Energy: Latest news, analysis, video interviews, video reports

Moldova takes over Gazprom’s pipelines and challenges hundreds of millions of USD worth of debt

Moldova takes over Gazprom’s pipelines and challenges hundreds of millions of USD worth of debt

Moldova, less reliant on Russian gas imports: Gazprom loses control over Moldova’s gas transport network, whereas Chișinău authorities say the country’s 700-million-dollar debt to Gazprom is a sham.

Corneliu Rusnac
Corneliu Rusnac
11 Sep 2023
Is China getting ready to tear from the Russian empire?

Is China getting ready to tear from the Russian empire?

Russian-Chinese relations appear to be flourishing. But Beijing is looking for its own interests: it wants to attract the countries of Central Asia into its orbit and could even aim to recover Outer Manchuria.

Ioana Dumitrescu
Ioana Dumitrescu
12 Jun 2023
DISINFORMATION: Russia does not get involved in Moldova’s internal affairs

DISINFORMATION: Russia does not get involved in Moldova’s internal affairs

Russia does not get involved in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova, said the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. The narrative is denied by Moscow’s very actions in the past 30 years. 

Veridica
Veridica
26 May 2023
The Dorin Recean government came to power to manage security threats, but finds no place for Russia in the government agenda

The Dorin Recean government came to power to manage security threats, but finds no place for Russia in the government agenda

Voted by Parliament less than a week after the resignation of the Gavrilita Government, the Recean cabinet came up with a government program that focuses on security, economic development and the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. The document does not make any reference to the relations with Russia, although it is clear that Russia will continue to influence, through its people, the political processes in Chisinau and has other important levers, primarily Transnistria and the energy weapon.

Veridica
Veridica
20 Feb 2023
Maia Sandu accuses Moscow of planning a coup in the Republic of Moldova, with fighters from Russia, Belarus, Serbia and Montenegro

Maia Sandu accuses Moscow of planning a coup in the Republic of Moldova, with fighters from Russia, Belarus, Serbia and Montenegro

According to the Moldovan president, the Russian plan involves para-military units of foreign fighters, in civilian clothes, which would have attacked state institutions and taken hostages, the actions being masked by protests of the pro-Russian opposition.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
13 Feb 2023
The Cabinet swap in Chișinău – the effect of slow-moving reforms, security issues and tensions inside PAS

The Cabinet swap in Chișinău – the effect of slow-moving reforms, security issues and tensions inside PAS

The power shift has so far unfolded without any major incident or scandal, and the key protagonists – the outgoing Prime Minister, Natalia Gavrilița, the Prime Minister designate, Dorin Recean, and president Maia Sandu – said that the change of administration occurs against the backdrop of growing security tensions. There are however signs that the true reasons behind the Cabinet swap have to do with the slow pace of reforms and ruling-party infighting.

Corneliu Rusnac
Corneliu Rusnac
12 Feb 2023
Estonia before the elections: security and energy will be key

Estonia before the elections: security and energy will be key

Estonia is gearing up for general elections, which are scheduled in March. This year, they will come against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the problems brought by the war throughout the region. Thus, security and energy are bound to be the main topics of the electoral campaign. Also because of the war, it is highly unlikely that any significant party will raise the questions of improving relations with Moscow as a way of courting Estonia’s Russian minority.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
09 Feb 2023
Viktor Orbán’s wager on Vladimir Putin and illiberalism was a losing bet: instead of prosperity, Hungarians got themselves an economic crisis

Viktor Orbán’s wager on Vladimir Putin and illiberalism was a losing bet: instead of prosperity, Hungarians got themselves an economic crisis

Hungary has a “preferential” contract for its gas imports from Russia, but has now ended up paying more than other European states. Prices for fuel and Diesel have skyrocketed, and inflation has hit the highest mark at EU level. Besides, Budapest’s bypassing European regulations and values has prompted the European Commission to freeze €7 billion worth of EU funds to Hungary. All that spirals into an economic crisis generated, for its most part, by Viktor Orbán’s policies.

Ioana Dumitrescu
Ioana Dumitrescu
03 Feb 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: Because of Ukraine, the EU states will go into recession, and without Russian energy they will not make it through

WAR PROPAGANDA: Because of Ukraine, the EU states will go into recession, and without Russian energy they will not make it through

The EU will go into recession because of Ukraine and will hardly survive the harsh winters, according to Russian media propaganda narratives that intentionally misquote the IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva. In reality, she encouraged the Western states’ aspiration towards energy independence, stating that the EU risks going into recession due to the Russian aggression, but also other factors.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
13 Jan 2023
Turkey resorts to aggressive diplomacy, arms exports, and the army to become a regional power. Ankara's stakes: Northern Cyprus and energy

Turkey resorts to aggressive diplomacy, arms exports, and the army to become a regional power. Ankara's stakes: Northern Cyprus and energy

In recent years, Turkey has increasingly tried to project its power outside its borders, be it the Mediterranean Sea, with Cyprus and Libya as key pieces in Ankara's policy, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, or the Caucasus. To achieve its goal, Ankara has relied on aggressive diplomacy, its defense industry and its military. This policy will continue in 2023 and its big stakes are Northern Cyprus and energy.

