Last week, a bilateral screening meeting dedicated to the European Union acquis in the field of energy was held in Brussels, focusing on Chapter 15 – Energy and Chapter 21 – Trans-European Energy Networks. The event marked another essential step in the accession negotiations of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union.

The meeting brought together key institutional representatives involved in the negotiation process on behalf of the Republic of Moldova, including the European Integration Office, the Ministry of Energy, as well as representatives from SA Moldelectrica, UCIPE, CNED, and ANRE. On the EU side, officials from the Directorates-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) and Energy (DG ENER), as well as other experts involved in the negotiation process, were present. The Moldovan delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, and the bilateral screening presentations were delivered by State Secretaries of the Ministry of Energy – Cristina Pereteatcu, Constantin Borosan, and Carolina Novac, who presented the implemented reforms and future plans for harmonizing national legislation with EU laws.

“For Chapter 15 on energy and Chapter 21 on trans-European networks, the Ministry of Energy’s team prepared 14 presentations covering topics such as security stocks, electricity, network codes, nuclear energy, and governance. Some EU regulations have already been transposed into national law, while others are currently being implemented,” stated State Secretary Cristina Pereteatcu, head of the negotiation working group for Chapter 15 and Cluster IV.

During the discussions, the Republic of Moldova’s substantial progress in transposing and implementing the EU energy acquis was highlighted. These achievements were acknowledged in the latest European Commission Enlargement Package, where Moldova received a “moderate preparedness” status and a good level of progress, making Chapter 15 (Energy) one of the most advanced at this stage.

“The ultimate goal of market liberalization, based on the EU model, is to give all consumers the ability to freely choose their energy supplier. Access to a liberalized energy market means that every consumer can negotiate energy prices and seek the best offer, while suppliers offer competitive proposals. At the same time, we have made significant progress in strengthening energy security. We are confident that the Vulcănești–Chișinău transmission line will be operational by the end of 2025. Regarding the second interconnection line with Romania, Bălți–Suceava, the necessary funding sources have already been identified, and work is currently underway on the tender documentation and selection of the company that will carry out this strategic project for Moldova,” highlighted Constantin Borosan, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.

“In the last four years, the share of renewable energy consumption in the Republic of Moldova has increased from 3.5% to, on some days, even 45% of the total national electricity consumption. With two auctions for new renewable energy sources, we are committed to increasing wind-based production and developing a green energy storage system,” stated Carolina Novac, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.

The Republic of Moldova has achieved significant progress in most of the national energy sector development priorities:

• Diversifying supply sources and routes for natural gas and electricity, significantly reducing dependence on a single source – the Russian Federation;

• Liberalizing energy markets, including unbundling of operators, free access to networks, and regional integration;

• Improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources, and enhancing the performance of public institutions in the energy sector.

The Republic of Moldova was also praised for its accomplishments in implementing the EU energy acquis, as reflected by a 66% total compliance score – the highest among all Contracting Parties – in the 2024 Energy Community Implementation Report.

The meeting agenda covered a wide range of topics relevant to Moldova’s integration into the European energy market, such as:

• Nuclear energy

• Trans-European networks

• Electricity

• Network codes and guidelines

• Gas markets

• Security of supply

• Natural gas storage and oil reserves

• Methane emissions

• Energy efficiency

• Energy performance of buildings

• Energy labelling and eco-design

• Renewable energy

• Anti-corruption in the energy sector

In conclusion, EU officials emphasized the importance of continuing key reforms in the energy sector to ensure a rapid, sustainable, and effective integration into the EU single energy market.