Moldovan PM Natalia Gavrilitsa to meet with Ukrainian PM Denys Shmyhal in Chisinau
Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilitsa will meet Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Chisinau today.
Both leaders are expected to discuss ways in which they can accelerate their cooperation in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
In an attempt to counter the near completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, Moldova and Ukraine are aiming to integrate their energy systems into the European Network for Transmission System Operators of Electricity (ENTSO-E)., Integration into ENTSO-E would ensure reliable gas transit to both countries. While Moldova is heavily dependent on Russian gas, Moldova’s new pro-European Action and Solidarity party have openly sided with Europe, hoping to integrate into Europe’s energy system.
Expect Moldova and Ukraine to emphasize cooperation as both states share an interest in reducing dependency on Russian energy. Ukraine is on track to synchronize its electricity grid with ENTSO-E by 2023, but there is a risk that Russia may seek to sabotage this year’s winter test of the system. However, Ukraine will likely need EU and US political support to integrate into the European system. As Moldova and Ukraine seek EU membership, except the states to use energy as a way to move closer to the West in the long term.
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