Strategic Interests of Romania in the Black Sea Region: Energy Security Aspects

The article substantiates the idea of Romania's key role in the Black Sea region from the standpoint of EU energy security. It is proved, first of all, by the Romanian promotion of the EU energy policy on its eastern borders. The National Defense Strategy of Romania for the period 2015–2019 and the Romanian Energy Strategy for the period 2016–2030 are aimed at this and fully correspond to the European energy vector. At the same time, the energy policy of the EU meets the strategic interests of Romania itself. The article is dedicated to the role of Romania in the future EU Energy Union. In the first area of activity — "Energy security, solidarity and trust" — this country has a central role. At the core of the EU energy security lies primarily the diversification of energy sources, which is assumed to be implemented through the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, that can provide the access to the Caspian resources. This fact underscores the importance of the Black Sea region and in particular of Romania, regarded as the vehicle of this initiative. The article also describes the main energy projects of Romania, as well as their importance for the entire European Union. Four strategic directions have been officially announced: the Bulgaria-Romania-Hungary-Austria gas transport corridor (BRUA), the connection to the national energy system of neighboring countries (the most important in this respect is the project of connecting the Republic of Moldova to the EU energy system through Romania), AGRI (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania Interconnector), as well as projects aimed at creating and developing new natural gas storage facilities. The strategic interests of Romania are very closely intertwined with the aspects of energy security and, mostly, are formed on their basis. In addition to an advantageous geopolitical position, Romania has its own oil and gas deposits, which makes it less dependent on Russian energy imports. Therefore, the Romanian authorities, together with the national energy companies, make every effort to develop the national oil and gas sector, because this can significantly contribute to the promotion of Romania's interests in the Black Sea region.

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