The EU, in partnership with UNDP, will provide Moldova with an additional grant of 10 million euros to overcome the energy crisis.
According to UNDP Moldova, the funds will be allocated within the new program "Addressing the impacts of the energy crisis in Moldova", which was launched in Chisinau within the framework of the European Green Week. The aim of the program is to reduce the impact of the crisis and alleviate energy poverty. It will support Moldova's efforts to implement key reforms in the energy sector, as well as strengthen the institutional capacity to respond to the current and potential energy crisis. As noted by Minister of Labor and Social Protection Marcel Spatari, energy poverty in Moldova is a national problem that currently affects the majority of citizens. About 60 percent of households spend more than 10 percent of their budget on energy. "This number is likely to increase next winter as heating resumes and global gas prices remain unpredictable. The problem of energy poverty, if not solved, threatens to make them even more vulnerable, creating long-term consequences for Moldovan society and its economy," said Marcel Spatari. There will also be a broad information campaign to encourage homeowners to replace old appliances with more modern and energy efficient ones. The campaign will be supported by testing energy-efficient and renewable energy sources that can be used in low-energy households. In addition, many homes will be equipped with horizontal heating systems, and at least 3 medical institutions will have photovoltaic panel systems, which will reduce energy costs. European Union Ambassador to Moldova Janis Mažeiks said that the launched program demonstrates the EU's firm commitment to support the Moldovan people in overcoming energy problems. "This ambitious program will contribute to Moldova's security and energy independence. It will do so by strengthening government capacity, investing in renewable energy projects and raising public awareness about energy efficiency and its benefits. It will also have a positive impact on the environment through the implemented energy efficiency measures", said Janis Mažeiks. Mirjana Špoljarić Egger, UNDP Regional Director for Europe and CIS, noted that the launch of this joint EU-UNDP programme, designed to meet Moldova's current and emerging needs for energy security and sustainability, comes at an opportune and critical time. "The consequences of the war in Ukraine are affecting Moldova's economy, including rising energy prices, disruptions in trade chains, negative effects on trust and the indirect impact of sanctions. Our recent analysis shows that 60 percent of Moldova's population lives in energy poverty, spending more than 10 percent of their budget on energy bills. The new program will allow us to speed up the transition to green energy by promoting energy efficient and renewable solutions within the EU Green Deal," she said. // 03.06.2022 - InfoMarket.
