US-ROMANIA SPOTLIGHT: HOW TRANSATLANTIC COOPERATION CAN ADVANCE ENERGY SECURITY AND DECARBONIZATION IN THE BLACK SEA REGION - Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center hosted this event on how transatlantic cooperation can bolster energy security and decarbonization in the Black Sea region as it grapples with the repercussions from Russia’s war in Ukraine. Officials from the US and Romanian governments will also explore the Black Sea region’s pivotal role in fortifying Europe’s energy systems against future energy security threats. The conversation included keynote remarks from Amb. Richard L. Morningstar, founding chairman of the Global Energy Center and former US ambassador to the European Union. Olga Khakova, Deputy Director for European Energy Security at the Global Energy Center, moderated the discussion.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has transformed the energy architecture of Europe and highlighted the importance of the United States and Central and Eastern European NATO allies in combating the Kremlin’s energy blackmail. With one key regional partnership – between the United States and Romania – in focus, the discussion explored how US engagement with Black Sea partners can support deployment of renewable energy and natural gas projects as well as efficiency solutions to counter any weaponization of energy now and in decades to come while staying on course to reach net zero by 2050.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 02/06/2023