Moldovan energy minister, more officials discuss strengthening regional energy security, accelerating Moldova's integration into European energy market in Luxembourg

The continuation of energy reforms, strengthening regional energy security, and accelerating Moldova's integration into the European energy market have been the main topics analyzed by Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu, who had a string of high-level meetings with European officials and counterparts from EU member states. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the formal European Union Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy (TTE) Council meeting, held in Luxembourg.

At the beginning of the meetings, Minister Junghietu discussed with the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen and the Director-General of European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) Ditte Juul Jørgensen. The officials reviewed the main reforms in Moldova’s energy sector and the priorities for implementing Moldova's Growth Plan, focusing on energy efficiency, diversification of energy sources and speeding up infrastructure modernization projects.

According to the Energy Ministry, Commissioner Jørgensen reiterated the European Commission's full support for the Moldovan government's efforts to strengthen energy resilience and align the country with the EU acquis in the energy sector.

Dorin Junghietu also met Ukraine's Deputy Energy Minister Olha Yukhymchuk. The parties reviewed opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the field of energy security, preparations for the cold season, as well as expanding collaboration in electrical interconnections and energy supply, in the context of intensified Russian attacks on neighboring country's energy infrastructure.

At a meeting with Greece's Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, Dorin Junghietu  discussed cooperation within the Central and South Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) High-Level Group format, emphasizing the importance of regional interconnections and measures to reduce energy prices in Southeast Europe.

During discussions with Belgium's Minister of Energy, Mathieu Bihet, the Moldovan official agreed to boost cooperation between energy institutions in both countries and exchange experiences on the development of renewable sources.

Denmark's Minister of Energy, Climate, and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, who chaired the Council meeting, in discussions with Minister Junghietu, welcomed the progress made by Moldova in aligning with the European energy acquis and enhance the resilience of the national energy system. The message of continued support for efforts in these areas was also conveyed during exchanges with Ebba Busch, Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, and Sari Multala, Finland's Minister of Climate and Environment.

Also in Luxembourg, Minister Junghietu had a meeting with Matteo Rivellini, Head of the Eastern Neighborhood Department of the European Investment Bank (EIB). The discussions focused on attracting European investments in energy efficiency projects and supporting Moldova's green transition.

For the first time, Moldova was invited to participate in the EU TTE Energy Council, held in Luxembourg on October 20. During the high-level meeting, energy ministers from EU member states discussed the energy security of   Moldova and Ukraine and backed the elimination of Russian gas imports by 2028, according to the REPowerEU plan.