Press Review: Tiraspol's refusal to accept EU assistance appears to be driven by Moscow
Tiraspol's decision to reject natural gas aid from the European Union was the main focus of national publications. The press review explores Moscow's objectives and possible scenarios surrounding this situation.
The pro-Russian separatist regime in Tiraspol has rejected the EU's offer to continue gas deliveries in exchange for democratization in the region, according to dw.com. After exhausting the emergency gas aid provided by the EU, the regime has falsely suggested that the reappearance of gas in the pipeline was due to Kremlin intervention rather than EU assistance. Moreover, Russia is reportedly planning to offer a $50 million credit for gas purchases in Transnistrian region. This scheme, which involves companies from Dubai and Hungary, will only meet Transnistrian region’s needs for the next 16 days. As for how gas will be delivered to Transnistrian region after March 1, 2025, that information remains unclear.
Conversely, Radio Free Europe reports that the Hungarian company MET, tasked with facilitating gas supply to the left bank of the Nistru, is still negotiating with Ukraine regarding gas deliveries to Transnistrian region. In an email to Radio Free Europe, MET Group stated that it is "generally ready for deliveries to any liquid trading point in Europe," including the possibility of assisting the Republic of Moldova. However, it emphasized that deliveries to Moldovagaz can only proceed if the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System Operator is prepared.
Tiraspol’s rejection of aid from Brussels was likely influenced by Moscow, according to Radio Chisinau, which interviewed former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Gheorghe Bălan. He argued that the separatist authorities' refusal of the €60 million aid indicates a lack of independence in their decision-making. Bălan warned that as long as the Transnistrian conflict remains unresolved, the Kremlin will continue to use the region as a political tool to pressure Chisinau and hinder the Republic of Moldova's European aspirations.
Additionally, Ziarul de Garda featured insights from WatchDog expert Andrei Curăraru, who questioned who will repay the loan that the separatist administration plans to take from the Russians. In the short term, the repayment will likely fall on Moscow. However, Curăraru noted that in the long term, the region has no means to repay this debt. He raised concerns about intermediaries in this scheme, specifically highlighting that the Hungarian company involved is known from public reports as a shell company utilized by Viktor Orban to siphon money from the Hungarian energy sector. Curăraru warned that this similar model is now being applied to the Republic of Moldova, suggesting that gas for the Transnistrian region will profit political networks in both Budapest and Moscow.
In a separate issue, Moldova 1 TV reports that an anesthesiologist detained in connection with the death of a businesswoman at a beauty salon has been placed in custody for 30 days. The lawyer for Ecaterina Maniuc claims she did not administer anaesthesia to the victim and was officially employed at the salon to monitor vital signs and perform other necessary tasks. Meanwhile, the prosecutor revealed that the doctor was working without a license in dermato-cosmetology and plastic surgery, and the results of an ongoing investigation will determine whether she administered anaesthesia.
Bani.md has highlighted the significant decrease in the number of authorized medications in the Republic of Moldova, as well as the withdrawal of several foreign manufacturers from the market. This situation creates significant challenges in treating patients. The Ministry of Health notes that while doctors are familiar with clinical protocols, the lack of available medications restricts their ability to administer effective treatments.
Lastly, Agora.md addresses why "Moldovan language" was included as an answer option in the 2024 census. The National Bureau of Statistics explained that the decision was motivated by the principles of "freedom of opinion and expression" and ensuring comparability with previous censuses. Preliminary results from the 2024 census indicate that nearly half of respondents identified as "Moldovan," while 31.3% stated they spoke Romanian.
