Several European officials reaffirmed on Monday their support for the Republic of Moldova in addressing the energy crisis in the separatist Transnistrian region. European officials stated that it is unacceptable for people to be deprived of basic services in the middle of winter. These statements were made in the context of the EU’s decision to provide an emergency assistance package to resolve the energy crisis, triggered by Russia’s decision to halt gas supplies to the left bank of the Dniester River as of January 1, 2025, affecting approximately 350,000 residents.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: "In the middle of winter, more than three hundred and fifty thousand residents of the Transnistrian region are left in darkness and cold because Russia has decided to stop gas deliveries. We simply cannot accept that people on our continent lack access to the most basic services. But hard times reveal true friends. That is why we are providing vital assistance today. We will supply gas to the people in the Transnistrian region and restore their access to electricity and heating."

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, stated: "In the heart of winter, the Kremlin is using energy to blackmail Moldova’s population, which is truly outrageous, though not surprising. The EU will provide 30 million euros to help Moldova purchase national gas supplies and transport them to its people. In such difficult times, the EU will always support its friends and allies. I also appreciate the support provided by Ukraine."

The Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, stated: "The EU continues to stand firmly with Moldova and is committed to ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply to support the livelihoods of all its citizens. We must act quickly and decisively in the interest of the Moldovan people to help prevent a humanitarian crisis. Ukraine has also offered to assist with energy supplies, and we are in close contact to determine how to implement our proposal. After weeks of intensive work, we are presenting a solution that demonstrates how European integration contributes to regional stability. The 30 million euros in aid provided today is just the first step. A larger package will soon follow to address the social impact of the crisis on all Moldovan citizens and to gradually eliminate Moldova’s dependence on Russian energy."

The Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, stated: "The EU has increased its electricity exports to help Moldova cope with these challenging times. The new emergency package will further advance our collective goal of gradually eliminating Europe’s dependence on Russian energy as soon as possible."