Moldova Switches On Romania Power Line, Says Goodbye to Russian Energy

Moldova threw the switch on a new extra-high-voltage power line to Romania on Sunday, wiring the country of 2.6 million directly into the European grid. President Maia Sandu marked the inauguration in Chisinau, calling the project a break from decades of energy pressure. The 400-kilowatt line runs from the southern city of Vulcanesti to the capital.

Sandu didn't soften the message. 'For decades, Moscow used energy to blackmail us,' she wrote on X. 'No more: Moldova buys zero Russian gas.' At the ceremony she said the project strengthens Moldova's transmission capacity, diversifies supply and reinforces its tie to the European energy system. She added that 'two more power lines to Romania are on the way.'

The new link lets Moldova dial back its dependence on the Cuciurgan thermal power plant in Transnistria, the pro-Moscow separatist region that long fed the country electricity. Until now, Moldova drew most of its gas from Russia through Transnistria and pipelines crossing Ukraine. 'Every time Moldova dares to choose something other than what Moscow wants, they threaten to cut our electricity,' Sandu said.

European Commissioner for Energy Marta Kos, on hand in Chisinau, said Moldova can now 'buy energy where it is cheapest.' The launch lands roughly two years after the date Moldovan authorities originally promised, and it carries the nickname 'energy independence line.'

The timing is tight. Last month Moldova's parliament approved a government-requested state of emergency running until November 20 as the country scrambles to ease gas shortages amid soaring world energy prices. Some in Europe have accused Moscow of withholding extra supplies to squeeze the continent.

The Black Sea region is jittery too. Romania blamed Russia last month for a drone strike that sank a cargo ship off its Black Sea coast, killing one crew member and leaving three missing. Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria asked NATO to fast-track extra surveillance for commercial shipping, and NATO said it would send more maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones to the Black Sea.