The energy and pandemic crises showed that the European Union will not leave the Republic of Moldova alone in difficulty, said secretary of state of the Romanian Government’s Departament for Realtions with the Republic of Moldoiva Adrian Dupu. According to the Romanian official, until the contract with Gazprom expires, the Moldovan authorities should diversify the natural gas supply sources of the country so as to avoid a new energy crisis in five years, IPN reports.
Adrian Dupu welcomed the exemplary solidarity shown by the European Union and Kiev with the Republic of Moldova, helping it to overcome the energy crisis. In October, both Ukraine and Romanian offered Moldova natural gas for maintaining pressure in the pipeline system, while the European Commission offered Chisinau €60 million for managing the energy crisis.
“The Western partners and Kiev stood by the Republic of Moldova during this crisis and formed this protection shield. In this period and during the pandemic crisis in the Republic of Moldova, we saw that the country is no longer alone at international level. Things changed and are no longer similar to those during the former government or the old presidential administration. Europe proved that when you set off on a road and show that you really want to integrate into the EU, you will not be left alone,” Adrian Dupu stated in the talk show “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.
Andrian Dupu noted that during five years the Republic of Moldova should implement the Third Energy Package, should diversify its sources and should fully realize the potential of the Iasi-Chisinau gas pipeline.
“Two positive things can be seen as a result of the signing of the agreement with Gazprom. First of all, the people will have heat this winter. Secondly, this contract signed for a five-year period should be used by the authorities to pave the way or the same situation will be experienced in five years,” said the Romanian official, noting a long-term energy strategy should be work out so as to considerably reduce dependence on Russia.
SA Moldovagaz and Gazprom signed a five-year contract for the purchase and supply of gas that is based on the old price calculation formula. Under the contract, Moldova will clear the debts to Gazprom accumulated since 1994 following the performance of an independent audit.
