European Commission praises Moldova for progress in energy sector

The European Commission has praised Moldova for its remarkable progress in the energy sector, according to the 2025 Annual Report on the progress of countries candidates for EU accession. The document highlights essential transformations achieved in Chapters 15 - Energy and 21 - Trans-European Networks, regarded as  crucial for the European integration process, reports MOLDPRES, with reference to the Ministry of Energy.

The Commission notes that Moldova has made significant steps in transposing and implementing European norms in the energy field, gradually eliminating dependency on the thermal power station in the Transnistrian region and switching to electricity imports from Romania. At the same time, natural gas is purchased on the stock exchange and stored in Ukraine and Romania, ensuring the domestic supply during the last two winter seasons.

The report also mentions the amendment of the Gas Law, which mandates the storage of a natural gas volume equivalent to at least 15 per cent of annual average consumption, as well as the establishment of a framework for gas market’s liberalization. The process of reducing public service obligations for large industrial consumers is set to be completed by April 1, 2026, according to decisions by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE).

Moreover, the European Commission welcomes the complete separation of natural gas transport and supply activities, in accordance with the EU's Third Energy Package requirements, as well as the adoption of the Electricity Law, harmonized with European standards on the electricity market. The report also notes progress in the renewable energy sector, through tenders for the construction of photovoltaic and wind parks with a total capacity of over 170 MW.

Additionally, the Commission highlights the reorganization of the Energy Efficiency Agency into the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED), responsible for implementing energy efficiency projects in public and residential buildings. Moldova has also begun aligning with European standards on nuclear energy and radiological protection.

In the area of trans-European networks, the report recommends speeding up  energy infrastructure projects, in order to reduce the country's vulnerability and enhance interconnection with neighboring states. Key projects include the 400 kV power lines Vulcanesti–Chisinau, Balti–Suceava, and Balti–Nistru Hydroelectric Power Station (Ukraine).

The European Commission concludes that the significant progress made by Moldova in the energy sector confirms the country's capability to build an integrated and sustainable energy system, compatible with the European Union’s one.