The Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Mr. Oleg Serebrian, gave an interview for the FES/APE foreign policy newsletter in which we talked about Russia’s influence on the Transnistrian separatist region which it uses as a pressure point on the Chisinau authorities. We discussed a wide range of issues - from human rights and the release of detainees on the left bank of the Dniester, to the energy crisis artificially created by Russia, or Moscow’s attempts to block Moldova’s European path through the Transnistrian breakaway region. We invite you to read below the interview with the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian:

Mr. Serebrian, we are about to commemorate 34 years since the beginning of the bloody Dniester War and we have a new reality, but the same aggressor - Russia - with the same imperialist ambitions in the region. Have Moscow’s interests changed today with regard to Transnistria and the problems that Russia is causing through this lever of influence on Chisinau?

The constitutional authorities are attentively monitoring the regional developments and their impact on the country’s reintegration process. Despite geopolitical changes in recent years, Moscow continues to use the Transnistrian region as an instrument of political, economic and strategic influence over Chisinau. This influence is manifested by supporting the separatist regime in Tiraspol, maintaining Russian troops in the region despite international commitments, and using economic and energy levers to exert pressure on the Chisinau authorities. The position of the Republic of Moldova remains firm: the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian issue must be based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. In this regard, our efforts are geared towards strengthening our dialogue with international partners, diversifying economic relations and ensuring a coherent approach, including in the light of our strategic objective of European integration.

Artificially created crisis

How do you see the energy crisis artificially created by Russia regarding the Transnistrian region? Is it a measure through which Russia is trying to influence the parliamentary elections that will take place this year and thus Moldova’s European path?

The artificial energy crisis imposed by Russia is a pressure mechanism through which Moscow is trying to destabilize the Republic of Moldova both economically and socially. Limiting access to energy sources or changing the conditions for the delivery of natural gas and therefore electricity is a strategy aimed at undermining our efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce our dependence on Russia.

This tactic is also used in an electoral context, aiming at fuelling social discontent and influencing public perception of the current government. However, the government in Chisinau is making considerable efforts to diversify energy sources by connecting to the European electricity grid, investing in alternative sources and strategic partnerships with states in the region, especially Romania. Our objective is to ensure the country’s energy stability and reduce vulnerabilities related to dependence on Russia.

Opportunity turned down politically

How do you assess the €60 million EU grant offer for the Transnistrian region, which was turned down in favour of an opaque loan for gas supplies that Russia is offering through a series of companies to the Transnistrian region?

The European Union’s offer of EUR 60 million in the form of a grant represents a significant opportunity for the economic development of the Transnistrian region and for improving the living conditions of the population there. This financial support would have contributed to the democratic development of the region, thus promoting the sustainable economic development of the region.

The rejection of this aid, in favour of a mechanism to deliver gas through intermediary companies, reflects Tiraspol’s economic and political dependence on Moscow. This decision was not taken, at this point in time, in the interests of the residents of the Transnistrian region, but rather to maintain Moscow’s control over Tiraspol and to block initiatives that could bring the region closer to European standards. In this context, the Republic of Moldova remains open to working with the EU and other international partners to support the development of the Transnistrian region in a transparent and sustainable manner.

The EU also had a number of conditionalities for Tiraspol regarding this grant. Were they coordinated with Chisinau and why exactly do you think they were refused by Tiraspol?

The European Union has set certain conditions for this grant, including financial transparency measures, compliance with European standards of governance and the promotion of human rights. These conditions have been coordinated with the authorities in Chisinau, which fully support the application of clear criteria for the use of external funds to ensure that they are allocated efficiently and for the citizens’ benefit.

Tiraspol’s refusal to accept this financial support demonstrates the lack of real autonomy in the decision-making process and the continuation of a policy of isolating the region from European initiatives. In reality, the current refusal of this grant is the result of direct influence from Moscow, which sees these conditions as a threat to its control over the region. The authorities in Chisinau will continue to work with international partners to find solutions to support the development of the region, without holding it captive to external interests.

Fears of possible escalations

Is it in Russia’s interest to try to escalate tensions between the two sides and do you expect to increase, by various means, the anxiety among the citizens of the Transnistrian region against Chisinau?

The Republic of Moldova remains vigilant against any attempt to escalate the situation in the Transnistrian region. Russia’s attempts to incite anxiety among the population on the left bank of the Dniester are part of a broader strategy of hybrid influence used to undermine Chisinau’s efforts to integrate into the European Union.

