Features of Cooperation Between Romania and Moldova in the Energy Sector

Abstract

The article discusses the main trends of cooperation between Romania and Moldova in the energy sector. In the context of the strategic partnership between Bucharest and Chișinău, energy has a special role to play. Moldovan politicians seriously expect that Romania will weaken Moldova’s energy dependence on Russian gas. The article analyzes the reasons why Moldova will not be able to do this in the near future.

First of all, this is due to the fact that Romania is currently a net importer of gas itself and can only supply Moldova with re-exported Russian gas at an inflated price. At the same time, despite Romania’s special interest in close relations with Moldova, Bucharest is implementing a multidisciplinary gas policy, including in cooperation with Bulgaria, thereby striving to acquire the status of a regional energy power.

The article analyzes the peculiarities of Romania’s functioning in the fuel market of Moldova, where it already occupies one of the leading places, and also considers the legislative initiatives of the Moldovan parliament to regulate the fuel market, which, ultimately, may lead to its monopolization by several large companies, including with the participation of Romanian capital. Special attention is paid to the geopolitical and geo-economic motives that guide Bucharest’s energy policy towards Moldova.