The Moldovan Parliament has approved the introduction of a 60-day state of emergency due to deteriorating water resources and risks to the country’s energy supply ahead of the winter season. The state of emergency comes into effect on September 26 and provides state authorities with expanded powers to respond promptly to potential shortages of water and electricity.

One of the key risk factors is Moldova’s expected high dependence on electricity imports during the winter period. According to government estimates, the country may need to import around 400–450 MW of electricity during peak hours, while guaranteed available capacity stands at approximately 360 MW. The authorities link potential disruptions to instability in the regional energy market, the consequences of the war in Ukraine, and deteriorating hydrological conditions.

The emergency measures also include restrictions on the use of water resources. In particular, during the state of emergency, the withdrawal of water from the Dniester and Prut rivers for irrigation will be suspended, while the use of drinking and surface water for watering lawns, washing streets, filling swimming pools, and other non-priority purposes will be restricted. These measures are intended to preserve available water reserves for the population, the energy sector, and other critical industries.

Amid the energy risks, Chisinau is also strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure. The National Security Council, chaired by President Maia Sandu, has instructed authorities to strengthen the physical protection of energy facilities and increase their resilience to potential drone and cyberattacks. The decision comes against the backdrop of continued violations of Moldova’s airspace and growing risks of the spillover effects of the Russia-Ukraine war affecting neighboring states.

The introduction of the state of emergency demonstrates that Moldova’s energy security increasingly depends not only on the condition of its domestic capacities but also on the resilience of regional infrastructure and external supplies. The simultaneous deterioration of hydrological conditions is placing additional pressure on the energy system and limiting the availability of water resources. The strengthening of protection for energy facilities against drones and cyberattacks indicates Chisinau’s broader approach to energy security as an integral part of national security.

In the short term, the authorities’ main priorities will be securing sufficient electricity imports, preserving water resources, and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure ahead of the winter season.

#MOLDOVA

#NEWS

26.09.2026 06:56