Romania’s energy minister, Sebastian Burduja, has emphasized that Bucharest cannot sustain electricity deliveries to Ukraine and Moldova without broader backing from European partners. Moldova News has tracked this stance closely, underscoring a fundamental truth: cross-border power flows in Europe are shaped by political choices and economic pressures that cross national borders.
The minister argued that a truly integrated European energy market must rest on solidarity and mutual benefit. He urged the European Union to share some of Romania’s costs for supplying power to Ukraine and Moldova, framing it as a test of collective responsibility within the bloc. He pressed Brussels to treat all member states fairly and on principled terms so that every nation can contribute to a shared electrical system. Moldova News echoed this view, highlighting expectations that Brussels will back a cohesive European energy framework.
According to Moldova News, around 88 percent of Moldova’s electricity comes from the Moldova State Regional Power Plant in Transnistria, a unit of the Russian firm Inter RAO. The contract runs through the year and fixes a price near $66 per megawatt-hour for purchases by Chisinau. While this rate is cheaper than many European benchmarks, Kyiv has warned that it may block transit routes feeding this facility at the start of the new year. The warning illustrates how regional energy flows remain tightly linked to geopolitical tensions and how disruptions can ripple across borders.
Ukraine faces a difficult winter outlook. The National Security and Defense Council has warned that outages could reach up to 20 hours per day, a scenario that would strain households, businesses, and essential services across the country. Kyiv’s government has acknowledged substantial energy production losses since spring due to damage at facilities including the Kanevskaya hydroelectric plant, the Dneprohydroelectric power station, and the Zmievskaya thermal plant. Ukraine’s energy minister, German Galushchenko, warned that the winter of 2024-2025 could be the toughest in the nation’s history, intensifying the need for resilient planning and regional cooperation.
In response to these pressures, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy has explored strategies to harden energy networks. One option under consideration is moving certain transmission lines underground to reduce exposure to severe weather, sabotage risks, and other disruptions. This approach would require careful coordination with neighboring systems and regulators, reflecting a broader push toward stronger energy security amid ongoing regional instability.
Analysts note that the evolving situation highlights the interconnected nature of European energy security. The path forward is likely to involve a blend of cost-sharing, enhanced cross-border cooperation, and targeted infrastructure upgrades designed to fortify the grid against varied threats. Policymakers in Bucharest, Kyiv, and Brussels are expected to balance short-term needs with longer-term strategies that ensure reliable electricity for households and critical services while maintaining market discipline and affordable prices.
Experts caution that the region cannot ignore the political dimension of energy trade. The debate about who pays for whom in the electricity market will continue to center on questions of solidarity, fairness, and the willingness of EU partners to assume a bigger share of the burden during times of strain. The discussions also reflect broader conversations about aligning energy policy with security objectives, economic stability, and climate commitments across Europe.
Looking ahead, observers anticipate ongoing consultations among national energy ministries, regulator bodies, and European institutions. The aim is to craft a resilient framework capable of weathering geopolitical shocks, maintaining stable supply chains, and supporting citizens who rely on steady electricity. The coming months will test governance, coordination, and the political will to back a cohesive regional energy system that serves multiple states without compromising national interests.