Moldova Declares 60-Day State of Emergency Over Energy and Water Shortages

Moldova's parliament has declared a 60-day state of emergency affecting the nation's energy and water sectors. The decision, approved Tuesday by a 54-20 vote with 22 abstentions, stems from severely low water levels in the Dniester River and rising energy costs exacerbated by global conflicts. The emergency measures will grant authorities expanded powers to intervene and implement temporary solutions to maintain essential supplies.

The Ministry of Environment cited a "severe hydrological deficit" impacting both the Dniester and Prut rivers, which are critical sources for the European Union candidate country's water supply. The Dniester River is noted as a primary water source for Moldova. The emergency is set to take effect on Saturday and will last for 60 days.

This declaration follows a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Maia Sandu, which focused on the "impact of the international energy crisis" and strategies to enhance national energy resilience in preparation for winter. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan described the situation as a "perfect storm" caused by a combination of drought, conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and refinery damage, all contributing to increased energy prices and pressure on Moldova's energy infrastructure.

Moldova relies heavily on imported natural gas and electricity. Similar states of alert have been in place for both sectors since July, coinciding with a severe drought that has gripped Europe. Tofan cautioned that while immediate shortages are not imminent, the country faces significant risks heading into the colder months with multiple overlapping challenges.

Water flow into the Novodnistrovsk reservoir in Ukraine, a key source for Moldova, is currently below the necessary minimum. Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder indicated that restrictions on nonessential water use might become necessary, emphasizing the need for all available tools to manage the situation.

This is not the first time Moldova has declared an emergency related to these sectors. In March, a state of emergency was declared in the energy sector following Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy grid, which led to a disconnection of a power line linking Moldova to Romania. That same month, thousands of Moldovans experienced water disruptions after a Russian strike on the Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant caused pollution in the Dniester River.