Moldova has declared a state of emergency in response to growing fears that Russia may halt gas supplies, threatening the country’s energy security this winter. The move comes as officials brace for potential disruptions and seek to stabilize the nation’s energy situation.
State of Emergency to Safeguard Winter Energy Supplies
On Friday, Moldova’s parliament approved a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector, beginning on December 16. This decision is aimed at preparing for a potential gas cut-off to the Kuciurgan power plant, Moldova’s largest energy supplier, located in the breakaway pro-Russian region of Transnistria.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean described the situation as “exceptional” and warned that Moscow could exploit energy supplies to destabilize the country. “We risk being left without heat and electricity in the middle of winter,” he said.
Kuciurgan Plant’s Strategic Role
The Kuciurgan power plant relies on gas from Gazprom, the Russian energy giant, to generate electricity for much of Moldova. Although the plant was privatized by Transnistrian authorities in 2004 and sold to a Russian state-owned company, Moldova does not recognize this sale.
In late 2022, Moldova experienced widespread power outages after Russian missile strikes on Ukraine, which disrupted the interconnected energy grid. Recean stressed that Moldova must reduce its dependence on Russian energy, saying, “This should be the last winter where energy is used as a threat.”
Transnistria Declares Parallel Energy Emergency
The separatist region of Transnistria, which broke away from Moldova in 1992 but remains unrecognized internationally, also declared a state of emergency. The region fears it could face severe energy shortages if Russian gas supplies are cut off.
Efforts to Diversify Energy Sources
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova has been working to diversify its energy sources. Neighboring Romania has pledged support. Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja stated, “We have the resources to support Moldova if necessary. It is our duty in the face of eastern aggression.”
Moldova’s Path Toward the European Union
In October 2024, President Maia Sandu won re-election, reinforcing Moldova’s commitment to EU membership. A concurrent referendum confirmed widespread public support for closer ties with the EU. However, these moves have been overshadowed by allegations of Russian interference, which Moscow denies.
Despite these challenges, Moldovan authorities remain determined to protect citizens from energy disruptions. Recean assured the public that no one would be left “cold and in the dark” this winter.
