EU considers additional support for Moldova amid energy crisis
The European Union is exploring ways to support Moldova amid the ongoing energy crisis and will encourage other international donors to contribute, EU Ambassador to Chișinău Iwona Piórko said, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
Piórko noted that Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan had discussed the issue with the European Commissioner for Energy during a visit to Brussels.
Speaking to Pro TV Chișinău, the ambassador acknowledged that rising energy prices and other challenges were affecting several European countries.
“This is indeed a major challenge for many countries. You are not alone in this situation, as several countries across Europe are facing similar difficulties due to rising prices and other problems,” Piórko said.
She emphasized that the European Union had consistently supported Moldova in recent years, particularly through financial assistance aimed at easing the impact of energy costs.
“The prime minister discussed this issue in Brussels. We are considering how we can help, even though we are facing similar challenges ourselves,” she said.
“Of course, the primary responsibility lies with the government, but we will try to help and encourage other donors to contribute. This is something we are currently examining,” the ambassador added.
Piórko reiterated that Moldovan authorities could count on the EU’s willingness to identify solutions to the country’s energy challenges.
EU financial assistance to Moldova
The European Union has provided substantial financial support to Moldova in recent years to mitigate the effects of the energy crisis.
According to the European Commission, the EU has allocated €361 million in budget support since December 2021, primarily to help vulnerable households and small and medium-sized enterprises cope with rising energy costs.
Between 2021 and 2024, direct budget assistance specifically aimed at addressing the energy crisis amounted to €240 million.
In February 2025, the EU and Moldova agreed on an Energy Independence and Resilience Strategy, providing for up to €250 million in financial support during 2025.
Of that amount, €100 million was designated as budget support, while the remaining funds were intended to strengthen energy resilience and reduce the impact of utility bills on consumers.
In January 2025, the EU also provided Moldova with €30 million to purchase natural gas and electricity following the suspension of gas supplies by Gazprom to the Transnistrian region.
According to Moldovan authorities, the funds were used to purchase gas for households, schools and other social institutions in the region.
In February 2025, the Moldovan government increased its Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund by 1.2 billion Moldovan lei, using grants from international partners to cover additional costs resulting from higher energy tariffs.
Moldova prepares for 2026–2027 winter season
In September, the Moldovan government approved a plan to prepare for the 2026–2027 heating season.
The plan includes 52 measures and contingency scenarios designed to address potential disruptions to energy supplies.
According to Moldova’s Ministry of Energy, the main risks for the upcoming winter include fluctuations in natural gas prices, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the impact of drought on electricity generation.
The government aims to strengthen the country’s preparedness for possible supply disruptions while continuing cooperation with European and international partners.
Photo: Chat GPT
