The government of Romania has formally submitted a request to join the International Energy Agency (IEA), representing a significant advancement in the country’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the Agency and engaging in global energy governance.
In a letter addressed to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, co-signed by Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana-Silvia Țoiu, and the Minister of Energy, Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, sent on 13 April, the Romanian government formally requested.
“I welcome Romania’s request to join the IEA, which further underscores the Agency’s esteemed international standing and its critical role as the global energy authority,” stated Dr Birol.
“Based on my discussions with Romanian leaders, it is evident that they are dedicated to advancing energy security, affordability, and sustainability, and they recognise the vital importance of international collaboration in achieving these goals,” he added.
This formal request follows Dr Birol’s visit to Bucharest in November 2025, during which he met with Romania’s President, Dan Nicușor, Prime Minister, Ilie Gavril Bolojan, and Minister Ivan. The conversations between them highlighted the Romanian government’s strong interest in deepening its partnership with the IEA and reinforced the Agency’s status as the global authority on energy matters.
The member governments of the IEA will deliberate on Romania’s request during their next Governing Board meeting. If approved, Romania will attain the status of an IEA Accession country and initiate the process toward full membership, which includes aligning its national energy policies, data management, and emergency preparedness frameworks with the IEA’s standards and requirements.
