Moldova declares energy, water emergency

Moldova's parliament on Tuesday voted to introduce a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and water sectors as the country faces rising fuel prices and a severe drought.

The emergency, to begin on Saturday, allows Moldovan authorities "to respond swiftly in the event of disruptions to the supply of energy, fuel and water", said a government press release.

Parliament adopted the government proposal to declare a state of emergency with 54 votes in favour and 20 against, while 22 lawmakers did not vote.

Global fuel prices risen since the beginning of the Middle East war, while an unprecedented drought has caused river levels to sink across Europe, also weighing on the energy supply.

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan called the risks stemming from the Middle East and Ukraine wars, combined with the drought, "a perfect storm", putting pressure on the small nation of 2.4 million people.

Moldova has sharply reduced its dependence on Russian energy following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, instead relying on imports from the European Union.

As gas prices are expected to rise, the government is looking into increasing the budget to help vulnerable families to pay their bills during the cold season. Half of the country's population currently benefits from the scheme.

Moldova is also facing "a severe water shortage" on the Dniester and Prut rivers that can affect the supply of drinking water, according to the government.

President Maia Sandu said on Monday that a state of emergency is necessary for authorities to act "if rapid decisions are needed to purchase fuel, if the water flow in the Dniester continues to decrease, or if fuel prices continue to rise".

Igor Dodon, leader of the pro-Russian opposition Socialist party, called on Telegram for the government to "take a pragmatic approach and urgently begin negotiations with Russia regarding gas supplies".