The European Commission and the Republic of Moldova have agreed on a two-year Comprehensive Strategy for Energy Independence and Resilience to reduce Moldova’s dependence on Russian energy supplies and integrate it into the EU energy market.
This strategy includes €250 million in total support for Moldova by 2025, with €100 million to be provided by the EU by mid-April. An additional €60 million is earmarked for the Transnistrian region, contingent on certain conditions. Gazprom’s failure to deliver gas has caused a severe energy crisis, impacting both Moldova and Transnistria.
“The strategy we agreed today will help bring Moldova to the EU faster, integrating Moldova into the EU energy system. Making Moldova more energy resilient and independent, and promoting energy efficient investments. As a first step, we will help lower rising energy costs for all Moldovans, in particular for the most exposed households, schools, hospitals, and businesses,” explained Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement.
From 2021 to 2024, the EU has already contributed €240 million in budget support to help vulnerable populations. During the 2023-2024 heating season, over 750,000 households received assistance through the EU-supported Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund (EVRF).
On January 27th, the EU proposed a €30 million emergency assistance package to help Moldova tackle the ongoing energy crisis. This package will compensate households for excess electricity costs and include a hardship fund for vulnerable families and social institutions. Another €15 million will be allocated to support energy bills for agro-food and manufacturing businesses, while €50 million will be available for sustainable energy efficiency projects.
Overall, the strategy aims to enhance Moldova’s energy security and eliminate reliance on Russian energy supplies, with current efforts ensuring the energy system operates without blackouts.
“Ensuring Moldova’s energy security is key for Europe’s long-term resilience and independence from Russian supplies,” highlighted Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing.
“This comprehensive package shows our determination to support the most vulnerable in Moldova, as we continue to pursue our clean transition together. This is the most effective way to ensure home-grown, clean, stable and independent energy systems underpin our prosperity and competitiveness,” Commissioner Jørgensen added.
The strategy will be implemented in three steps to address immediate and long-term challenges.
First, the Commission has announced €30 million in emergency support, with €10 million for electricity purchases on European markets to reduce consumer prices on the Right Bank and €20 million for emergency gas purchases in the Transnistrian region.
Second, an additional €100 million will be provided by mid-April to help consumers on the Right Bank cope with higher energy bills, with extra funding for the Transnistrian region dependent on progress in human rights.
Finally, the Commission and international partners will finance actions to improve Moldova’s energy resilience and lower costs for all Moldovans as part of the Moldova Growth Plan, to be implemented by the end of 2026.
