In terms of energy, the top priority for Romania and the Republic of Moldova is Suceava–Bălți and Smârdan–Gutinaș–Strășeni interconnections. These projects are crucial for the Republic of Moldova to rely on Romania in critical moments and to take concrete steps towards the European energy market. Romanian Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja made the statement today.
The Romanian official said that the development of projects funded by European resources, which «can fundamentally improve» the lives of citizens in the Republic of Moldova was discussed at the Palace of Parliament on 20 March. Representatives from the Moldovan and Romanian authorities, along with the coalition candidate for the Romanian Presidency, Crin Antonescu, participated in the discussions.
«Romania understands how complicated the path to European integration is for the Republic of Moldova and that’s precisely why we have reaffirmed that we are wholeheartedly beside them. We have the expertise and the people who have been through all stages of accessing European funds and who can support our colleagues in Moldova, step by step. It’s not just about money, it’s about how we build stronger institutions, more prosperous communities, and a more efficient administration,» stated Burduja.
The Romanian official said that in recent months, Romania has played a decisive role in ensuring the stability and security of the Moldovan energy system.
The Romanian Energy Minister reminded the efforts made by Bucharest authorities to correct «a severe injustice for Eastern Europe».
Energy Minister of the Republic of Moldova Dorin Junghietu highlighted the vital role of regional energy infrastructure interconnection, emphasizing that projects connecting electricity and natural gas networks with Romania are absolute priorities. In this regard, the official reiterated the need for the timely completion of the Vulcănești–Chișinău Energy Independence Line and the acceleration of the other two interconnections, Bălți–Suceava and Strășeni–Gutinaș, which will facilitate Moldova’s integration into the European energy market.
«These projects will significantly contribute to ensuring a secure energy supply at affordable prices for our citizens and will attract investors to Moldova’s energy sector,» he said.
Junghietu emphasized that the energy sector is one of the most advanced chapters in Moldova’s EU accession process, and Romania continues to play a crucial role in this endeavor.
«Although Moldova has not yet benefited from EU pre-accession funds, we have access to a set of funds allocated by the European Union to mitigate crisis effects and benefit from low-interest loans from European banks. We are confident that, with the support of Romanian MEPs, we will be able to access EU funds dedicated to our European integration process in the future,» stated Dorin Junghietu.
The minister reiterated the importance of close collaboration between Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, especially in the context of supporting Ukraine during the crisis period and in the reconstruction process following the war initiated by Russia.
The 14th edition of the forum Boosting absorption of European funds by the Republic of Moldova—candidate country to the EU took place on March 20 at the Chamber of Deputies in the Romanian Parliament. The event brought together around 200 participants, providing an opportunity for dialogue and experience exchange between decision-makers from Moldova and Romania. The forum significantly contributed to strengthening essential inter-institutional partnerships for Moldova’s European future.