Nordic Baltic Eight (NB8) countries on Tuesday expressed support to Moldova, saying halt of gas supply by Russia’s energy giant Gazprom aims at undermining stability.
‘We note Gazprom’s decision to cease gas supplies to Moldova as of January 1st, 2025. This action is aimed at undermining political and economic stability in Moldova,’ the NB8 countries said in a joint statement.
Commending the Moldovan authorities for their measures to ensure stability in gas and electricity supply under ‘these challenging circumstances,’ the statement underlined that they will work with the European Commission and other key partners to be ready to step up international assistance to Moldova to this end.
‘Recent infrastructure improvements and increased transmission capacities have significantly enhanced Moldova’s resilience to external energy pressures, reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening its energy security,’ read the statement.
They also expressed firm commitment to supporting Moldova in managing the current energy challenges and in advancing the reform of its energy sector.
‘These efforts are essential not only for Moldova’s sustainable development but also for the stability of the wider region, particularly in light of Europe’s broader energy security goals and the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine,’ it added.
The Russian energy giant Gazprom announced on Dec. 28 that it would cut gas supplies to Moldova as of Jan. 1, citing the reason as “due to the refusal of the Moldovan side to settle the debt for gas supplies.’
Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria, which has been controlled by pro-Russian separatists since the early 1990s, had been receiving Russian gas through Ukraine.
