Chisinau has decided to lend natural gas to the Transnistrian region. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Dorin Recean, who specified that today a loan of three million cubic meters of gas will be approved to maintain pressure in the system, IPN reports.
According to the Prime Minister, the solution was coordinated with the European Commission, and its purpose is to immediately end the humanitarian crisis on the left bank of the Nistru River.
Dorin Recean mentioned that the EU support package has three components, the first of which relates to immediate intervention.
"Today, a loan of three million cubic meters of gas for the left bank of the Nistru will be approved to ensure that pressure in the natural gas system can be maintained," stated the Prime Minister during a press conference.
This measure will provide a respite until January 31, 2025. "The European Commission has committed to being part of this grant package, which is to be offered by the EU, provided that those on the left bank of the Nistru accept it. If they do not accept it, they will need to either return the three million cubic meters of gas or pay for it," clarified Dorin Recean.
The second component of the EU support package involves emergency intervention for the period of February 1–10. "In this regard, the EU is offering a grant of €30 million to purchase volumes of natural gas during this period to produce electricity for the right bank at anti-crisis costs and also to ensure gas consumption and electricity production for the left bank of the Nistru," the Prime Minister explained.
The third component includes a comprehensive energy resilience program for the next two years. This involves necessary investments in both electricity production and distribution, as well as measures to reduce electricity tariffs for all citizens of the Republic of Moldova. According to the Prime Minister, this comprehensive program is expected to be finalized in the next three weeks.
"The solution we are proposing today, together with the EU, is yet another proof of friendship and genuine intent to help from the European Union and its member states... This solution once again demonstrates the EU's commitment to supporting the real development of well-being in the Republic of Moldova," the Prime Minister added.
