Decisions based on data, not ideology, are the most important and, at this moment, doubling energy resources is the only way to increase supply and reduce energy prices, Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan told Thursday's panel 'Can Europe Compete on Clean Power?', organized within the Davos Forum.

'The most important things are decisions based on data, not ideology. (...) For example, we should not apply the same model in all EU countries. In Portugal and Spain, the best option is to get energy from solar panels. In Norway and Sweden, of course, the situation is different, and the emphasis is on wind energy. And Romania, at this moment, I want to be viewed not only from the folklore perspective of 'Dracula', but also from the perspective of a country that is a leader in the region. We have natural gas, we are the largest gas producer in the European Union. And once we ensure our energy security, we will be able to provide security for Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, for our neighbors - Serbia and Bulgaria', said Ivan.

He also emphasized that at the level of the European Union we must talk about cutting red tape and the elimination of bottlenecks, which are an obstacle to the production of electricity.

'If we talk about speed, when you need 10-11 years for bureaucratic approvals for a hydroelectric or nuclear power plant, although it could be built in three-four years, there is certainly an internal problem. From this perspective, I am convinced that I am ready to make this resettlement and to start with my country, with Romania, to discuss very clearly about cutting red tape and all the blockages that prevent us from producing more energy. At this moment, doubling energy resources in Europe and in Romania is the only way to increase supply and reduce energy prices', the minister of energy stated.

He pointed out that Romanians pay the highest price for energy in the EU, compared to the population's income.

'We are in the same situation as Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece. And we are starting to work together and have a strong voice in Brussels, together with Dan Jorgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy, and to start strong investments in networks, because we need to diversify our resources, not just in renewables. I want to have a strong alliance of the 'friends' of nuclear energy. I want to use EU resources to finance nuclear energy. We have a vast history in the nuclear field. Between 20% and 25% of my country's production comes from nuclear energy. Also, hydropower is one of the best ways to produce cheap and basic energy. From this perspective, I want to look at Romania as a country that has started this transition based on data, not ideology, and to make Romania a country that is no longer dependent on imports, that has enough energy for its own consumption and to supply it to its neighbors. A strong Romania, a strong Bulgaria, a strong Greece, a strong Hungary and so on will bring a strong European Union. Otherwise, if we remain stuck in ideas according to which everyone should use only wind energy or only solar panels, we will definitely have a problem. From my perspective, when I talk about energy, it is not about molecules or physics. It is about people's freedom, about democracy,' Bogdan Ivan said.

He reiterated that Romania is a provider of energy security for the region, for Moldova and Ukraine, but, in order to strengthen this role, it must eliminate all unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, keeping what is necessary, but 'ensuring speed'.

'We are in a global competition - we are competing with China, which has some of the most affordable energy prices, with the Middle East. We now have our strategic partners in the US, with LNG and with the vertical corridor, to supply enough LNG for the whole of Central and Eastern Europe, to support our industry. In this context, we must be very smart and very clear', the energy minister pointed out. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Nicoleta Gherasi; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)