Through disinformation, economic pressure and manipulation of public perceptions, Moscow is trying to create a climate of uncertainty and fear. The authorities in Chisinau promote constructive dialog and policies that serve the interests of all citizens, regardless of which side of the Dniester they live on. Our aim is to strengthen stability and national security through a balanced approach and active communication with the people of the Transnistrian region.

How do you see Tiraspol’s response to the request of releasing political prisoners and could we witness in the near future releases of more such people?

The situation of detainees in the Transnistrian region is a constant concern for the authorities in Chisinau and for the international partners concerned about respect for human rights. Any release of these people is a positive step, but it is essential that this is part of a sustainable

process of democratization in the region. Unfortunately, isolated releases are not a sustainable solution as long as the Tiraspol regime continues to hold people on political grounds. We will continue to insist on the release of all detainees on such grounds and will work with international organizations to monitor the human rights situation in the region. An open and transparent dialogue with the negotiating partners is essential to prevent further abuses and to ensure the protection of our citizens on both banks of the Dniester.

Breaking the information bottleneck

Moldova’s public TV station, as well as other TV channels, can now be seen on the left bank of the Dniester, even if most of them are pay-TV. Is this a step forward and is it possible to listen freely to Moldovan radio stations on the left bank of the Dniester?

Access to alternative sources of information for the population in the Transnistrian region is an important step in combating disinformation and promoting democratic values. In an information climate dominated by propaganda and external influences, ensuring free access to independent media is essential for increasing the level of information among citizens.

The constitutional authorities in Chisinau are concerned about the situation of freedom of expression, as the press on the right bank does not have unhindered access to the region. There are numerous cases where people have been persecuted and illegally imprisoned for simply expressing opinions that differ from those promoted by the Tiraspol regime.

Democratization of the region is a major objective, and it is closely linked to the existence of a free and impartial media that respects professional and ethical standards. At present, there is no investigative press in the region, and this information vacuum is conducive to manipulation and lack of transparency. It is essential for the press on the left bank of the Dniester to be registered in Chisinau and to operate within the legal framework of the constitutional authorities, thus providing the residents of the region with access to fair and objective sources of information.

What has changed in recent months in the dialog with Tiraspol, and are the negotiations now being conducted from different positions between Tiraspol and Chisinau? Do you find a common denominator more quickly against the background of Moldova allowing the transportation of gas paid for by Russia by other routes than the previous ones?

Dialogue with Tiraspol has fluctuated in recent months amid changes in the regional context and adjustments in Moldova’s economic approaches. Chisinau maintains a pragmatic approach, prioritizing the protection of citizens’ interests and the reduction of dependencies that create vulnerabilities.

The energy aspect is a sensitive one in these negotiations, and any concession related to gas transportation must be carefully analyzed in order to avoid strengthening the self-proclaimed regime. In spite of the difficulties, the Republic of Moldova remains committed to dialog and to finding solutions to support the reintegration process in the long term.

Energy security

Will the construction of the Isaccea - Vulcanesti - Chisinau high-voltage line change the situation in terms of Moldova’s energy security, which will no longer depend on the “control lever” that currently passes through the Moldgres power plant in Cuciurgan? How important is it to speed up this project?

The construction of the Isaccea - Vulcanesti - Chisinau highvoltage power line is one of the most important strategic projects for Moldova’s energy security. This infrastructure will enable our country to connect directly to the European energy grid, thus reducing dependence on the Cuciurgan power plant, which is controlled by Inter RAO UES of the Russian Federation and supported by the Tiraspol regime.

Energy independence is essential for the economic and political stability of the Republic of Moldova and accelerating this project is a national priority. Its completion will create opportunities to diversify energy sources, stabilize prices and provide consumers with greater energy security.

How important is it to have a pro-European majority in Chisinau after this year’s parliamentary elections to continue the European course? What would the hypothetical coming to power in Chisinau of a pro-Russian government mean in terms of security in the region, the Transnistrian issue and the economy of the war in Ukraine?

Maintaining a pro-European majority in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova is a key element for further European integration and democratic reforms. A pro-European government ensures a clear direction for economic and political development, based on the values of the rule of law, transparency and cooperation with Western partners.

A possible change of political orientation in favour of a proRussian government could have serious consequences for national security, slowing down reforms, blocking the European path and exposing the country to increased geopolitical risks. In the context of the war in Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova needs stability and international support to protect its sovereignty and ensure a secure future for its citizens.

Thank you!