Romania is intensifying its appeal to the European Commission and neighboring EU countries to accelerate the expansion of electricity interconnection capacity—an essential step for stabilizing energy markets and lowering prices across the region. According to Cristian Busoi, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Energy, boosting cross-border energy links is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for the EU’s competitiveness and long-term energy security.
Busoi, who coordinates European and international relations for the Ministry of Energy, explains that Romania’s message is deliberately clear and persistent: stronger interconnections are one of the most effective tools to bring down electricity prices, support industrial resilience, and better protect the region from geopolitical shocks.
Europe’s Energy Competitiveness Under Pressure
The secretary of state highlights that reducing electricity prices is critical not only for Romanian industry but for the entire European Union. He draws attention to Mario Draghi’s recent warning about Europe’s vulnerability amid rising global tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—pressures that directly impact EU energy markets.
According to Busoi, Draghi’s analysis of the EU’s structural limitations should be interpreted as a wake-up call for decision makers in both Brussels and national governments. The message is simple: Europe must act decisively if it wants to preserve its industrial strength.
Discussions with Draghi: A Shared Vision for a More Competitive EU
In his capacity as former Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE), Busoi held discussions with Draghi on how to revive European industrial competitiveness. Their talks touched on essential reforms:
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strengthening the EU energy market through more efficient, centralized management of cross-border electricity flows,
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creating a unified regulatory framework to reduce protectionism among member states,
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and scaling up investments in nuclear energy, natural gas infrastructure, renewable energy, and carbon-capture technologies.
These proposals, Busoi emphasizes, align closely with Romania’s national priorities and offer a roadmap for a more resilient and interconnected European energy sector.
Romania’s 8-Point Plan to Lower Electricity Prices
High energy prices continue to strain Romanian households and industries. The Energy Minister’s recently proposed eight measures provide a structured plan to relieve the country’s energy burden. Many of these measures, however, require time, funding, and coordinated action at the European level—another reason Romania is pushing the Commission to accelerate interconnection development.
Busoi stresses that Romania cannot afford delays, especially when some solutions involve long-term infrastructure upgrades. Swift implementation is vital to ensure affordability and stability in the national electricity market.
Regional Cooperation as Leverage in Brussels
One of Romania’s key proposals is to temporarily decouple high marginal prices during crisis situations—a measure already supported through ongoing collaboration with Bulgaria and Greece. According to Busoi, strengthening this regional alliance gives Romania more political weight in Brussels and increases pressure on the European Commission to act.
He argues that coordinated regional positions are essential for pushing forward reforms in the EU electricity market, particularly at a time when global demand for critical raw materials, green technologies, and secure energy supply is intensifying.
