Maria Zaharova reacts to Chișinău’s plan to borrow €400M from EBRD for energy independence
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the decision by the authorities in Chisinau to secure a 400 million euro loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This loan, which is guaranteed by the Government, aims to enhance the Republic of Moldova's energy independence. In a post on her Telegram account, Zakharova claims that this loan will ultimately lead to the energy "enslavement" of the Republic of Moldova.
The Moldovan government announced its plan to take out a loan of 400 million euros to terminate its contract with the Russian-Moldovan natural gas distribution company, "Moldovagaz." The spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow commented, "This decision can be translated from Romanian into Moldovan as a way to exploit and push the country into energy dependence."
The authorities aim to secure sufficient gas stocks and the necessary liquidity for purchases during the winter season of 2025–2026 by contracting a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This strategy is intended to reduce the risk of tariff increases for the population.
"Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of energy resources is a strategic priority for the Republic of Moldova. This is essential for protecting our citizens, especially the most vulnerable, and for maintaining economic and social stability. Through this financial instrument, we will enhance the state's capacity to handle potential crises and guarantee the continuity of supplies to the population," stated Carolina Novac, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy, during the last Government meeting.
The loan, which amounts to up to 400 million euros, is structured in three installments of 300 million euros and includes a five-year revolving credit facility.
