EU membership application signed 3 years ago: Evolution of the Republic of Moldova on the European path

The Republic of Moldova took a historic step on March 3, 2022, when it officially submitted its application for membership in the European Union. In a tense geopolitical context, marked by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the authorities in Chisinau assumed an accelerated European path. In the three years that followed, the country went through a complex process: it received EU candidate status in June 2022 and opened accession negotiations in June 2024. We review the events that marked the last three years of EU-Republic of Moldova relations and beyond.

A month of crisis // Gas cut off, increased tariffs, disconnections, and the European solution

A month after the energy crisis started, after Gazprom stopped gas deliveries, it is uncertain to overcome it, although solutions seem to exist. The emergency grant of 64 million euros, offered by the European Union, has been approved. However, it remains unclear when gas deliveries to the Transnistrian region will begin from the volumes purchased by Energocom, for which 20 million euros of European aid will be allocated. Chisinau is still waiting for information from Tiraspol about electricity and gas consumption on the left bank of the Nistru. In the meantime, the right bank will continue to import electricity from the European market, only from the 10 million euros provided for in the European grant. Let us look back at the first month of the energy crisis.

Energy deficit concerns after heating season, experts

Experts warn that the Republic of Moldova may face significant challenges in the energy sector following the end of the heating season. They highlight that the energy deficit could increase during this time. Energocom has confirmed that the electricity deficit could become apparent in the summer months when consumption typically rises, but they assure that the situation is manageable and that solutions are being sought.