from 2017 to 2024, having previously worked for Romania’s gas transmission operator Transgaz on relations with EU institutions and government bodies. She has also been an adviser on international relations and economic affairs in the Romanian Parliament, is a visiting lecturer at the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, and has been recognised by Consultancy Intelligence Publishing as one of the Top 30 Female Energy Market Analysts globally.

Content

00:00 - Introduction
01:52 - Romania’s Black Sea Energy Strategy: Current Vision and Goals
04:25 - Strengthening Romania’s Energy Security
06:50 - Impact of the Ukraine Conflict on Romania’s Energy Security
08:14 - Balancing Energy Opportunities and Russian Interests in the Black Sea
10:09 - Diplomatic Relations with Bulgaria and Turkey in the Context of Energy
11:19 - Joint Energy Initiatives with Bulgaria and Turkey
12:08 - Romania’s Role in the EU’s Energy Security and Diversification
15:09 - Attracting Foreign Investment: Regulatory and Policy Challenges
16:43 - Economic Gains vs Sustainability in Exploiting Black Sea Energy
18:40 - Public Opinion on Black Sea Energy Projects and the Energy Transition
20:57 - Consequences of Failing to Capitalise on Black Sea Energy Resources
22:21 - Key Theoretical Factors for Potential Failure in Romania’s Energy Projects
23:44 - Technological Innovations Required for Deepwater Extraction in the Black Sea
25:23 - Infrastructure Upgrades Needed for Monetising Black Sea Energy Resources
27:42 - International Interest in Developing Black Sea Energy Projects
28:41 - Skilled Labour Requirements for Romania’s Energy Sector
30:06 - Balancing Environmental Protection and Energy Exploitation
33:13 - Impact of Energy Projects on Romania’s Fisheries and Tourism Sectors
35:06 - Meeting EU Energy and Climate Goals Through Black Sea Resources
38:13 - Government and Opposition Perspectives on Romania’s Energy Transition
40:37 - Potential Research Areas in Romania’s Energy Strategy and Policy