Moldovan energy minister in Brussels says energy security no longer political promise, but system under construction

Energy security is no longer a political promise, but a system under construction. We have replaced dependence with diversification, uncertainty with market rules, and isolation with European integration. We have shown that European solidarity works not only in statements, but also in times of crisis. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu has made statements to this effect, who took part in the seventh edition of the High-Level Energy Dialogue EU–Moldova, held in Brussels.

The meeting was co-chaired by European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen and Minister Dorin Junghietu, with the participation of the Energy Community Secretariat. In his opening address, the energy minister highlighted the profound transformation underway in the energy sector of Moldova, as well as the crucial role of the partnership with the European Union. The official emphasized that the energy resilience of Moldova was no longer just an objective, but a concrete process currently in full development.

The discussions focused on key energy priorities in the current geopolitical context, including security of supply, preparation for the warm and cold seasons, reforms of the electricity and gas markets, development of strategic infrastructure and the acceleration of the transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

During the meeting, the minister presented the measures adopted to strengthen energy resilience, including the completion of the Summer Contingency Plan, developed together with European partners. He drew attention to the specific challenges of the summer period, when energy demand is high while the capacity of combined heat and power plants is reduced, while at the same time underlining the level of preparedness of the authorities.

“We are as prepared as possible in the current context, but we remain vigilant in the face of risks, including those generated by regional developments and possible attacks on energy infrastructure,” the minister stressed.

The official referred to development of energy storage capacities, highlighting the inauguration of the first large-scale battery installation and the acceleration of projects in this field. As for the electricity sector, he pointed to the launch of organized wholesale markets and the balancing market, as well as the fact that installed capacity from renewable sources has exceeded the 1 GW threshold.

In the natural gas sector, Moldova has strengthened its supply model by integrating into European markets, diversifying routes and building up commercial and security stocks. In parallel, structural reforms have advanced significantly, including the unbundling of transmission, supply and distribution activities, the liberalization of the gas market and the designation of Energocom as public service supplier.

The minister also highlighted the lessons learned from recent crises in the energy system, including major power outages and attacks on regional infrastructure.

“We have shown that European solidarity works not only in statements, but also in times of crisis. In just a few hours, we managed to restore the energy supply through coordination with Romania and Ukraine,” Junghietu said. He emphasized that interconnection and regional cooperation were essential for the energy security of the entire region.

According to the Energy Ministry, the European Union welcomed the progress made by Moldova in strengthening security and aligning with European standards, reiterating its political, technical and financial support for continuing reforms and developing a modern energy system.

“Energy is not just kilowatts and cubic meters. It means trust, stability and the European future of our citizens. Moldova is ready to build this future together with the European Union,” Dorin Junghietu concluded.

The High-Level Energy Dialogue EU–Moldova, launched in 2021, is an essential platform for coordinating cooperation in the energy field and for advancing the country’s integration into the European energy market.