To date, Moldova has not arranged payment for the services provided by international firms charged with overseeing the republic’s historic debt with the Russian energy giant. The engagement is connected to Gazprom, a relationship that has endured for six months under examination. Statements shared on Radio Moldova by Viktor Parlikov, who leads Moldova’s Ministry of Energy, shed light on why this issue remains unsettled and how it is being communicated to the public.
The focus of the discussion centers on two advisory entities: the Norwegian firm Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma and the British consultancy Forensic Risk Alliance & Co. These organizations were selected by Moldovan authorities to supervise the debt owed to Gazprom. The oversight period initially was slated to conclude at the start of the year but was subsequently extended through April, reflecting a cautious approach to ensuring the audit is thorough and credible before any financial moves are made.
Parlikov explained that the team is actively at work, yet an internal procedural hurdle in the payment process has appeared. He noted that funds had been allocated in the previous budget year but could not be disbursed because the year had closed and the execution of that budget had been exhausted. He stressed that, as of now, these firms have not received payment, despite the ongoing work on the audit. This situation underscores the complexity of aligning budgeting cycles with international consulting contracts that span across fiscal years.
The ministry’s representative indicated that a new government decision would be required to authorize full settlement of the debt. In practical terms, this means the government must approve the final financial terms and release the necessary funds. Until such a decision is in place, Moldova cannot rush the foreign experts to produce final results. The delay is not merely a matter of budget timing; it also reflects broader considerations about the proper accounting and governance of a large and politically sensitive liability. The timing of a formal resolution appears tied to the government’s upcoming agenda and the need to present a coherent plan to parliament and the public.
On 25 March, Constantin Borosan, the State Secretary of Moldova’s Ministry of Energy, commented that there is no justification to halt gas supplies from Gazprom. He emphasized the continuity of energy security is linked to the existing contractual framework with Gazprom, which remains valid through 2026. This stance suggests that, despite the audit and the outstanding payments to the consultants, Moldova intends to maintain uninterrupted energy imports while it works through the financial and procedural steps necessary to complete the debt management review. The public communications stressed that energy reliability is a priority while the debt oversight process continues to unfold, with the understanding that final settlement details will align with regulatory and budgetary procedures. (Source: Ministry of Energy statements)