EU Condemns Russia for Using Natural Gas as a Political Weapon to Pressure Moldova

Russia raises gas prices... "Discount if relations with EU are reduced" proposed
Checking Moldova's pro-Western government's moves to join EU and NATO

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The European Union (EU) has warned that Russia is abusing natural gas as a geopolitical weapon against its neighboring country Moldova and urged it to stop exerting political pressure. Recently, Russia, centered around the state-owned company Gazprom, has pressured Moldova by sharply raising gas prices and demanded a reduction in cooperation with the EU. Earlier, after a pro-Western government took office in Moldova last year, the country has been pursuing membership in the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Russia is reportedly applying various diplomatic pressures to halt these moves.

On the 28th (local time), Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, held a press conference after meeting with Natalia Gavrili?a, the Prime Minister of Moldova, in Brussels, Belgium. He strongly condemned, saying, "Russia is attempting to exert political pressure on Moldova by using the state-owned gas company Gazprom in exchange for lower gas prices." He also emphasized, "We are preparing support to resolve Moldova's energy crisis."

According to Russia's TASS news agency, Gazprom unilaterally declared that it would not extend the gas supply contract after it expired at the end of last month, raising the natural gas price from around $550 per cubic meter to $790. In response, the Moldovan government declared a state of emergency, fearing a heating gas shortage crisis ahead of the winter season.

According to CNN, Gazprom recently proposed to the Moldovan government that if it adjusts or cancels the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with the EU and reduces cooperation, gas prices could be lowered again. This has led to increasing criticism of Russia not only from the EU but also from various European countries.

Moldova, a country that was once part of the Soviet Union and gained independence after its collapse, is considered one of the poorest countries in Europe. Since the election of pro-Western President Maia Sandu last year, the Moldovan government has been preparing to join the EU and NATO alongside Ukraine, leading to intensified diplomatic and military pressure from Russia.