Bucharest: Romania is actively pursuing increased natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan to help stabilize the regional energy market and enhance energy security, according to the country’s energy minister, Sebastian-Ioan Burduja. In an exclusive interview with Trend News Agency, Burduja emphasized the critical role of the gas deal in securing a stable and diversified energy source for Europe.
According to Trend News Agency, Minister Burduja underscored the importance of the memorandum of understanding signed last year by Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Azerbaijan. This agreement aims to implement the Solidarity Ring (STRING) initiative, which is expected to bring numerous benefits to the region. ‘Attracting additional quantities of natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan can thus contribute to stabilizing the regional energy market, without the absolute need for a massive transfer of funds into infrastructure projects that would subsequently impact the price paid by the end consumer,” Burduja stated.
The minister also highlighted the deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and Europe, which spans a broad range of topics, particularly in energy. “Given the current context, Azerbaijan’s role in regional markets is set to increase. Connectivity is the key word,” he added. This collaboration includes the development of the Green Energy Corridor with Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Hungary, featuring a submarine cable under the Black Sea to facilitate seamless green energy transfer between these countries.
Furthermore, Burduja pointed out that increasing Azerbaijan’s role in the EU gas market could serve to meet internal demand, lower prices, and foster the development of industries like petrochemicals. “Gas from Azerbaijan means enhancing energy security, due to the diversification of sources,” he explained.
The Romanian minister expressed confidence in further improving cooperation with Azerbaijan and promoting energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Europe. He noted that ongoing and upcoming projects are tran
sforming the energy infrastructure landscape in Southeast and Central Europe. These initiatives not only integrate the Caspian region into European markets but also create economic opportunities to transport new energy volumes.
Lastly, Burduja reassured that energy security and the development of energy transport infrastructure in the region, significantly affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, will continue to receive support from the European Commission and remain a European priority.