Gazprom seeks to undermine Moldova's stability by cutting gas supplies - NB8

VILNIUS - Russia's state-owned natural gas giant Gazprom's decision to suspend gas supplies to Moldova is aimed at undermining the country's political and economic stability, the Nordic and Baltic countries say.

"We note Gazprom’s decision to cease gas supplies to Moldova as of January 1, 2025. This action is aimed at undermining political and economic stability in Moldova," reads the statement signed by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and issued on Tuesday.

Last Saturday, the Kremlin-controlled Gazprom announced it would suspend gas supplies to Moldova from January, allegedly because of its high arrears.

Gazprom claims that Chisinau is not fulfilling its obligations under the existing contracts, and says it reserves the right to take further action, including the complete termination of the gas supply contract with Moldova's main gas operator, Moldovagaz.

As temperatures have dropped below freezing in Moldova, people are forced to burn wood or use electric heaters.

Moreover, the supply of power is also disrupted in Moldova. Up until this year, 70 percent of electricity used in the country came from Russian-controlled Transnistria, but it has now been cut off, and the Moldovan government says its electricity needs will be met by imports from Romania.

The Baltic and Nordic statement welcomes the Moldovan authorities' measures to ensure stability of gas and electricity supplies.

"We will work with the European Commission and other key partners to be ready to step up international assistance to Moldova to this end. Recent infrastructure improvements and increased transmission capacities have significantly enhanced Moldova’s resilience to external energy pressures, reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening its energy security," the statement reads.

"We remain firmly committed to supporting Moldova in managing the current energy challenges and in advancing the reform of its energy sector. These efforts are essential not only for Moldova’s sustainable development but also for the stability of the wider region, particularly in light of Europe’s broader energy security goals and the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine," it says.