Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Moldovan Leaders Seek Emergency Powers Over Energy, Water
Moldova is worried that it may not have enough water, electricity, and heat.
The country’s leaders want parliament to approve special emergency rules.
These rules would let the government act quickly if supplies become scarce.
The concern is partly caused by very low water levels in the Dniester River.
Moldova gets much of its gas, oil, and electricity from other countries.
President Maia Sandu said Moldova cannot produce enough electricity for its busiest hours.
Water flows were also reduced to help farmers irrigate crops.
A Russian attack in March caused an oil spill and made the water problem worse.
Moldova’s pro-European leaders will ask parliament to declare an energy and water supply emergency.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the request would give the government powers to respond to supply difficulties.
The move follows dangerously low water levels in the Dniester River, which Moldova shares with Ukraine.
President Maia Sandu said Moldova lacks enough capacity to meet electricity demand during peak hours.
Dniester flows were reduced for irrigation, while a Russian attack in March caused an oil spill and polluted Moldovan water systems.
- Who
- Moldova’s government, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, President Maia Sandu, and parliament are involved.
- What
- The government is seeking parliamentary approval for a state of emergency covering energy and water supply.
- When
- The request was announced on Monday, with the appeal expected to be presented to parliament on Tuesday; concerns over the Dniester have lasted for months.
- Where
- Moldova, particularly the Dniester River shared with Ukraine.
- Why
- Dangerously low Dniester water levels, limited peak-hour electricity capacity, and Moldova’s reliance on imported gas, oil, and electricity have raised supply concerns.
- Emergency scope
- Energy and water supply
- Parliamentary action
- The government planned to submit its request on Tuesday.
- Main water concern
- Dangerously low levels in the Dniester River
- Electricity capacity
- Moldova lacks sufficient capacity to cover consumption during peak hours.
- External reliance
- Moldova obtains much of its gas, oil, and electricity from outside the country.
- Irrigation measures
- Moldovan and Ukrainian experts reduced flows through a hydropower station to support crop irrigation in Moldova.
- Pollution incident
- A Russian attack on a hydropower plant in March triggered an oil spill and polluted water systems in Moldova.