The European Commission and the Republic of Moldova have formalised a two-year Comprehensive Strategy for Energy Independence and Resilience.
The initiative aims to sever Moldova’s reliance on Russian energy supplies while accelerating its integration into the EU energy market. As part of the strategy, the EU and international partners will provide financial and structural support to stabilise Moldova’s energy sector, ensuring long-term security and affordability for consumers.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that the new strategy would accelerate Moldova’s integration into the EU energy system, fostering energy independence and efficiency.
“As a first step, we will help lower rising energy costs for all Moldovans, particularly the most vulnerable households, schools, hospitals, and businesses,” Kos remarked.
Financial Support for Moldova’s Energy Transition
The strategy includes an overall support package of €250 million for 2025, with the EU contributing €100 million by mid-April. Additionally, a conditional offer of €60 million has been made available for residents in the Transnistrian region, subject to commitments on fundamental freedoms and human rights.
In the short term, the package will alleviate energy costs for Moldovan consumers on the Right Bank, compensating households for excess electricity expenses up to 110 kWh per month until 31 December 2025. A hardship fund will also be established to assist the most vulnerable households, covering the full increase in electricity costs for essential social institutions such as schools, kindergartens, and hospitals.
An additional €15 million will be allocated to support energy bills for agro-food and manufacturing businesses. Furthermore, €50 million will be mobilised through international financial institutions for sustainable energy efficiency projects at the local level, benefiting public authorities, households, and SMEs.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, highlighted that Moldova’s energy security is crucial for Europe’s broader resilience against Russian energy dependence.
“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,” Jørgensen stated.
Emergency Assistance and Conditional Support for Transnistria
Gazprom’s decision to cut off energy supplies to the Transnistrian region in January left more than 350,000 residents without heating during winter. In response, €60 million in EU funding has been set aside to provide relief, excluding energy-intensive industries. However, this support is contingent on progress in addressing fundamental rights and freedoms in the region.
The strategy follows the EU’s ongoing efforts to reinforce Moldova’s energy security. Since 2021, the EU has provided €240 million in direct budget support to Moldova’s energy system, assisting the most vulnerable populations. During the 2023-2024 heating season, over 750,000 households benefited from compensation via the EU-supported Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund (EVRF).
Three-Step Strategy for Energy Resilience
The Comprehensive Strategy will be implemented in three phases:
- Emergency Support – In a first step, the EU announced €30 million in emergency aid on 27 January, with €10 million allocated for purchasing electricity from European markets and €20 million designated for emergency gas procurement to meet the basic needs of Transnistria’s population.
- Short-Term Consumer Relief – By mid-April, an additional €100 million will be provided to Moldova to mitigate rising energy costs, particularly for consumers on the Right Bank. Further assistance for Transnistria will be contingent on improvements in human rights conditions.
- Long-Term Investment and Reform – The final stage will involve financing actions and investments to reinforce Moldova’s energy independence and reduce costs for all consumers. These efforts will be integrated into the Reform Agenda under the Moldova Growth Plan, with implementation running until the end of 2026.
EU’s Commitment to Moldova’s Energy Security
The European Union has been actively supporting Moldova’s energy diversification and security. In 2022, Moldova’s power system was connected to the European continental electricity network, enabling electricity imports from the EU. On 1 December 2024, the EU increased export capacity to Ukraine and Moldova from 1.7 GW to 2.1 GW, with Moldova receiving 315 MW.
Additionally, since 2021, the EU has allocated €67 million in grants, leveraging more than €640 million in investments through international financial institutions. These funds have been directed towards energy efficiency improvements in public and residential buildings, as well as the development of Moldova’s green energy transition.
Moldova has also benefited from EU macro-financial assistance worth €295 million since 2023, including €220 million in loans and €75 million in grants. Energy sector reforms have been a key focus of these financial packages.
With the EU’s support, Moldova’s Right Bank successfully diversified away from Russian gas supplies in 2022, at the peak of the European gas crisis. Since then, the Right Bank has relied exclusively on EU gas markets, ensuring a stable and diversified energy supply.
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