Today, the European Union (EU) has proposed a €30 million emergency assistance package as a first step to support the Republic of Moldova in tackling the severe energy crisis caused by Gazprom. This package is set to finance the purchase and transport of natural gas to Transnistria, aiding over 350,000 residents with electricity and heating until 10 February 2025. It also allows for electricity supply from the Left Bank to the Right Bank.
Besides gas transport, the EU plans to provide financial aid to mitigate the crisiss social impact in Moldova, while preparing for long-term energy stability and economic growth.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: In the heart of winter, over 350,000 Transnistrian residents face darkness and cold due to halted Russian gas deliveries. We cannot accept this deprivation of basic services in Europe. True friends stand by each other, hence our assistance today. We will supply gas to Transnistria and restore their electricity and heating access.
EU package to address Moldovas energy crisis
The assistance comes amidst a severe energy shortage in Transnistria, as Gazprom failed to fulfill its gas supply obligations since 1 January 2025. The region, relying on coal and limited gas reserves, faces insufficient energy supplies.
The package aims to prevent further humanitarian issues by providing necessary natural gas. Options for coal deliveries from Ukraine are also considered. The EU supports the entire gas delivery route from Bulgaria and Romania to Moldovas entry points.
This €30 million aid targets Moldova, including Transnistria, to purchase gas for electricity and heating, with potential purchases from Ukrainian and European suppliers.
A broader support package is being developed to assist the entire nation, focusing on energy price relief and long-term stability, based on Moldovas Growth Plan.
Background
Gazproms failure to supply gas to Transnistria has triggered a severe energy crisis, affecting Moldova economically and socially. The EU has provided €240 million from 2021 to 2024 to support Moldovas energy sector, aiding vulnerable groups through the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund.
Since 2021, the EU granted €67 million, mobilizing over €640 million in energy efficiency and green energy projects. Moldova also received €295 million in EU macro-financial assistance, focusing on energy sector reforms.
Moldovas grid has been integrated with the European electricity network since 2022. In December 2024, Moldova gained additional export capacity from the EU, and arrangements allow Moldova to utilize Ukraines unused capacity.
With EU support, the Right Bank fully transitioned away from Russian gas in 2022, relying exclusively on EU markets.