Romania has become a formal partner of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) today. By joining forces with REEEP, Romania intends to contribute to the development of regional policies by participating in initiatives across Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.

Bucharest, October 27, 2006

Romania has become a formal partner of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) today. Minister of Economy and Commerce Ioan Codrut Seres has signed the Partnership on Romania's behalf, in the presence of Ambassador Robin Barnett as a representative of the UK which launched REEEP in 2002.

Romania is the 33rd country to have become a partner of this international public-private partnership which promotes policies and regulations in support of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

"Romania's battle in the short term is to increase energy efficiency", said Minister Seres on the occasion of the signing ceremony organised at the Residence of the British Ambassador.

By joining forces with REEEP, Romania intends to contribute to the development of regional policies by participating in initiatives across Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. Romania looks forward to accelerating the dissemination of renewable energy projects as a means of improving energy security, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Ambassador Barnett said:
"Romania is the first country in the region to join REEEP. It is joining the organisation at a time of growth and development, with 50 projects already under way globally and many additional initiatives in the pipeline.

The importance of tackling climate change has never been clearer. As the British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said, the world has to act together to meet the challenge of climatic change."

Romania's REEEP membership is another example of its commitment towards global climate protection and sustainable development. Establishing international co-operation links with this initiative will allow increased development of environmentally-friendly renewable energy sources. Actions have already been taken with the enactment of the Romanian National Strategy on the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and through several legislative initiatives.

The policy changes are creating a more favourable investment environment for the country. "REEEP is extremely pleased to have our first East European government partner, and particularly the commitment of the Romanian Government towards improving energy efficiency", stated Marianne Osterkorn, REEEP's International Director.

The Romanian Agency for Energy Conservation (ARCE) will act as the Romanian Government's representative for REEEP.

Notes for editors

• REEEP is active globally, with over 50 on-the-ground projects targeting the development of policy or financial models that can be replicated by governments and project developers worldwide. In Eastern Europe, REEEP is working with municipalities to remove barriers to energy efficiency in buildings.

• The partnership has more than 180 members, including all G8 countries with the exception of Russia. Switzerland, Argentina and Singapore have joined REEEP in 2006.

• For more information please contact Corneliu Rădulescu, Vice-President of the Romanian Agency for Energy Conservation (ARCE). E-mail: radulescu@arceonline.ro, phone no: + 40 1 314 59 29.