ON THE ACTIONS OF CHISINAU TO DISMANTLE RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA IN THE GAS SECTOR

Abstract

The article examines the current situation on the Moldovan gas market, analyzes the actions of Chisinau in an attempt to «finally» free itself from Russian gas dependence by purchasing gas from alternative sources in European markets, as well as the role of Energocom in this process. It is stated that European gas supplies are unreliable for Moldova due to the growing shortage of «blue fuel» in the EU. As a result, here, already in the practical plane, the issue of expanding coal mining and resuming the construction of nuclear power plants is being considered. Moldova does not have any significant coal deposits, not to mention the funds needed for the construction of nuclear power plants. Meanwhile, Moldova has slipped to the last place in Europe in terms of gas supply to the population.
Prospects of transit of Russian gas for Pridnestrovie through the territory of Ukraine are also considered, possible routes of Russian gas supplies in case of termination of Ukrainian transit are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the history of the implementation of the Third Energy Package in Moldova, the reasons for the accelerated implementation of this procedure this year and the likelihood of Chisinau seizing Moldovagaz under the pretext of implementing the Third Energy Package, as well as the prospects for the return of the «historical» debt to Gazprom.