Romania Strengthens Moldova’s Energy Integration with the EU

During the 2026 Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy, Romania’s leadership reaffirmed the strategic importance of supporting the Republic of Moldova. One of Bucharest’s principal objectives remains the acceleration of Chișinău’s European integration, particularly through the development of transport and energy infrastructure.

President of the Romanian Senate Mircea Abrudean stressed that Moldova must permanently overcome the dependence that allows energy supplies to be used as an instrument of political pressure.

“The Republic of Moldova must be permanently freed from energy blackmail and structurally connected to the European market through Romania. At the same time, our technical assistance in harmonising legislation and reforming public administration in Chișinău must continue,” Abrudean stated.

According to him, the Romanian Parliament is already actively involved in these efforts, while the country’s diplomatic institutions must ensure that Moldova remains consistently present on the European Union’s agenda.

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu highlighted the progress achieved in strengthening regional connectivity. Among the principal results, she mentioned the construction of the first new bridge between Romania and Moldova in 60 years, as well as the advancement of energy interconnection projects with Moldova and Ukraine.

Romania also intends to strengthen its support for Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkan countries in implementing administrative reforms, aligning national legislation with EU standards and developing institutional capacity. Bucharest plans to draw on its own experience of transformation and European integration.

Comment by the Institute of Danube Research

The statements by Romania’s leadership indicate a gradual transition from situational assistance to the establishment of a long-term system for Moldova’s infrastructural and energy integration with the European Union. This involves not only the diversification of supply sources but also a structural transformation of energy flows and a reduction in Chișinău’s vulnerability to external political pressure.

The development of cross-border electricity networks, gas infrastructure, bridge crossings and transport corridors strengthens Romania’s role as a key connecting hub between the EU, Moldova and Ukraine. These projects are also strategically important for Ukraine, as they contribute to a more resilient regional energy system and create additional opportunities for coordinating the infrastructure development of the three countries.

At the same time, permanently eliminating the possibility of energy blackmail will require more than new physical interconnections. Moldova will also need to develop domestic generation, reserve capacity and energy storage systems, while completing its integration into European energy regulations and market mechanisms.