Former Energy Minister Virgil Popescu argues that the Romanian state must remain a shareholder in strategic energy companies to maintain control during crises.

Virgil Popescu, former Minister of Energy and current Member of the European Parliament, states that the Romanian state must maintain control over strategic companies in the energy sector, such as Hidroelectrica, Romgaz, and Nuclearelectrica. At the presentation of the Energy Security Barometer conducted by INSCOP in collaboration with NewMoney, he emphasized the importance of maintaining an active role of the state in these companies, especially in the context of energy crises.

Popescu mentioned that, although privatization has benefits, state control is essential to be able to react effectively in crisis situations. He also warned about the manipulation of prices in the energy sector, which began before the war in Ukraine, highlighting the need for increased attention from the state regarding market movements that can influence prices.