Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu participated in the seventh edition of the EU–Republic of Moldova High-Level Energy Dialogue, held in Brussels, an essential platform for coordinating energy cooperation and advancing the country’s integration into the European energy market. 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.

Opening the meeting, the Minister of Energy highlighted the profound transformation underway in the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the crucial role of the partnership with the European Union.

“This dialogue has repeatedly demonstrated its strategic value and reflects a successful partnership. We are grateful to the European Commission for its continued support to the Republic of Moldova,” Dorin Junghietu stated.

The Minister emphasized that the energy resilience of the Republic of Moldova is no longer just an objective, but a concrete process underway.

“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,” the Minister said.

The discussions focused on the main energy priorities in the current geopolitical context, including security of supply, preparedness for the warm and cold seasons, electricity and gas market reforms, the development of strategic infrastructure, as well as accelerating the transition to renewable energy and improving 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 district heating plants is reduced, while also highlighting the authorities’ level of preparedness.

“We are as prepared as possible in the current context, but we remain vigilant in the face of risks, including those arising from regional developments and potential attacks on energy infrastructure,” the Minister emphasized.

The Minister also spoke about the development of energy storage capacities, highlighting the inauguration of the first large-scale battery storage facility and the acceleration of projects in this area. Regarding the electricity sector, he highlighted the launch of organized wholesale markets and the balancing market, as well as the fact that installed renewable energy capacity has exceeded the 1 GW threshold.

In the natural gas sector, the Republic of Moldova has strengthened its supply model through integration into European markets, diversification of supply routes, and the establishment of commercial and security stocks. At the same time, 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 a public service supplier.

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

“We have demonstrated that European solidarity works not only in statements, but also in times of crisis. Within a few hours, we managed to restore electricity supply through coordination with Romania and Ukraine,” he stated, emphasizing that interconnection and regional cooperation are essential for the energy security of the entire region.

The European Union welcomed the Republic of Moldova’s progress in strengthening energy security and aligning with European standards, reiterating its political, technical and financial support for the continuation of reforms and the development of a modern energy system.

“Energy is not only about kilowatts and cubic metres. It is about trust, stability and the European future of our citizens. The Republic of Moldova is ready to build this future together with the European Union,” Dorin Junghietu concluded.

The EU–Republic of Moldova High-Level Energy Dialogue, launched in 2021, remains a key platform for coordinating bilateral cooperation and supporting the transformation of the country’s energy sector in line with European standards.