**Moldova Declares State of Emergency Over Russian Gas Halt**
Moldova’s government has declared a state of emergency due to an expected halt in gas supplies from Russia. The country relies on Russia’s Gazprom for its gas, which flows through Ukraine. However, Kiev says it won’t extend the transit deal past 2024.
**Gas Flow to Cease**
The gas flow is set to stop by December 31st. Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean claims this is an “artificial” problem, as Russian gas could be supplied through a different pipeline, called TurkStream. However, Gazprom has refused this option, citing an alleged debt owed by Chisinau for past gas purchases.
**Consequences for Moldova**
The shortage of gas in the Russian-occupied region of Transnistria threatens the entire country. The Cuciurgan power plant in Transnistria supplies electricity to consumers in the rest of Moldova. If this stops, the whole country will be affected.
**State of Emergency Declared**
Transnistrian authorities declared a state of emergency earlier this week over the expected gas transit halt. Moldova’s government has followed suit, with 56 lawmakers supporting the move. The state of emergency gives Chisinau more time to find alternative energy sources and prevent “energy blackmail” from Russia.
**Background**
Before 2022, Moldova bought all its gas from Russia, making it vulnerable to Russian pressure. However, under President Maia Sandu‘s pro-Western government, the country has shifted towards European supplies and strengthened ties with Ukraine.