The European Commission will provide Moldova with 60 million Euro’s to assist with the gas crisis in Moldova. The President of the EU commission, Ursula von der Leyen agreed to the relief after meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita.
The gas crisis in Moldova
Moldova’s energy market is in crisis as it is experiencing a gas shortage this winter that could see millions of residents without gas over Christmas, due to a disagreement with Russia’s Gazprom.
Before the upcoming meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council, the European Commission decided to make available EUR 60 million to help Moldova overcome the current energy crisis, said Ursula von der Leyen, who met in Brussels with the Prime Minister of Moldova Natalia Gavrilica.
The Moldovan PM also met with Had a very productive meeting with Kadri Simson, the EU Commissioner for Energy, in an attempt to find a solution to the ongoing gas crisis.
“EU support in overcoming the crisis and advancing on energy security and energy efficiency issues is essential.”
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What’s happening in Moldova
So what is happening in Moldova? how did the country reach this point? Moldova is struggling with gas shortages and a state of emergency was introduced last week in the country.
The authorities cannot agree with terms with the Russian energy provider Gazprom. Moldova is insisting the State-backed energy firm Gazprom, is playing politics and has suddenly increased gas prices much higher than last year. The Moldovan parliament, based in Chisinau, are negotiating a discount for the poorest EC state. The Russians are willing to give a 25% discount on the condition that Moldova repays a gas debt of 700 million dollars.
Analysis – A former soviet block
The Moldovan nation is a former soviet block and in some corners of Moscow, it is still seen as a part of the ‘new Russian empire’ where former members of the USSR are expected to toe the line.
The Moldovans are trying to break away from their dependency on Russia and commit further into the EU, however, Russia sees it as a vital block to influence the eastern block of the EU and wants it to remain as part of the EC and join the EU in full membership.
Moldova is trying to obtain gas from alternative sources. Recently, it signed a contract with Polish PGNiG for the delivery of one million cubic meters. She also bought a similar amount from the Dutch Vitola. The country also borrowed 15 million cubic meters from Ukraine to prevent a drop in network pressure.
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