For the first time, the Republic of Moldova was invited to participate in the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE), held on Monday in Luxembourg. Our country was represented by the Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu. During the high-level meeting, the Energy Ministers of EU Member States discussed the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine and supported the phase-out of Russian gas imports by 2028, in line with the REPowerEU plan.

Minister Junghietu emphasized that the Republic of Moldova has gone through one of the most profound stages of transformation in its history, managing to turn the energy crises triggered by Russia into opportunities for economic development and the strengthening of energy independence.

“Today, Moldova no longer depends on Russian energy resources. We have diversified our supply sources, modernized our systems, and taken decisive steps toward integration into the European energy market. We are convinced that Moldova can become a solid pillar in the regional energy architecture — a reliable partner contributing to Europe’s stability and sustainability,” said Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu during the meeting.

The official reiterated that Moldova plays an active role in establishing a common tariff for natural gas transport through the Vertical Corridor to storage facilities in Ukraine, thereby contributing to the neighboring country’s gas supply, creating a competitive model for suppliers, and strengthening the energy security of countries in Southeastern Europe.

At the same time, Dorin Junghietu expressed the Moldovan Government’s gratitude to the European Union for its continued support in modernizing the energy sector:

“We express our sincere gratitude for the European Union’s ongoing support in developing our country’s energy sector. EU assistance has enabled us to modernize infrastructure, diversify sources, and strengthen sector institutions. We also appreciate the EU’s openness to support our efforts to prevent a potential energy or humanitarian crisis on the left bank of the Dniester River, where our Moldovan citizens live.”

The minister also highlighted Moldova’s recent progress toward European integration, including the increase in renewable energy capacities, the development of storage systems, and the launch of new interconnection projects with Romania.

“Every megawatt produced from renewable sources, every reform implemented, and every new interconnection represents a steady step toward a Moldova fully integrated into the European energy space. Moldova is ready to contribute — with determination, responsibility, and the firm conviction that our future is European,” the minister concluded.

It is worth recalling that in May 2025, the European Commission adopted the REPowerEU roadmap, which provides a phased approach to gradually eliminating remaining energy imports from Russia and strengthening the European Union’s energy independence and security.

Furthermore, in June of this year, the Commission proposed the gradual phase-out of Russian natural gas imports — both pipeline and LNG — with a total ban to take effect by January 1, 2028.