Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, unveiled a new assistance program for Moldova as the effect of the conflict in neighboring Ukraine has caused energy costs to soar, Deutsche Welle reports. The legislation will provide Moldova with the necessary energy support “as it goes through the winter,” the EU Commission chief said at a news conference in Moldova with President Maia Sandu.
“First, we are pledging €200 million to help Moldova meet its gas supply needs. This will consist of €100 million in grants and €100 million in loans. The money should be available from January 2023,” Ursula von der Leyen said at a media briefing with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau.
Due to the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February this year, Moldova, a country with a population of 2.5 million people that depends on gas from Russia via Ukraine, has been experiencing a severe energy crisis, according to Anadolu Agency.
The former Soviet nation, which is sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, has been affected by power shortages as a result of Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure of that country and reductions in the amount of gas supplied by Gazprom, the country’s state-owned gas company.
Responding to criticism of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, Von der Leyen has also claimed that Russia is “weaponizing” energy.
Even before the conflict in Ukraine, the economic situation in Moldova was severe, with gas prices soaring over the previous 12 months. Many people blame the pro-Western leadership for the nation’s faltering economy, which has frequently resulted in anti-government demonstrations.
Last month, Gazprom announced a roughly 30% decrease in gas supply to Moldova.
Earlier this week, a senior official said that the Moldovan government may file a lawsuit against Gazprom, over the significant reduction in natural gas supplies.
Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu said late on Monday that attorneys were exploring whether fines are applicable over failure to provide the full volume of gas in accordance with the contract.
“When it becomes clear, we will decide what actions to take and in what direction to act,” Spinu noted, as cited by Euronews.
