Moldova’s parliament has declared a 60-day state of emergency, commencing on 16th December, in response to the anticipated cessation of Russian gas supplies from 1st January. This critical decision was approved in a midnight vote, with 56 of the 101 parliamentarians supporting Prime Minister Dorin Recean’s call for swift action to safeguard the nation’s energy needs.
The move is seen as a direct counter to what Recean described as Moscow’s “gas blackmail”. He argued that the measure was essential to ensure energy stability, particularly for the separatist Transdniestria region, which relies heavily on Russian gas. The Prime Minister said, “This winter must be the last in the country’s history when we can be subject to energy blackmail.”
Energy crisis unfolding
Moldova’s energy supply has long depended on Russian gas, delivered via Ukraine. However, Ukraine has announced that it will not extend its gas transit agreement with Gazprom beyond its expiration on 31st December. This development has heightened concerns of a total supply cutoff, prompting the Moldovan government to act pre-emptively.
Moldova imports approximately 2 billion cubic metres of gas annually from Russia. Under a 2022 arrangement, all Russian gas supplied to the country is directed to Transdniestria. This unrecognised breakaway region hosts a gas-powered electricity plant that provides energy not only to its own territory but also to government-controlled areas of Moldova.
The Moldovan government has warned that any disruption to this arrangement could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Transdniestria and destabilise the electricity sector across the country. “Failing to provide gas to Transdniestria will lead to a humanitarian crisis and will also create risks for the stability of the electricity sector of Moldova,” the government said in a statement.
The role of transdniestria
Transdniestria declared its own economic state of emergency earlier this week, underlining the region’s vulnerability. The power plant in Transdniestria, which relies entirely on Russian gas, is a cornerstone of its economy and crucial for maintaining electricity supplies to Moldova.
Recean accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking to destabilise Moldova by targeting Transdniestria’s gas and electricity supplies. “Putin wants to leave the population of Transdniestria without gas and electricity and hold them hostage,” he said, emphasising the need for Moldova to act decisively.
Seeking alternatives
While the Ukrainian transit route remains a focal point of concern, Recean dismissed it as an “artificial problem,” suggesting that Russian gas could be redirected through alternative pathways. One such proposal involves using the TurkStream pipeline, which transports Russian gas to Turkey, and then routing it through Bulgaria and Romania to Moldova.
However, the feasibility of this solution remains uncertain. Gazprom has tied the continuation of deliveries via alternative routes to the resolution of a longstanding debt dispute. According to Russian calculations, Moldova owes $709 million for past gas supplies. The Moldovan government disputes this figure, leaving negotiations at an impasse.
Emergency powers and strategic priorities
The state of emergency grants the Moldovan government enhanced powers to address the crisis, including curbing energy exports and reallocating resources as needed. These measures aim to ensure the stability of the country’s energy supply during the winter months.
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Recean urged parliament to approve the emergency measure, highlighting its importance in ending Moldova’s dependence on Russian energy. “This is about ensuring that Moldova never again faces energy blackmail,” he said.
Broader implications
Moldova’s energy crisis reflects the larger geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, where Russia has frequently wielded energy supplies as a strategic tool. The situation underscores the challenges faced by smaller nations like Moldova, which must navigate complex regional dynamics to secure vital resources.
The potential gas cutoff also brings attention to the interconnectedness of European energy infrastructure and the difficulties of diversifying supply routes in a region dominated by Russian exports.
Conclusion
Moldova’s declaration of a state of emergency marks a critical juncture in its struggle for energy security. As the country braces for a challenging winter, its leaders are working to find alternatives to Russian gas while addressing the immediate needs of its population. The crisis serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities posed by energy dependence and the pressing need for resilience in the face of external pressures.
