Government approves draft on declaring state of emergency in energy sector

The Government today approved a draft decision on declaring state of emergency in the energy sector for a period of 60 days, starting on March 25. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said that this is a necessary measure to mobilize resources, act quickly and in a coordinated manner, in the interest of the people. The document is to be submitted to Parliament for examination and adoption.

To approve the proposal, the Cabinet convened today in an extraordinary meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu presented the reasons that justify declaring the state of emergency in the energy sector.

“I have convened today’s extraordinary meeting because the reality around us has worsened. The war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine is hitting the critical infrastructure of the neighboring country. At the same time, it is producing chain effects throughout the entire region. And it is already directly affecting us here in the Republic of Moldova. The consequences of the Russian Federation’s actions can no longer be ignored. Two strikes have directly affected us in the last two weeks. The pollution of the Dniester River is directly linked to the Russian Federation’s attack on the Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant. The consequences are concrete. Several districts in the North have been left without drinking water. People’s lives have been directly affected,” said Alexandru Munteanu.

In addition, according to the Prime Minister, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are directly affecting our country as well.

“Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure are a war crime and an attack against all of us here in the Republic of Moldova. Last night we were subjected to a new attack. These drone attacks caused the disconnection of the main power line supplying the Republic of Moldova – the Isaccea–Vulcănești Line. The four interconnection lines with Romania have been activated, but the situation remains complicated. Chain disconnections remain possible. And, regrettably, we cannot rule out the risk of new attacks on our infrastructure. We face real risks to the country’s energy security. Separately, developments in other regions, including the Gulf area, are putting pressure on global energy markets. In this context, our response must be unequivocal. In order to manage the situation, rapidly mobilize resources and maintain essential services, I propose declaring a state of emergency in the energy sector for 60 days.”

Given the situation, the official ordered the mobilization of resources and prompt action by the responsible institutions, to manage the situation effectively. At the same time, Alexandru Munteanu urged citizens to use resources rationally.

“We will continue to ensure transparency in decision-making and prompt information of the population. After approval by the Government, the decision will be presented to Parliament today. I call on all institutions to act immediately. I ask you to step out of our ordinary routine. Let us move into intervention mode. For citizens, the message is clear: we use resources rationally. Water, energy, consumption—every decision counts. This is not a political moment. It is a moment of mobilization and consolidation. The state must be present, efficient, firm, and we will deliver solutions. We will overcome, dear colleagues, this crisis as well, with certainty and dignity,” concluded Alexandru Munteanu.

The Prime Minister announced that he will go to Parliament today to seek MPs’ vote for declaring the state of emergency.

The Isaccea–Vulcănești overhead power line was disconnected on the evening of Monday, March 23, following attacks on energy infrastructure in southern Ukraine. Under these conditions, the authorities activated alternative power supply routes, including the four 110 kV interconnection lines between Romania and Moldova.

At the beginning of March, the Government declared a state of alert in the energy sector for a period of 60 days, in connection with the external situation.

Parliament is to convene today at 17:00, Speaker Igor Grosu announced, after cancelling his participation in the Parliamentary Summit of the Three Seas Initiative, which is taking place in Zagreb these days.