EU holds second High Level Energy Dialogue with the Republic of Moldova

Today, the EU held its second High Level Energy Dialogue with the Republic of Moldova, co-chaired by Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister, Andrei Spînu, and Minister of Social Protection and Labour, Marcel Spatari. The meeting built on the strong cooperation and partnership on energy matters, increased over the past months in the face of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The discussions set the direction and pace for further work on energy security and connectivity, energy market reforms and technical and financial assistance to mitigate the impact of high energy prices on vulnerable consumers. With the help of a loan project worth €300 million to be provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Moldova will be able to purchase gas for emergency purposes and storage ahead of next winter.

The broader issues of the clean and just energy transition also featured highly on the agenda, as Moldova continues to work on its National Energy and Climate Plan and its 2030 energy and climate targets within the Energy Community. Efforts to reduce energy poverty will also accelerate thanks to a jointly developed fund to support energy efficiency of residential buildings.

Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said:

Following the EU Leaders’ recent decision to grant the Republic of Moldova, alongside Ukraine, the EU candidate country status, our relations have taken on a new dimension. We are already working closely together on energy issues, but we will strengthen our partnership further and prepare the Moldovan energy system for its European future.

As part of the EU’s commitment to provide support to the Republic of Moldova, the EU-Moldova High-Level Energy Dialogue was launched in October 2021. Since then, the Commission has worked actively to ensure that the Republic of Moldova can maintain stable electricity and gas supplies. Following Moldova’s energy crisis in October 2021, the EU’s direct support has resulted in the first ever gas purchases from non-Russian sources, paving the way to the country’s energy diversification and independence. Moldova can also be part of the newly established EU Energy Platform, which coordinates measures to secure energy supplies at affordable prices.

The EU has also supported the emergency synchronisation of the electricity grids of Moldova and Ukraine with the Continental European Network, in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This is both a practical and a strategic initiative which helps to speed up Moldova’s energy independence. Today also the trade of electricity between Ukraine and Moldova with the EU has officially started, further strengthening the energy security in the region. Diversification of supply will then be further accelerated with the development of renewables, which remains a key area of energy cooperation between the EU and Moldova.

Related links

• Statement on Synchronisation of Ukrainian and Moldovan Grids (16/03/2022)
• EU Neighbourhood-East
• EU Energy Platform