World

Moldova Opens New Power Line to Romania, Reducing Russian Energy Dependence

By AFP and News Agencies

Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced on X that Moldova has officially launched a new power line linking the country to Romania and the European grid, aiming to cut its reliance on Russian energy. "For decades, Moscow used energy to blackmail us," Sandu said during the inauguration in Chisinau. "No more: Moldova buys zero Russian gas," she added. The 400‑kilovolt extra‑high‑voltage line runs from Vulcanesti to Chisinau, strengthening Moldova’s electricity transmission capacity, diversifying supply sources, and reinforcing its connection to the European energy system. Sandu also noted that two more power lines to Romania are on the way. European Commissioner for Energy Marta Kos, who attended the ceremony, said Moldova can now buy energy where it is cheapest. The new line reduces dependence on the Cuciurgan thermal power plant in Transnistria, a region that has supplied most of Moldova’s gas through pipelines passing Ukraine. The project, dubbed the "energy independence line," was launched two years after Moldovan authorities first promised it. Last month, Moldova’s parliament approved a state of emergency until November 20 to address gas shortages amid rising global energy prices. In the broader region, European‑aligned states in the Black Sea have reported renewed attacks attributed to Russia, including a drone strike that sank a cargo ship off Romania’s coast, killing one crew member and leaving three missing. Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria have urged NATO to accelerate additional surveillance capabilities to protect commercial shipping in the Black Sea as the conflict with Russia escalates. NATO said it would deploy more maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones to the area.