The Minister of Energy warns about the risks of blackouts and rising energy prices if coal mines are closed according to European commitments.

Romania requests the European Commission for a derogation to postpone the closure of coal mines, as the gas plants needed for replacement are not ready. Premature closure could lead to increases in energy prices and the loss of thousands of jobs. Although coal contributes 15% to national energy, alternative projects are not progressing, and miners are worried about their future. The government has allocated funds to secure mining operations post-closure, but uncertainty remains.