Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Chair of the Working Group for Chapter 15 “Energy”, presented the Republic of Moldova’s progress in the energy sector during the 8th meeting of the Moldova–European Union Association Subcommittee, held under Cluster III – Energy, Transport, Environment, Climate Action and Civil Protection.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Bureau for European Integration, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), the Ministry of Environment, as well as officials from European institutions. The discussions on behalf of the Republic of Moldova were chaired by the Head of the Bureau for European Integration, Ghenadie Marian.

Participants reviewed Moldova’s progress in implementing commitments under the RM–EU Association Agreement/DCFTA, with a focus on reforms in the energy sector. It was highlighted that in December 2025, the Republic of Moldova completed the transposition of the EU Electricity Market Integration Package, including the adoption of the new legislative framework and ANRE decisions.

A key moment was the presentation of the launch of new electricity market segments — the Day‑Ahead Market, the Intraday Market, and the Balancing Market — essential components for market liberalisation and regional integration. Discussions also covered the gradual phase‑out of regulated prices, in line with the new Electricity Law, starting in 2027 for certain categories of consumers.

On the infrastructure side, updates were presented on strategic electricity interconnection projects, including Chișinău–Vulcănești, where works have entered the line‑testing phase, and the Bălți–Suceava project, currently in the bid‑evaluation stage. The Strășeni–Gutinaș project — the third major interconnection with Romania, fully financed by the Government of the United States with a budget of 130 million USD — was also addressed.

In the natural gas sector, discussions focused on the use of the Trans‑Balkan Corridor, the introduction of new cross‑border capacity products, and the strengthening of regional cooperation to ensure supply security, including through reversible flows and tariff reductions.

Progress in renewable energy was also presented: Moldova entered 2026 with nearly 1000 MW of installed capacity and a clear upward trajectory toward achieving the target of at least 30% renewable electricity in national consumption by 2030.

“The progress achieved in the energy sector is the result of joint and sustained efforts by all institutions involved. I thank colleagues from public administration, regulatory authorities and our European partners for their constant cooperation, which allows us to advance steadily on the path of alignment with EU legislation and Moldova’s European integration,” stated Cristina Pereteatcu.

At the end of the meeting, representatives of the European Commission welcomed Moldova’s significant progress in harmonising energy legislation during 2024–2025, commended the efforts of national authorities, and provided recommendations for continuing alignment with the EU acquis.

The RM–EU Subcommittee meetings under Cluster III serve as essential mechanisms for dialogue and technical cooperation, dedicated to assessing progress in aligning national legislation with the EU acquis, planning future actions and implementing joint projects, playing a key role in Moldova’s European integration process.