The Republic of Moldova presented at OECD Eurasia Week 2026, held in Paris, a set of measures and proposals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and modernizing industry, with a focus on carbon-intensive sectors such as cement, electricity generation, and steel. The State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, Carolina Novac, responsible for the green transition, emphasized the need to align with the provisions of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

“CBAM affects our exports, but it is also an opportunity to accelerate the transition to clean technologies, increase energy efficiency, and implement best environmental practices in industry,” Carolina Novac explained during the discussions.

She highlighted that environmental risk management in Republic of Moldova is pursued through prevention, modernization, and compliance, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, the deployment of renewable energy in industry, cleaner production technologies, and strict pollution control mechanisms aligned with European Union standards. In 2023, for example, assessments of CBAM’s financial impact on Moldova’s exports showed that cement is the most exposed sector, with certificate costs potentially reaching up to 95% of export value; estimates for 2030–2034 indicate annual costs of MDL 1.3–3.1 million. Iron and steel are less exposed, with carbon costs accounting for under 2% of export value, and projected costs for 2030–2034 ranging between MDL 2.4 and 5.6 million.

The official stressed that Moldova has set ambitious targets under the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan 2025–2030, aiming to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions by 27–31% compared to 1990 levels, cut energy intensity by 50%, and integrate renewable energy into industrial processes. In parallel, the country is developing infrastructure for water management and pollution control, including the modernization of wastewater treatment plants and the expansion of sewerage networks.

At the same time, Carolina Novac presented the latest developments regarding the efficient functioning of markets in the Republic of Moldova as part of a peer-review assessment. The five energy crises the country has faced in recent years were examined, including the partial blackout of January 31 this year and the way these crises were managed. According to the State Secretary, the objective of these policies is to build a more resilient, competitive, and consumer-oriented energy system, aligned with European rules and capable of withstanding external shocks.

The Paris event, themed “Seizing Opportunities, Securing the Future,” brought together leaders from Eurasia to discuss economic competitiveness, trade facilitation, digital transformation, and sustainable development, including support for women’s livelihoods and the development of regional transport corridors such as the Trans-Caspian Corridor.