Tiraspol Rejects EU's €60 Million Aid, Gas Supply Secured

Prime Minister Dorin Recean announced that Tiraspol has refused the European Union's €60 million aid offer, which aimed to stabilize the Transnistrian region’s energy situation. He stated that Russia prevented Tiraspol from accepting the aid, fearing a loss of control, and that the refusal means continued instability for the region’s residents, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES

Despite this, Chisinau will not block gas deliveries. Recean explained that gas will reach Transnistria via MET Gas and Energy Marketing AG, a Hungarian company, paid by JNX General Trading L.L.C from Dubai. Both companies have been vetted and comply with legal standards.

Tiraspol will pre-pay transit costs for gas transport from the Moldovan border under an agreement with Moldovagaz. In return, they are expected to show goodwill by releasing political prisoners, resolving the Rîbnița school issue, maintaining Moldovan public television access, and removing illegal checkpoints.

Recean emphasized that this arrangement is not an agreement between Moldova and Russia but a government permission to ensure people in Transnistria receive gas.

The decision follows Gazprom’s unjustified suspension of gas deliveries to Moldovagaz on January 1, 2025, despite a valid contract until 2026. To mitigate the crisis, the EU granted Moldova €30 million to purchase energy resources for both sides of the Nistru River. Recean highlighted that this support ensured warmth and electricity for Transnistrian residents, contrasting Russia’s actions with the EU’s assistance.