A financial arrangement to the value of US$50 million that will enable to purchase natural gas for supplying Moldova with natural gas if need be was signed by Prime Minister Ion Chicu and the EBRD Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Caucasus Matteo Patrone on December 11, IPN reports.

Premier Chicu told a news conference that the commitment was signed in the eventuality that the supply of natural gas to Moldova on the traditional route, via Ukraine, will not be possible as of January 1, 2020 if the third parties do not reach an agreement. “The Government of the Republic of Moldova hopes the given operators will come to terms and we will receive natural gas by the traditional route after January 1, as until now,” he stated.

The official noted the executive identified five reserve scenarios. The signing of today’s agreement forms part of these scenarios. If natural gas is not supplied as usual, the first reserve scenario that will be implemented is to ensure the supply of gas through the Trans-Balkan corridor.

“We are absolutely sure that our cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and with other foreign partners in ensuring energy security is a very important activity and we will continue it. Moreover, at today’s meeting of the Bank’s Board of Directors, there was approved a project concerning the implementation of the famous and debated Iași-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline. So, we enjoy support from the Bank for this project too,” stated Ion Chicu.