The Commission has today reaffirmed its support for Moldova and its energy sector at the fourth EU-Moldova High-Level Energy Dialogue which took place in Brussels. Building on the already strong cooperation between the EU and Moldova on energy matters, today’s exchange was an opportunity to discuss further how to accelerate the integration of Moldova into the EU’s energy market, in particular with the technical and financial support offered by the Commission. The discussion also focused on strengthened collaboration to ensure Moldova’s preparedness for next winter and beyond. The meeting was co-chaired by Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, and the Moldovan Minister of Energy, Victor Parlicov.
In light of the ongoing fragility in the geopolitical context, the Commission and Moldova continue to cooperate closely on ensuring Moldova’s security of its gas and electricity supplies. The Commission presented its views on the EU’s winter preparedness and presented measures taken to bolster the security of supply. Also high on today’s agenda was the EU financial support available to Moldova as it continues to strengthen and diversify its energy system, and discussions on Moldova’s ongoing reforms to align its legislative framework with core EU energy legislation, under its Energy Community commitments.
Commending Moldova for its resolve throughout an immensely challenging period, Commissioner Simson said:
Today’s meeting reconfirmed our support to Moldova as it prepares to face the upcoming energy challenges. We were also able to look beyond next winter and discuss further areas where Moldova and the European Commission can collaborate to further facilitate Moldova’s integration in the EU’s energy market.
The Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) outlined updates on the EU funding instruments available to Moldova, including through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), amongst others.
Both sides also discussed the ongoing regulatory reforms and the assistance that the Commission and the Energy Community can provide to support this process. The Energy Community was represented by its director Artur Lorkowski. The end goal of the regulatory reforms is to ensure the full integration of Moldova into the EU’s energy markets. The Commission welcomed Moldova’s progress to date on the implementation of the Governance Regulation notably the national energy and climate plans (NCEPs) and the renewable energy directive (renewable energy auctions). In addition to the role of renewables in Moldova’s energy transition, discussions also focused on the role of energy efficiency, specifically in residential buildings.
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Details
- Publication date
- 23 May 2023
- Author
- Directorate-General for Energy