Faced with this new situation, the Moldovan economy is faltering. Local industries, particularly in the Transdniester region, rely heavily on natural gas to operate. Today, this vital resource is missing, and the repercussions extend well beyond the country's borders.
Moldovan industry: widespread paralysis
The consequences of the cut are being felt with formidable intensity, particularly in the region of Transdniestria, a pro-Russian enclave in Moldova. According to local authorities, almost all industrial activities have been suspended, with the exception of certain food sectors operating at reduced capacity. This blow directly impacts thousands of workers, threatening to generate mass unemployment.
Dependence on Russian gas is revealed in all its seriousness. Industrial companies, unable to find quick alternatives, suffer colossal financial losses. Furthermore, this industrial paralysis is accompanied by an acute social crisis, exacerbating tensions in a country marked by deep political and economic divisions.
Social and humanitarian consequences
The impact of this crisis goes far beyond the borders of industrial zones. In the middle of winter, Moldovan families are faced with drastic recommendations to save energy. Local authorities advise “grouping together in one room” and limiting the use of improvised heaters to avoid fires.
Educational infrastructures are not spared. More than 130 schools and 140 kindergartens had to close their doors, while university classes moved online. Such disorganization raises the specter of a long-term educational crisis, aggravated by precarious living conditions.
A geopolitical and economic challenge
This energy crisis highlights Moldova’s geopolitical vulnerabilities. The shutdown of gas transit via Ukraine results not only from financial disputes with Russian giant Gazprom, but also from political tensions aimed at weakening Chisinau's pro-European aspirations. The region of Transdniestria, traditionally pro-Russian, finds itself on the front line of this pressure strategy.
Moldova, which is striving to strengthen its ties with the European Union, now faces difficult choices. If Romania's support, particularly in terms of electricity, makes it possible to slightly alleviate the crisis, it remains insufficient to meet growing energy needs. Added to this is the urgency of diversifying energy sources, a solution requiring massive investments and a time horizon of several years.
What solutions for Moldova?
To mitigate the effects of this crisis, several avenues are being explored:
- Increase imports of liquefied gas (LNG) : partnerships are envisaged with neighboring countries such as Romania and Bulgaria, but current logistical capacities limit the effectiveness of this solution in the short term.
- Strengthening renewable energies : although promising, these alternatives require significant investments and cannot immediately compensate for the absence of gas.
- International support : The European Union is calling for increased aid for Chisinau, through emergency funding and temporary deliveries.
These measures will not be enough to compensate for short-term losses. The urgency of the situation calls for rapid and coordinated decisions, both nationally and internationally.
