Republic of Moldova Introduces a 60-Day State of Emergency in the Energy and Hydrological Sectors Amid Risks to Energy Supply and Prices

Parliament Approves a 60-Day State of Emergency in the Energy and Hydrological Sectors

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova has approved the introduction of a state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors for a period of 60 days, starting on September 26. The decision was supported by 54 MPs, following a parliamentary session that lasted approximately five hours.

Measure Adopted Amid Heightened Risks

The draft decision on introducing the state of emergency was submitted by the Government and presented to Parliament by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan. According to the Prime Minister, the measure is intended to provide the authorities with the necessary tools for rapid intervention and to ensure the continuity of supplies of energy, fuel, and water to the population.

The need to introduce the emergency regime is justified by the overlap of several risks as the cold season approaches. These include the security of natural gas and electricity supplies, the availability of fuel and water resources, as well as the high level of energy resource prices.

Transition from a State of Alert to a State of Emergency

According to the Prime Minister, the current state of alert in the energy and hydrological sectors is due to expire on September 25; however, the risk factors that led to its introduction persist and have intensified.

Vasile Tofan explained that the state of emergency would allow the authorities to act preventively and manage even more severe scenarios for which the instruments available during the state of alert would not be sufficient.

“The Government must have the necessary tools at its disposal before potential crises materialize. We prefer to present the risks transparently and be prepared rather than reach a situation in which these tools are needed but are not available,” the Prime Minister stated during the parliamentary session.

Authorities Pledge Transparency and Oversight

The Prime Minister emphasized that the introduction of the state of emergency does not grant the Government unlimited powers. He noted that as intervention instruments become broader, they must also be accompanied by an appropriate level of accountability and oversight.

At the end of the 60-day period, the Government is expected to submit a report to Parliament on the measures adopted and how the instruments made available to the authorities were used.

Potential Additional Measures to Support the Population

Against the backdrop of rising energy resource prices, the Government is also considering expanding the number of families eligible for energy compensation. The measure is being assessed in light of price developments and the need to support vulnerable households during the cold season.

Questions from MPs and Priorities for the Coming Period

Following the presentation of the draft decision, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan answered questions from MPs for approximately three hours. The discussions focused on the reasons behind the transition to a state of emergency, the measures planned to ensure the country’s energy and water supply, as well as support mechanisms for the population.

MPs highlighted the need for efficient resource management, transparency in the implementation of measures, and particular attention to vulnerable groups.

“The situation is extraordinary and requires extraordinary action. There will be many criticisms today, but we hope to find solutions to overcome this period,” MP Igor Dodon stated.

Government Decision and Recommendation of the National Security Council

The introduction of the state of emergency was approved by the Government on the morning of September 23 and subsequently submitted to Parliament for approval. The decision followed a meeting of the National Security Council on September 21, during which the need to establish a special regime in the energy and hydrological sectors was identified.

The measure is intended to enable state institutions to respond rapidly to major disruptions and help maintain supplies of electricity, natural gas, petroleum products, and water throughout the cold season.