Copyright thediplomat
“If we refer to energy security and cybersecurity, these two concepts can no longer be viewed separately, because we live in an era in which IT systems control energy flows, and protecting them becomes an essential condition for national security. Energy security and cybersecurity mean national security, without any doubt, from every point of view. A recent report shows that Bucharest has been the target of over one million threats to energy security every month. These are figures that are quite frightening, because what is happening during this period, not only in Romania but around the world, should give us all a lot to think about. We are talking about cybersecurity, not just energy security, and we cannot ignore the connection between these threats, disinformation, hybrid warfare, and fake news,” stated “OECD is Romania’s most important national objective after NATO and the European Union, and it translates into external credibility—which we currently lack—and much lower borrowing costs. Interest rates are extremely high: 11 billion euros are paid annually by the Romanian state. In 2026, Romania will become an OECD member state, if everything goes well, and this will soon reflect positively in the economy. Romania’s energy capabilities in the Black Sea are and can remain 100% autonomous and remotely controlled through complex IT systems. These systems will operate in complete safety thanks to the cybersecurity measures adopted by the Romanian state. Energy investments and cybersecurity are intertwined in a unified strategy to protect national interests. I believe that one conclusion from the discussions held during this period and at this forum is that the energy of the future cannot be separated from technology and digitalization. In this context, cybersecurity is a fundamental condition for the safe operation of energy systems. The level of cyber threats in the energy sector has increased exponentially in recent years. Attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and their impact can affect millions of people. The Cybersecurity in Energy Forum you have organized is necessary. I truly believe that from such discussions, even if they are highly technical, we can draw very good conclusions. Obviously, we remain open to learning from you what you believe the problems are—and the solutions at the same time.”
