CHISINAU, Moldova — On Friday, Moldova’s parliament took decisive action by approving a state of emergency in the energy sector due to concerns that Russia may cut off natural gas supplies to the nation during the upcoming winter months.
A significant majority of lawmakers in Moldova’s 101-seat assembly supported this measure, which is set to commence on December 16 and continue for a duration of 60 days. During this period, a special commission will be tasked with urgently implementing strategies to handle “imminent risks” related to potential gas supply shortages for the Kuciurgan power plant. This plant is the largest electricity producer in Moldova and is located in the separatist region of Transnistria, which has strong ties to Russia.
Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean highlighted the “exceptional situation” the country finds itself in, suggesting that Russia might intentionally use energy supplies as a means of destabilizing Moldova, potentially leaving citizens without heat or electricity in the midst of winter. The Kuciurgan plant relies on natural gas from the Russian energy company Gazprom, generating much of the electricity consumed across Moldova. The plant was privatized by Transnistrian officials in 2004 and was later sold to a Russian state-owned enterprise, though Moldova does not recognize the legitimacy of this privatization.
In late 2022, Moldova experienced severe power outages that resulted from Russian attacks on Ukraine, which is connected to the Kuciurgan facility. “This must be the last winter in the country’s history in which we face energy-related threats,” Recean stated. He further asserted that the ongoing crises appear to be intentionally incited to instigate chaos and panic in the population.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that a disruption in natural gas supplies could lead to both economic and humanitarian challenges but reassured citizens that no one in Moldova would be left “in the cold and dark.” Concurrently, Transnistria has also proclaimed its own state of emergency to prepare for the possibility of a gas supply cutoff.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova—home to approximately 2.5 million residents—was heavily reliant on Moscow for natural gas; however, the nation has since made efforts to diversify its energy sources. Romania’s energy minister, Sebastian Burduja, stated recently that Romania possesses the capabilities to assist Moldova “if the situation demands it,” emphasizing the importance of standing united against aggression from the east.
In recent political developments, Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu successfully secured a second term last month, and the electorate demonstrated support for the country’s EU aspirations during recent referendums. These political events have been complicated by ongoing allegations of Russian interference aimed at thwarting Moldova’s westward movement. Nevertheless, Russia has denied any involvement in Moldova’s internal affairs.