Moldova Declares 60-Day State of Emergency Over Energy and Water Supplies

Moldova's parliament voted on Tuesday to declare a 60-day state of emergency covering energy and water supplies, giving the pro-European government room to move quickly against potential shortages. The measure passed by 54 votes to 20, with 22 deputies abstaining, and is set to take effect on September 26.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan told the chamber that the emergency powers would allow the government to build up stocks and import fuel before supply problems materialise in the country, which sits between Ukraine and Romania.

"Preparing for a crisis does not start when the lights go out, the gas pump stops, or diesel disappears from filling stations," he said. "It starts when the crisis has yet to hit in full force. It starts today."

Winter risks and reliance on Ukrainian electricity

Tofan said supplies had been stabilised over the past two months, but that the government was concerned about risks tied to the coming winter. Chief among them is whether Ukraine will be able to keep exporting electricity to Moldova, given repeated Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

"Today, Ukraine is still able to export electricity to Moldova. That is good and it helps us," he said. "But we cannot plan our winter security assuming this situation will remain the same."

The pro-Russian opposition opposed the measure during five hours of debate, arguing that the government would not be held accountable for its actions under the emergency regime.

President Maia Sandu, who wants Moldova — one of Europe's poorest countries — to join the European Union by 2030, called for the measures on Monday after a meeting of senior officials.

Moldova imports most of its energy, and officials have for months voiced concern over low water levels in the Dniester and Prut rivers, which supply most of the water used by the country's cities. Sandu has also denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth and a half year, during which drones identified as Russian have regularly entered Moldovan airspace and debris has landed on its territory.