Dragoș Mateescu
Dragoș Mateescu
23 Dec 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: While Ukrainians are living in cold and darkness, Kyiv is selling electricity to the Republic of Moldova

WAR PROPAGANDA: While Ukrainians are living in cold and darkness, Kyiv is selling electricity to the Republic of Moldova

According to the Russian state media, Ukraine is selling electricity to the Republic of Moldova, and the country's leadership is getting rich, while Ukrainians are left to live in cold and darkness. In reality, Kyiv stopped exports on October 11, after the first phase of missile attacks, and the Republic of Moldova is supported during this crisis by Romania.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
19 Dec 2022
The energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova. Why Chișinău must compromise with Transnistria and Russia, for now

The energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova. Why Chișinău must compromise with Transnistria and Russia, for now

The Government in the Republic of Moldova has been accused of having given in, once again, to the blackmail of Russia and Transnistria when it accepted to deliver all Russian gas imports to Tiraspol in exchange for electricity. As a matter of fact, for the time being Chișinău authorities don’t have too many alternatives at their disposal in terms of electricity and natural gas supplies, and any projects already launched with a view to diversifying Moldova’s energy sources need time to be implemented.

Corneliu Rusnac
Corneliu Rusnac
08 Dec 2022
FAKE NEWS: The Moldovan authorities sell at higher prices the cheap gas they receive from Russia

FAKE NEWS: The Moldovan authorities sell at higher prices the cheap gas they receive from Russia

The authorities in Chisinau are reselling to the EU, at higher prices, part of the natural gas supplied by Gazprom, according to a false narrative in the Russian media. In reality, Chisinau supplies Transnistria with all the gas it currently buys from Gazprom and uses other sources for the consumers on the right bank of the Dniester.

Veridica
Veridica
06 Dec 2022
Russia has launched a hybrid war against the Republic of Moldova

Russia has launched a hybrid war against the Republic of Moldova

The latest developments in Chisinau suggest that the Republic of Moldova seems to have become the target of a hybrid war launched by the Russian Federation to topple the current pro-European power and bring that state back into Moscow's sphere of influence. The authorities in Chisinau are forced to face an unprecedented energy crisis, successive increases in the prices of the most important products and services, but also protests organized by parties believed to be backed by the secret services in Moscow. Adding to these challenges is the deepening security crisis as a result of the war in Ukraine, particularly the missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent weeks.

Corneliu Rusnac
Corneliu Rusnac
11 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: Romanian consumers will no longer be able to purchase energy from Hidroelectrica and Nuclearelectrica, which will supply electricity to the Republic of Moldova

FAKE NEWS: Romanian consumers will no longer be able to purchase energy from Hidroelectrica and Nuclearelectrica, which will supply electricity to the Republic of Moldova

Romania will run out of electricity supplies this winter, because the government passed a decree whereby the entire energy output of the country’s state-owned electricity providers will be transferred to the Republic of Moldova, according to a false narrative launched in the context of the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In fact, Bucharest authorities never passed such a decree, while both providers have standing contracts with the state that need to be honored.

Veridica
Veridica
09 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: The Republic of Moldova steals Transnistria’s gas and sells it to Ukraine

FAKE NEWS: The Republic of Moldova steals Transnistria’s gas and sells it to Ukraine

The Republic of Moldova steals the gas destined for Transnistria and sells it to Ukraine at the market price, claims the press in Tiraspol, although the authorities in Chisinau are procuring gas from other markets, as Gazprom has limited supplies.

Veridica
Veridica
08 Nov 2022
Turkey continues to stir the pot in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East

Turkey continues to stir the pot in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East

In the first half of 2022, Turkey seemed to be trying to tone down its aggressive policies in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. Yet all these efforts were but a ruse. In fact, Ankara never renounced key elements underlying its aggressive strategy. It has recently actually dialed up its aggression in relations with Tripoli, which can further deteriorate the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Dragoș Mateescu
Dragoș Mateescu
21 Oct 2022
Serbia and Russia – a partnership for the future, or a dying relic of the past?

Serbia and Russia – a partnership for the future, or a dying relic of the past?

Serbia has been, for years, Russia’s closest ally in the Balkans. For Moscow, the relationship is a means to project an image of power and international relevance. Belgrade, on the other hand, plays the pro-Russian card to show that it has an alternative to a West that bruised its ego during the Kosovo war, but also for some pragmatic reasons, such as Russia’s support in the UN Security Council and its role as an energy provider. Belgrade’s real interests lie, however, with the EU, and the war in Ukraine may bring about a change – albeit a slow one – in its relationship with Russia.

