Moldova has signed a €30 million ($32.5 million) agreement with the French Development Agency to enhance energy efficiency across the country. The deal was announced on Monday

following a meeting between Moldovan President Maia Sandu and her French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Sandu emphasized that the partnership with Agence Française de Développement would help reduce energy waste, cut costs, and strengthen Moldova’s energy independence.

Accusations against Russia amid energy crisis

The Moldovan government, which aligns itself with the European Union, has accused Russia of fabricating an energy crisis to destabilize the country ahead of parliamentary elections. This follows Gazprom’s decision to halt gas exports to Transdniestria, a pro-Russian separatist region.

Macron condemns Russian influence in Moldova

Macron expressed concern over Russia’s actions, stating that Moscow is increasingly working to undermine Moldova’s stability. The country, which shares a border with Ukraine, has set a goal of joining the EU by 2030.

"Russia’s destabilization efforts are becoming more aggressive, particularly targeting Moldova’s democratic institutions," Macron said.

Sandu echoed these concerns, calling on European allies to maintain their strong support for Ukraine. She accused Moscow of seeking to control Moldova and use it strategically against Kyiv.

"Moscow’s strategy is to exploit Moldova’s vulnerabilities, subvert our democracy, and turn our territory into a launchpad for further aggression," she warned.

The newly signed energy deal is expected to be a crucial step toward reducing Moldova’s reliance on external energy sources and bolstering its economic resilience. Photo by Wikimedia commons.