Atanasiu explained that Romania has larger energy resources than the neighboring countries, and needs to have a regional role in Europe. The President of AVAS also indicated that a National Energy Company would lead to the development of real competition on the Romanian market. “Quality has not increased and the prices have not dropped. We need a competitor who will force companies to become competitive,” said Atanasiu, quoted by Mediafax.

The company has already received approval from the European Commission, and will be privatized in time, with the sale of small share packages, according to Atanasiu.

Based on a project initiated by AVAS, Electrica electricity distributor and supplier will take over the shares of Rovinari, Turceni and Hidroelectrica energy plants, the latter to be transferred from the portfolio of the Ministry of Economy and Finance to AVAS, in order to create the National Energy Company. Romania's energy strategy, approved last September, includes the establishment of a National Energy Company, to include energy producers and distributors that still belong to the state.