Moldovan authorities, along with European Union announce proposal to solve humanitarian crisis from Transnistrian region
27 January 2025, Chișinău - The European Union makes available to Moldova an immediate support package worth 30 million euros, in order to overcome the effects of the crisis triggered by Russia and Gazprom, following the refusal to deliver gas to the left bank of Dniester. The support will be provided for the safety of deliveries of electric energy to both banks of Dniester on the immediately next period, as well as for reducing the pressure of tariffs for the Moldovan citizens. Prime Minister Dorin Recean made statements to this effect today.
„The government worked a lot also before 1 January 2025, as well as on the entire period since the deliveries have been ceased at an order by the Kremlin, so that the people are as little as possible affected by this crisis. We proposed more solutions which were refused by the unconstitutional authorities from the left bank of Dniester. Russia failed to provide elementary conditions to the citizens, even if they say that they are permanently taking care of them. We see how the Kremlin made them victims of this despair, but I have said and I repeat – the government will not allow such a scenario. We have worked day after day, in order to produce as many solutions as possible and we now come up with concrete proposals,’’ the prime minister said.
According to the PM, the support package includes three components. The first component regards the immediate intervention and namely the providing of a loan of 3 million cubic metres of natural gas for the left bank of Dniester, necessary for the maintenance of the critical pressure in the pipelines from the region. If those from the left bank of Dniester accept to be helped, this immediate delivery will be part of the EU’s assistance package; if not, the 3 million cubic metres will have to be returned till 1 March or paid by Tiraspoltransgaz at the market price for which the gas was bought by Moldovagaz.
The second component deals with the emergency intervention for the period 1-10 February. In this respect, decision-makers will purchase with EU’s grant of 30 million euros natural gas for the production of electric energy at the Kuchurgan power station for the right bank without payment, as well as for the current consumption of the residents from the Transnistrian region.
„I know, some people will wonder why we provide this assistance without asking for money from the residents of the Transnistrian region. The answer is simple: the people there have no possibility to pay now. While we have the obligation to prevent a humanitarian crisis. This is what, in essence, our offer means – to give a helping hand when the other is in need. And namely this the European Union means – solidarity and a great family which helps when needed. Instead of empty promises and blackmail, EU provides us with a real assistance: money for gas and long-term solutions, in order to overcome this Russian energy blackmail once and forever,’’ Dorin Recean said.
The third component includes a comprehensive energy resilience programme for the next two years. The programme is to cover the period after 10 February and will be given the final touches in the next weeks. It includes investments necessary both for the production and in the distribution of electric energy, measures for reducing and balancing of the tariffs for electric energy and gas for all citizens of Moldova.
„In essence, the European Union again saves Moldova and this assistance means heating, electricity and safety. The solution which we propose proves, once again, the European Union’s commitment to support the real development of the well-being in Moldova,’’ the prime minister also said.
