Moldovan PM participates in UN Climate Change Conference

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan has participated in the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), held in Antalya, Turkey. In his speech, the PM referred to the impact of climate change on Moldova, progress in developing renewable energy and the need to strengthen international cooperation to address environmental challenges.

The prime minister drew attention to the vulnerability of Moldova’s water resources, which were affected this year both by pollution of the Dniester River caused by a Russian attack on a hydroelectric power plant in Ukraine and by the prolonged drought, which led to a significant decrease in water levels.

In the context, Vasile Tofan emphasized the importance of strengthening resilience and reducing dependence on resources that Moldova cannot control, a lesson also learned from successive energy crises.

The PM highlighted progress in developing renewable energy. While six years ago, renewable sources accounted for approximately 3 per cent of the country’s electricity, today their share is approaching 30 per cent. At the same time, Moldova is investing in the development of energy interconnections with European states, including through the construction of the Balti–Suceava power line, which will be built by a Turkish company.

Another topic addressed was the protection of natural resources. Through the National Afforestation Programme, Moldova aims to plant and rehabilitate approximately 145,000 hectares of forest by 2032. The prime minister also emphasized the need for more accessible and predictable climate finance that reaches the countries and communities most in need of support.

In his address, the PM stressed the importance of joint efforts to respond to the challenges caused by climate change. He also underlined the need for climate finance to become more accessible and predictable and to reach the countries and communities most in need of support.

“Moldova is fulfilling its share of responsibility, despite the challenges we face. It is important for all states to contribute to this joint effort, because no country can face the climate crisis alone,” said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Moldovan prime minister met Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov. He also held discussions with President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

The discussions focused on the European agenda of Moldova, economic cooperation and attracting investments in the energy sector.