Moldova seeks energy and water emergency over low Dniester River levels

Chisinau, Moldova. Moldova’s pro-European leaders said they would ask parliament to declare a state of emergency for energy and water supply amid dangerously low levels on the Dniester River shared with Ukraine.

Government appeal

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said after a meeting of Moldova’s Security Council that the government would present its appeal to parliament on Tuesday.

He said the measures would provide the administration with powers to address potential difficulties, noting that Moldova obtains much of its gas, oil and electricity from outside the country.

“We can’t afford to wait for a crisis to start looking for solutions. This will give the government the necessary tools to step in at the first sign of need—and only where it’s truly necessary,” Tofan wrote on social media.

He said the government would be prepared to provide water, electricity and heat to the economy and citizens, while supporting vulnerable households.

Security Council recommendation

President Maia Sandu, who has led Moldova’s drive to join the European Union by 2030, chaired the Security Council meeting. She said its members had recommended the rapid introduction of emergency regulations.

“The share of renewable energy sources has increased, but we still don’t have the necessary capacity to cover consumption during peak hours,” Sandu told a press conference.

“However, we need to be ready for any changes and provide solutions, no matter what is going on outside the country.”

Dniester River concerns

Moldova’s government has expressed concern about low Dniester River levels for months.

At a joint meeting last month, Moldovan and Ukrainian experts reduced flows through the Dniester hydropower station in southern Ukraine to allow irrigation of crops in Moldova.