• Energy was, is and continues to be the currency of power and a pillar of security – this was the main conclusion of the participants at EnergIntell 2025.
• Leaders of the energy sector, including George Niculescu (President of ANRE) and Corneliu Bodea (President of the Romanian Energy Center), emphasized that energy is no longer merely a resource but a strategic vector of economic and geopolitical influence.
• The EnergIntell 2025 Conference, a think tank gathering researchers, professors, diplomats, and decision-makers in energy and related sectors, reinforced Romania’s role as a platform for reflection on energy transition, emerging technologies, and the interdependence between energy security and national security.
• The debates were framed within a broader analytical paradigm, where the ability to anticipate developments, characteristic of business intelligence approaches, reveals new perspectives.

The International Conference EnergIntell marks its 3rd edition this year, bringing together leaders from academia, industry, and policy to explore energy transitions and their impact on global security. EnergIntell is co-organised by two flagship programmes of Bucharest Business School: the Business Intelligence MBA and the Energy MBA. The Business Intelligence MBA is the only accredited programme of its kind in the region, developing analytical and professional skills that enable students to make data-driven decisions. The Energy MBA, in turn, prepares emerging professionals to tackle the complex challenges of energy, technology, and sustainability. Both programmes bring together a diverse mix of students and faculty, drawing on strong industry partnerships to offer practical, hands-on learning experiences.

In a volatile geopolitical context marked by crises, energy transition, and the need for strategic independence, Romania is increasingly asserting itself as a regional energy hub for Southeast Europe (SEE), capable of supporting strategic infrastructure and energy security projects with cross-border impact. With a balanced energy mix – nuclear, hydro, natural gas, and renewable sources – Romania stands at a crossroads between the European green transition and the need for economic resilience and energy security. These are the main conclusions of the 3rd edition of the International Conference EnergIntell – “Energy Concerns in National Security and Business Intelligence.”

The discussions highlighted the convergence of energy, technology, education, institutional credibility, and business intelligence as the foundation for regional competitiveness. The event was organized yesterday by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies through the Faculty of Business Administration in Foreign Languages (FABIZ), with support from the Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy, the Romanian Energy Center, and the Carol I Central University Library.

The strategic dimension of energy and the need to protect critical and informational infrastructure was highlighted by George Niculescu, President of ANRE:

“Energy no longer means just production or transport – it has become a strategic instrument of power. In a geopolitical context marked by pressure and disinformation, energy security also means information security. Romania must be prepared to protect its critical infrastructure, as well as public perception of its own stability.” He added that predictability and trust are key pillars for attracting strategic investments.

Amid the profound transformations affecting the global energy sector, Romania faces the challenge of strengthening its energy security while keeping pace with green transition and sustainable development objectives.

“Romania and Southeast Europe are at the intersection of vulnerability and opportunity. The future of energy is no longer measured merely by installed capacity but by resilience, cooperation, and adaptability. Energy independence is not a destination but a constant process of reinforcing economic sovereignty,” said Daniela Lulache, international expert in energy policies.

In a global landscape marked by competition for resources and influence, energy has become a central element of economic and geopolitical balance. In this context, Corneliu Bodea, President of the Romanian Energy Center and CEO of Adrem, emphasized the importance of leveraging Romania’s energy mix as a tool for consolidating power and economic independence:

“Energy, in all its forms, is the currency of power. Countries that manage it efficiently will hold economic and geopolitical control for the decades to come.”

Looking beyond the technological dimension of energy, Mireille Rădoi, founder of EnergIntell and General Director of the Carol I Central University Library, stressed that Romania’s energy progress depends on society’s ability to integrate education, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration:

“We often talk about megawatts, grids, and infrastructure, but at the heart of this equation lies something more delicate to build and harder to defend: trust. Trust between states, institutions, and generations. The energy transition is not merely technical; it is cultural, requiring communication and bridging the gap between knowledge and understanding. No level of innovation, not even AI, will save us if we cannot wisely translate it into tangible benefits for humanity. Sustainability begins in our minds before reaching the market.”

The EnergIntell 2025 Conference reaffirmed that energy is a vector of power and national stability, and Romania possesses the resources, expertise, and strategic position necessary to leverage the energy transition, stimulate innovation, and strengthen regional cooperation in the field.

The event became a hub for these concerns, bringing together representatives of public institutions, academia, and the energy sector, alongside guests from Australia, Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands, the USA, and Turkey. Notable contributions included Landon Derentz, Vice President for Energy and Infrastructure at the Atlantic Council; Erik Elgersma, Director of Strategic Analysis Services BV; H.E. Radu Safta, Romanian Ambassador to Australia; Mathew Warren, Director of the Centre for Cybersecurity Research and Innovation (CCSRI) at RMIT University; Michael Goodsite, Pro-Rector at the University of Adelaide; Dimitrios Triantaphyllou, Professor of International Politics at Panteion University in Athens; Mian Waqar Badshah, Lecturer at Istanbul University; Igor Linkov, Lecturer from the USA; and Dr. Bernard Siman, O.B.E., Senior Associate Fellow at the Egmont Institute.

A key innovation of the event was the drafting of a resolution encompassing the most important viewpoints and recommendations of the participants. The conclusions of this conference, as well as questions for the next edition on October 22–23, 2026, were presented and moderated by Prof. Dr. Cristian Bușu, Pro-Rector of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, and Prof. Dr. Irena Chiru, contributor at the Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy. The conference program also included a study visit to the Paltinu Dam.

“As we move forward in time, let us not forget that energy is the language through which civilization negotiates its future – and today, here, we are its representatives,” stated Mireille Rădoi, Director of the Carol I Central University Library.

Key Takeaways of the 3rd EnergIntell – 2025: 

Disinformation and Hybrid Threats have become key to energy security

The EnergIntell 2025 discussions highlighted the high degree of interconnectivity between national security, energy, and competitiveness, which fundamentally shapes the current European landscape. Rising geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russia – Ukraine war, have exposed systemic vulnerabilities driven by global dependence on fossil fuels, while the weaponisation of energy – especially through disrupted EU–Russia ties – has caused severe price fluctuations and market instability. Legacy infrastructure from the 1970s and 1980s remains largely incompatible with modern, interconnected, and digital energy systems, and the growing integration of renewables has introduced increased unpredictability and volatility to the grid, necessitating automation and advanced control technologies. At the same time, greater automation expands exposure to cyberthreats, making robust digital security frameworks essential. Disinformation campaigns and manipulative narratives further undermine public trust and policy coherence, reinforcing the urgent need to protect critical energy and digital infrastructures from both physical and cyber threats.

Looking ahead, the conference stressed the importance of diversifying energy sources and supply chains to ensure security, autonomy, and resilience across Europe and beyond. Participants emphasized the need to prioritize the development and manufacturing of advanced energy technologies within Europe to reduce external dependence, while strengthening public–private partnerships to accelerate innovation, modernize infrastructure, and reinforce security. The definition of critical infrastructure should also broaden to include energy-related digital assets, supply chains, and communication systems. Success, they argued, should be measured by the ability to build resilience, sustain alliances, and maintain operational stability under stress. Global collaboration – particularly among the United States, Europe, and strategic partners – is essential to ensure transparent progress in energy technologies. Finally, a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to EU defense, with a focus on reinforcing both the eastern and southern borders, was deemed critical for long-term energy and security stability.

ABOUT

• Mireille Rădoi, Intelligence MBA Program Director, Bucharest Business School