Chisinau, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Moldova's pro-European Prime Minister stated on Thursday that the separatist Transdniestria region must meet specific conditions to avoid facing a new energy crisis, including shortages of heating and water.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean made these remarks during an online discussion, following the recent delivery of gas to Transdniestria's 350,000 residents after a month-long hiatus, thanks to a 30 million euro ($31.2 million) grant from the European Union. This assistance is in place until February 10, after which a new agreement must be in effect to ensure the continuous supply of gas to the pro-Russian region.
Recean reiterated the EU's requirements for a proposed additional 60 million euro grant, emphasizing the need for a better human rights record in the region and adjustments to the prices of heavily subsidized power, water, and heat services.
Regarding the situation, Recean outlined two possible scenarios, stating, "The first is they move on to the next stage of EU assistance, contingent upon meeting the conditions. If they decline, they will have to find a solution on their own. Unfortunately, there is a third scenario where people are once again left without power in the cold and without water."
During January, residents of the region experienced daily power outages lasting four to five hours due to the depletion of gas reserves in Transdniestria's pipelines.
Transdniestria, a breakaway territory from Moldova since the collapse of the Soviet Union, has faced accusations of human rights violations, including the imprisonment of dissenters and restrictions on press freedom.
Historically reliant on gas from Russian energy firm Gazprom via Ukraine, Transdniestria received this gas for free as "humanitarian aid" until its supply was halted by Ukrainian authorities on January 1, citing concerns over its use in Russia's armed conflict.
To address the energy crisis, the region intends to utilize a $165 million credit from Russia for further gas purchases, with proposed transactions involving companies in the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia for gas shipments from Hungary to Moldova.
The EU's current plan involves using 20 million euros to purchase gas for Transdniestria and 10 million euros to help Moldova's government-controlled areas procure electricity from European suppliers, rather than relying on a thermal plant within Transdniestria.
The EU's intervention has sparked discussions about the potential reintegration of Transdniestria into Moldova after more than three decades of autonomy. President Maia Sandu, leading Moldova's pro-EU agenda, noted that the reintegration plan would require substantial financial resources annually, necessitating external aid for its implementation.