The Republic of Moldova’s progress and next steps in implementing the EU acquis on energy and climate were discussed at the 22nd meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Energy Community Treaty, held in Vienna on 12 December. The high-level meeting was attended by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Cristina Pereteatcu.

 

“The first place in the Energy Community ranking for 2024 reflects the efforts made in promoting renewable energy sources, regional integration and developing a more efficient and sustainable energy system. This achievement is proof of our firm commitment to transforming the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova. This progress brings us closer to full integration into the European energy market and achieving global energy and climate goals,” said Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova.

 

At the same time, the Ministerial Council took note of the factors that contributed to the large price differences between markets, including in the process of implementing the Electricity Integration Package in the Energy Community. In this context, the Ministerial Council urged the Contracting Parties to urgently complete the transposition of the Package and to accelerate the activities for the implementation of market integration in order to maximize the use of electricity transmission capacities. The Ministerial Council recognised that the transposition of the Electricity Integration Package is a prerequisite for the full and reciprocal integration of the electricity systems and markets of the Contracting Parties with those of the European Union.

 

We recall that the Electricity Integration Package is a set of measures and regulations adopted at the level of the European Union and the Energy Community, which aims to create an integrated space for the trade and distribution of electricity between the Member States of the European Union and those in the Energy Community business, including the Republic of Moldova and other countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.

 

At the same time, during the Vienna meeting, other key topics were also addressed, such as accelerating the implementation of renewable energy projects and the need to accelerate winter preparation measures, especially in the context of the energy crisis in Ukraine and its impact on the region.

 

According to the implementation report of the Energy Community Secretariat, the Republic of Moldova has made significant progress in essential areas, such as security of supply, market liberalization, access to networks, energy efficiency and the promotion of renewable energy sources. Notable achievements include the development of the National Energy and Climate Plan and the implementation of a national greenhouse gas emissions reporting system.

 

While in Vienna, Cristina Pereteatcu met with Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing. The discussions covered several important topics, including the energy crisis, the energy infrastructure of the Republic of Moldova and measures to ensure a secure energy supply. Investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector and the implementation of the “Energy Efficiency First” principle in national legislation were also discussed.

 

“The energy crisis in the region represents a challenge, but also an opportunity to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. In this context, it is essential to continue to work closely with the European Union to implement effective measures, including by organizing auctions for large renewable energy capacities,” Cristina Pereteatcu emphasized during the meeting.

 

Other topics addressed included the implementation of the ECO Voucher Program to support vulnerable families, which allows them to replace old household appliances with more energy-efficient equipment, and supporting innovations in the energy sector by creating the legal framework and implementing innovative energy testing spaces in Moldova, known as the “sandbox”, a mechanism developed with the support of UNDP Moldova and the Danish Government.

 

At the same time, European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen accepted the invitation to participate in the High-Level Energy Dialogue (HLED) to be held in Moldova early next year.