Romania’s energy sector continues to demonstrate resilience and strong performance despite a challenging political and economic environment, according to Istvan-Lorant Antal, Chairman of the Committee on Energy, Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources of the Romanian Senate, speaking at the opening of the Energy CEO Forum organized by The Diplomat-Bucharest.
“We all agree that we are going through a very complicated period from many points of view,” Antal said. “We are living in a time when various professional groups have become political targets, not out of bad faith, but perhaps because political decisions have not always been clearly explained or sufficiently debated. As we know, neither the energy sector nor its managers have been spared criticism.”
While acknowledging the importance of public scrutiny, Antal stressed that criticism should be constructive and accompanied by viable alternatives.
“I usually say that criticism is welcome in politics,” he noted. “But when we criticize, we must do so in a way that also offers solutions. If we look around today and see that there is electricity in this room, we can conclude that there are companies in this sector that are doing their job — and doing it quietly.”
Antal highlighted the contribution of key energy system operators and companies in maintaining the country’s energy security.
“The National Energy Dispatcher — our guardian angels — is looking after us,” he said. “Electricity suppliers are doing their job, and we also have producers that generate electricity and natural gas. These organizations ensure that vital energy services continue to function every day.”
The Senate committee chairman argued that the performance of Romania’s energy companies should be measured through both economic efficiency and productivity.
“These companies have delivered results,” Antal stated. “The managers of Romania’s energy companies have demonstrated the capacity to lead their organizations in such a way that all of us remain secure in terms of essential services, including the supply and transmission of electricity and natural gas.”
Addressing the broader public debate regarding the performance of various sectors and institutions, Antal said it was important for political leaders to provide a balanced assessment.
“As a politician, and especially as chairman of the Senate’s Energy Committee, I believe it is my responsibility to have a point of view,” he said. “Over the past six years, I have maintained a constructive relationship with representatives of this vital sector. We have held many debates, drawn valuable conclusions together, and facilitated improvements through legislative initiatives.”
Looking ahead, Antal emphasized the need for continued investment across the energy value chain.
“We still need to invest in distribution networks, transmission infrastructure and new generation capacities,” he said. “These are objectives we can achieve together. We must have the ability to recognize what is working well and, where things are not working as well, focus on how we can improve them.”
Despite the challenges ahead, Antal expressed confidence in Romania’s overall position within the energy sector.
“When we look at the energy sector as a whole, I believe Romania is in a good position,” he concluded. “The stakeholders in this field approach their responsibilities with great seriousness every day.”
The remarks were delivered during the opening session of the Energy CEO Forum, an industry event organized by The Diplomat-Bucharest, bringing together senior executives, policymakers and energy sector stakeholders to discuss the future of Romania’s energy market.