Romania makes formal request to join the IEA as a Member country

Letter to Executive Director from Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Energy reflects Agency's strong international standing and role at centre of global dialogue on energy matters

The government of Romania has formally requested to become a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), marking a significant step in the country's deepening cooperation with the Agency and its participation in global energy governance.

The request was conveyed in a letter to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol co-signed by Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Țoiu and Minister of Energy Bogdan-Gruia Ivan.

"I welcome Romania's request to join the IEA, which once again underscores the Agency's strong international standing and its role as the global energy authority," said Dr Birol. "From my meetings with Romanian leaders, it is clear that they are deeply committed to improving energy security, affordability and sustainability, and understand the powerful role of international collaboration in meeting those objectives."

The formal request follows Dr Birol's visit to Bucharest in November 2025, during which he met with Romania's President Dan Nicușor, Prime Minister Ilie Gavril Bolojan Dan, and Minister Ivan. The discussions underscored the Romanian government's strong interest in deepening cooperation with the IEA and highlighted the Agency's role as the global authority on energy.

Romania's request will be considered by IEA Member governments at the next meeting of the IEA Governing Board. If approved, Romania would become an IEA Accession country and begin the process toward membership, which involves aligning national energy policies, data and emergency preparedness frameworks with IEA standards and requirements.