Vuk Velebit
Vuk Velebit
14 Oct 2022
FAKE NEWS: Hidroelectrica, just like other Romanian assets, will be taken by foreigners

FAKE NEWS: Hidroelectrica, just like other Romanian assets, will be taken by foreigners

The most valuable Romanian company with state capital, Hidroelectrica, will be sold to foreigners, on the London Stock Exchange, according to a false narrative promoted by the controversial senator Diana Șoșoacă. In reality, the company will only be listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, and only the 19.94% owned by Fondul Proprietatea will be sold.

Veridica
Veridica
12 Oct 2022
FAKE NEWS: The secret services will orchestrate protests to justify the EU abandoning Ukraine

FAKE NEWS: The secret services will orchestrate protests to justify the EU abandoning Ukraine

European Union Member States will abandon Ukraine ahead of the cold season lest Russia should suspend its gas deliveries and for fear of a nuclear threat coming from Moscow. To justify their decision, EU countries will play host to a number of protests with the help of the secret services.

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
23 Sep 2022
DISINFORMATION: Russia is not to blame for the energy and natural gas price surge

DISINFORMATION: Russia is not to blame for the energy and natural gas price surge

Russia is not to blame for the global rise in energy prices, it is the fault of an increasingly greedy Europe that has created “energy bubbles”. This false narrative, promoted in an online publication in Romania, repeats Russian propaganda and ignores Moscow's actions that actually led to the current situation.

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
14 Sep 2022
The Republic of Moldova is getting ready for a complicated autumn. Russia’s schemes

The Republic of Moldova is getting ready for a complicated autumn. Russia’s schemes

The Republic of Moldova could face a number of serious challenges this autumn, given that Russia wants to bring this country back into its orbit. At domestic level, Moscow is expected to use any leverage it has in the separatist region of Transnistria and in Găgăuzia. Adding to these pressure points will be the country’s energy concerns.

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
09 Sep 2022
DISINFORMATION: Romania and Europe will freeze next winter

DISINFORMATION: Romania and Europe will freeze next winter

Romania, just like the other European countries, will suffer terribly because of the gas price and Russia's decision to partially halt gas supplies to Europe, but this is only the fault of the European leaders, who punished Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine. The false narrative ignores the fact that Russia needs the Europeans’ money, and the latter have taken steps to avoid a major energy crisis.

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
08 Sep 2022
European solidarity, tested by the Russian gas crisis

European solidarity, tested by the Russian gas crisis

The war in Ukraine brought back into focus an issue that had been known for a long time: Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. First, the possibility of European sanctions was raised, then Moscow reduced supplies, which caused panic in some Western capitals. What can Europeans do to escape Russian blackmail and how much should they fear the coming winter?

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
27 Jul 2022
The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Romania, Victor Chirilă: If there’s anyone who doesn’t observe the neutrality status of the Republic of Moldova, then it is Moscow, not Chișinău

The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Romania, Victor Chirilă: If there’s anyone who doesn’t observe the neutrality status of the Republic of Moldova, then it is Moscow, not Chișinău

The Transnistrian is not an obstacle to the EU integration of Chișinău, says the ambassador the Republic of Moldova in Romania, Victor Chirilă. In an interview to Veridica, the Moldovan diplomat said that, should Ukraine win the war against Russia, Tiraspol leaders will become “more flexible”. Victor Chirilă analyzed the security risks for Chișinău, as well as the main projects carried out by the Republic of Moldova jointly with Romania.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
10 Jun 2022
In search of alternatives to Russian petrol, the West might resort to “smaller Russias”

In search of alternatives to Russian petrol, the West might resort to “smaller Russias”

Europe’s reliance on large energy imports from Russia prevents the adoption of sanctions meant to deprive Moscow of sizable revenues, which it can use to feed its war machine. The West is looking for replacements, but unfortunately these are more often than not “smaller Russias” – authoritarian regimes that also stand accused of violating human rights.

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
30 Apr 2022
The war in Ukraine is shaping Turkey’s policy-making, although a break with Russia is out of the question

The war in Ukraine is shaping Turkey’s policy-making, although a break with Russia is out of the question

Against the backdrop of a worsening economic crisis, Turkey is trying to reconnect with its former allies, after years of pushing them away with its aggresive rhetoric and policies. However, Ankara must also take into account its relationship with Russia, given that it is dependent on that country for energy, agricultural products, tourism and trade.

Dragoș Mateescu
Dragoș Mateescu
23 Mar 2022
FAKE NEWS: Europe, on the brink of a catastrophic power outage

FAKE NEWS: Europe, on the brink of a catastrophic power outage

“A major power outage, which could last up to two weeks, is imminent in the European Union”, according to part of the Romanian media, referring to an alleged warning from the Austrian defense minister. In fact, the Austrian army only considers the possibility of a power outage as part of its crisis prevention program and has launched an information campaign for the population that is not at all unusual”.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
02 Nov 2021
Why Kiev’s Dniester energy plans endanger Moldova and Romania

Why Kiev’s Dniester energy plans endanger Moldova and Romania

Ukraine wants to become an energy powerhouse at the Dniester, but this is affecting Moldova's water reserves and may even affect Romania

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
04 Jan 2021