"Through this package, the EU is ready to finance the purchase and transportation of gas to the Transnistria region, to help restore electricity and heating to more than 350,000 residents in the region until 10 February 2025. This package could also enable the supply of electricity from the left bank to the right bank of the Dniester River," the EC statement said.
In addition, "the EU is committed to providing a financial support package to Moldova in the coming weeks to mitigate the social consequences of the crisis for the people of the Republic of Moldova, while laying the foundations for long-term energy resilience and economic growth in Moldova," the EC added.
The release noted that from the time delivery begins, the system needs time to fully deliver gas.
Gas supplies to Moldova were stopped in early January after Ukraine refused to extend a Russian gas transit agreement and Chisinau refused to settle its gas debt, which Russia estimated at $709 million.
While Moldova was able to weather the lack of Russian gas, the breakaway region of Transnistria had no alternative gas source. Central heating in Transnistria was shut off, hot water supplies to residential buildings were cut off, industrial enterprises were closed, and rolling blackouts occurred.
The Moldova power plant on the left bank of the Dniester River has been converted to coal, with coal reserves expected to last until late January or mid-February.
Also related to the gas crisis in Transnistria, Prime Minister Dorin Recean informed on January 27 that the Moldovan government decided to provide Transnistria with 3 million cubic meters of gas in the form of credit, allowing gas transportation to continue until January 31.
He also confirmed, "The EU has provided Moldova with a grant of 30 million euros to purchase gas and produce electricity for Moldova at crisis-adjusted prices to ensure consumption in Transnistria."
The Moldovan prime minister added that Brussels intends to implement a two-year "energy sustainability enhancement" program that would help Chisinau reduce its energy dependence.
