Strengthening regional cooperation for the development of a resilient, secure and sustainable energy system was highlighted at the Cross-Border Policy Forum, organized by the International Energy Agency under the EU4Energy Program. The event brought together government leaders, regulators, energy experts and industry representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the European Union. In his opening speech, Secretary of State Constantin Borosan highlighted the European Union’s support for the modernization and consolidation of the energy sector across the region.

 

“The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, thanks to the support of the European Union, have taken an important step by integrating into the European ENTSO-E network. The two countries now have well-established priorities for the further development and modernization of their energy infrastructure according to European standards. Regional integration is essential for achieving our common goals in the field of sustainable energy. Cooperation between EU4Energy countries contributes to a stronger energy infrastructure and to facilitating the transition to clean energy”, said Constantin Borosan.

 

The Forum also highlighted other important regional projects, such as the connection of the South Caucasus with the European Union through a submarine cable, launched by Azerbaijan and Georgia together with EU Member States, and the continued investments in the modernization of interconnections between Armenia and Georgia. These initiatives play a key role in strengthening regional energy security and facilitating European integration.

 

Discussions at the Forum addressed the modernization and harmonization of electricity grid codes, identifying sources of financing for infrastructure projects and integrating energy systems at the regional level. According to estimates, investments of about USD 700 billion are needed annually by 2030 to modernize infrastructure and expand cross-border interconnection, including the renovation of over 25 million kilometers of electricity networks globally.

 

The forum is taking place in Chisinau on December 2-3 and is part of the EU4Energy program, an initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Energy Agency, which supports participating countries in developing sustainable energy policies and encourages regional cooperation for an integrated energy infrastructure.