The Neptun Deep gas project, developed by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, is progressing despite legal challenges from the environmental NGO Greenpeace, according to Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja. The Bucharest Court recently ruled in favor of the project developers, dismissing Greenpeace’s lawsuit and ordering the NGO to pay compensation to Romgaz and OMV Petrom.
Minister Burduja welcomed the decision, stating that it reinforces the legitimacy of strategic initiatives like Neptun Deep, which are crucial for Romania’s energy security. He criticized Greenpeace’s repeated legal actions as baseless and harmful to the country’s progress, emphasizing that these lawsuits waste valuable time and resources, delaying essential national projects and undermining Romania’s energy stability.
The ruling is seen not only as a legal victory but also as a significant win for Romania’s long-term interests. Minister Burduja stressed that the state should not be forced to divert resources to defend against unfounded claims, particularly when such actions threaten vital infrastructure projects.
The Neptun Deep project is key to ensuring a reliable and affordable natural gas supply for Romania and the wider region. While the court’s decision is a positive development, it is not yet final, as an appeal can be lodged within 15 days. However, Minister Burduja remains optimistic, highlighting the importance of unity and determination in protecting the country’s strategic interests.