Romania begins accession process towards IEA membership

Decision by IEA Members marks a major step in Romania's engagement with the Agency and its growing role in international energy cooperation

IEA Members have unanimously agreed to start the accession process for Romania to become a Member of the Agency, a key step in the country's deepening engagement in international energy governance.

The decision by the IEA Governing Board follows Romania's formal request to join the Agency in March 2026, conveyed in a letter to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol and co-signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Țoiu and Minister of Energy Bogdan-Gruia Ivan.

"The decision by IEA Members to begin Romania's accession process is an important milestone in the country's relationship with the Agency," said Dr Birol. "Romania is playing an increasingly significant role in regional energy security and has demonstrated a strong commitment to international cooperation on energy policy. We look forward to working closely with the Romanian government as it advances towards IEA membership."

The decision builds on the growing cooperation between Romania and the IEA. During Dr Birol's visit to Bucharest in November 2025, meetings with Romanian leaders underscored the government's support for the IEA's mission and its interest in deepening cooperation with the Agency on shared energy priorities.

As part of the accession process, the IEA Secretariat and IEA Members will work closely with Romania to ensure it meets the Agency's membership criteria, including obligations related to stockholding, emergency response measures and data reporting.

The start of Romania's accession process further reinforces the IEA's role as the leading organisation for international energy cooperation, at a time when closer collaboration is essential to strengthen energy security, resilience and preparedness across regions.