Moldova Declares State of Emergency Amid Concerns Over Disruption of Russian Gas Flow via Ukraine

Foreks - The Moldovan Parliament approved a 60-day state of emergency today due to concerns that the cessation of Russian natural gas flow would threaten the safety of its citizens. Natural gas from Russia reaches Moldova, located in the northeastern corner of Europe’s Balkan region and landlocked, via neighboring Ukraine. However, the natural gas transit agreement between Russian Gazprom and Ukrainian Naftogaz will expire on December 31, and the Kyiv government has repeatedly stated its intention not to extend the agreement. Out of 101 seats in Moldova's parliament, 56 lawmakers voted in favor of the nationwide state of emergency, which the government stated would allow them to take a series of measures to prevent and mitigate the threat from the country's inadequate energy resources.