The Republic of Moldova will be able to develop energy interconnections with the European Union more rapidly, reduce administrative bottlenecks for strategic projects and strengthen its energy security, following a set of legislative amendments approved by the Government today.

The approved amendments align national legislation with European rules on trans-European energy infrastructure and represent another step in the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the European energy market.

The new provisions establish clearer and more efficient conditions for the development of modern cross-border energy infrastructure, including electricity interconnection lines, smart grids and other strategic projects that contribute to increasing the independence and resilience of the national energy system.

One of the most important amendments concerns the establishment of a priority regime for projects of common and mutual interest developed jointly with European Union Member States and countries within the Energy Community. These projects will benefit from faster permitting procedures and more efficient institutional coordination.

To reduce bureaucracy and accelerate investments, the approved amendments introduce coordinated permitting mechanisms, clear deadlines for the issuance of permits and the designation of a single point of contact to facilitate interaction between investors and public authorities.

At the same time, the amendments clarify the application of the existing legal framework to energy projects declared to be of national public utility. The provisions do not establish new procedures for projects already under implementation, but create clearer conditions for the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects, in compliance with the existing legal framework.

The responsibilities of the institutions in charge of the energy sector, including the Ministry of Energy and the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), are also strengthened and clarified in order to avoid overlapping competencies and ensure more effective cooperation among authorities.

The amendments also provide for enhanced transparency and public consultation standards, ensuring that citizens and all interested parties are informed and involved from the early stages of the development of strategic energy projects.

Therefore, the adoption of the draft law will ensure the harmonization of the national regulatory framework with European Union legislation and facilitate the implementation of strategic energy infrastructure projects, contributing to strengthening the energy security of the Republic of Moldova.