State of emergency in Moldova: the country was left without gas

The Parliament of Moldova decided to introduce state of emergency for 60 daysstarting December 16, 2024, due to the expected cessation of Russian natural gas supplies to Moldova from January 1, 2025.

This means that Moldova will become the first country in Europe to face cold weather due to the refusal to receive Russian natural gas, while it is expected increase in energy prices for households and businesses also in other countries.

This decision has been made 56 votes in favor of 101 deputies following a proposal by Prime Minister Dorin Recan, who stressed the need to protect the Transnistria region, which depends on Russian gas. A state of emergency allows the government to react quickly and limit energy exports to ensure energy security of the country.

Moldova receives Russian natural gas through Ukraine, but transit agreement between Ukraine and Gazprom expires December 31, 2024. Ukraine has stated that it will not extend it.

Prime Minister Recan accused Russia of “energy blackmail”. He claimed that President Putin is seeking to leave Transnistria without gas and electricity in order to destabilize Moldova. The government is considering alternative routes for gas supplies, for example, through a gas pipeline TurkStreamwhich passes through Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania.

Nevertheless, Gazprom links the continuation of supplies through alternative routes with the requirement to repay a debt in the amount of $709 million for previous deliveries. This situation creates serious challenges for energy security of Moldovaespecially on the eve of winter. The government is taking measures to ensure energy sufficiency and protect citizens from possible shortages.

The cessation of natural gas supplies from Russia to Moldova is due to several reasons, mainly geopolitical, economic and energy:

• Expiration of the agreement on transit through Ukraine. The supply of Russian natural gas to Moldova is carried out through Ukraine. However, the transit agreement between Gazprom and Ukraine is expiring December 31, 2024. Ukraine has said it will not renew the agreement, citing the war and ongoing tensions with Russia.
• Geopolitical tension. Moldova is oriented towards the European Union and the West. Its president, Maia Sandu, said the country's goal is full accession to EU. This has caused strong discontent in Moscow, which considers Moldova critical for geopolitical stability in the region.
• Unpaid debts. Gazprom claims that Moldova has a debt of $709 million for previous supplies of natural gas. Although Moldova disputes the exact amount and legality of this demand, Gazprom links the continuation of supplies to the repayment of this debt.

Moldova is trying to diversify its sources of natural gas supplies by considering alternative routes through Romania and Turkey. In addition, she began measures to energy saving and natural gas storage to reduce its dependence on Russia.

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