Moldovan energy minister in Athens says Moldova's goal full convergence with European Union's energy market by 2027

The goal of Moldova is full convergence with the European Union's energy market by 2027. Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu has made statements to this effect at the 29th edition of the annual ministerial forum organized by The Economist publication, held in Athens.

At the forum, Dorin Junghietu presented the essence of the reforms and transformations implemented by Moldova in the energy sector, described by The Economist magazine as a remarkable example in the region.

At the same time, Dorin Junghietu participated in a panel discussion with his counterparts from Greece, Cyprus, as well as deputy energy ministers from Azerbaijan and Bulgaria. The main subject was regional and interregional cooperation in the energy field, with a focus on challenges related to energy security and the green transition.

Dorin Junghietu highlighted the strategic role of Moldova in the Vertical Corridor initiative, a crucial energy route for energy security in Southeast Europe.

"Moldova had a single natural gas supplier – Gazprom, and contracts with it did not allow purchasing gas on the open market or from other suppliers. Given that  Moldova imports 100 per cent of the gas needed, this opened the way for energy blackmail on behalf of the Russian Federation, which did not hesitate to use energy as a weapon more times," said the minister.

Dorin Junghietu reiterated that the Vertical Corridor route had been a lifeline for Moldova, providing the opportunity to continue gas supply to citizens even in times of crisis. He also said that, by joining this route, Moldova showed that it could bring gas from other providers, eliminating the risk of supply disruptions.

Also, the Moldovan minister had bilateral meetings with Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan Orkhan Zeynalov and Minister of Energy of Cyprus George Papanastasiou. Dorin Junghietu and the delegation of Azerbaijan discussed the collaboration opportunities in renewable energy projects and invited Azerbaijani companies to participate in the second round of tenders for renewable plants and storage capacities, which will be launched in next autumn. In discussions with the Cypriot counterpart, the Moldovan minister explored opportunities for exchange of experience and cooperation in the green energy field.

The annual ministerial forum, organized by The Economist publication, brought together high-ranking officials, political leaders, representatives of the business environment, financial institutions, world organizations and academic environment. The forum provides a platform for constructive dialogues and exchanges of ideas aimed at supporting global progress, including in the energy sector and regional energy security.