Transnistrian region’s energy crisis: EU aid hinges on human rights reforms
Today marks the end of the Transnistrian region's access to natural gas provided by the European Union's €20 million grant.
The aid covered the period of February 1-10, but Brussels is prepared to allocate a further €60 million in non-repayable financial assistance to address the energy crisis. Chișinău awaits a response from Tiraspol, which has yet to officially comment on the proposal.
EU conditions for further energy assistance
The European Union has stated that continued support is conditional on meeting clear requirements regarding human rights and energy market regulation in the Transnistrian breakaway region.
According to the Moldovan government, the Tiraspol administration must:
- Implement measures to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms in the region.
- Implement a plan to progressively align energy tariffs with market prices.
Chișinău authorities have confirmed that the letter outlining these conditions was sent to the Tiraspol administration, but no official response has yet been received.
In the first seven days of February, Energocom supplied 17.275 million cubic meters of natural gas to the Transnistrian region at the request of Tiraspoltransgaz.
The European Union has approved a €250 million energy support package for Moldova, of which €30 million has already been allocated to purchase electricity and supply gas to the region. A further €100 million will be provided by mid-April to offset consumer energy bills on the right bank of the Dniester, and €60 million is earmarked to support citizens in the Transnistrian region, contingent on respect for fundamental rights and energy tariff adjustments.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
