The Republic of Moldova is at a critical juncture on its path toward European integration, with the environment, energy, and climate change being key areas in this process. Aligning with European standards is not just a bureaucratic requirement but a necessity for ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the country’s citizens. In this context, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are contributing to the modernization of legislation and the implementation of policies that address global environmental and energy challenges.

The bilateral legislative screening process involves a detailed assessment of existing legislation in essential sectors such as energy, air, climate, waste management, and water, to identify gaps and areas requiring adjustment. The UNDP has provided significant support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova during this stage through the EU-funded programme "Addressing the impacts of the energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova", contributing not only with technical expertise but also with assistance in developing more robust and sustainable policies.

This support has facilitated a more efficient and coordinated transition to European standards, ensuring that Moldova is well-prepared to meet its international commitments.

Progress in aligning national legislation with European norms

Moldova has made progress in aligning its legislation with European standards in the fields of environment and energy. Among these achievements are the development of the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System for greenhouse gas emissions, which is an important step toward meeting the country’s climate objectives.

Currently, several essential strategic documents, developed with the programme’s expertise, are in the final stages and are expected to be approved by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in the fall of 2024.

These include the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), a strategic document of major importance for Moldova, outlining the country’s energy and climate objectives until 2030 and for the 2050 horizon. This plan includes ambitious goals regarding the use of renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Aligned with the country’s international commitments, the NECP will play a vital role in ensuring a fair and sustainable energy transition, thus contributing to environmental protection and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

On the other hand, the building sector in the Republic of Moldova is one of the largest energy consumers, representing nearly 50% of total national consumption. To address this issue, the Sectoral strategy for the long-term renovation of the national housing stock for the period 2025-2030 aims to identify and implement economic solutions for building renovations. The goal is to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency in this essential sector.

Adjusted national legislation ensures a sustainable transition

The programme has supported the Republic of Moldova in transposing the Clean Energy for all Europeans Package, including European regulations, which address climate actions, energy supply security, and the design of the electricity market. With the support provided by the EU and UNDP , an essential set of European regulations, aimed at ensuring a functional energy market and energy security, has been developed. These regulations address critical aspects such as energy supply security, climate actions, and the design of the electricity market. Their implementation is vital for modernizing Moldova’s energy sector and ensuring full alignment with EU norms.

In this field, 34 legislative acts and multiple essential methodologies and assessments have been developed to ensure the resilience of the Republic of Moldova’s energy sector. These documents and legislative acts constitute the foundation of a stable legislative and regulatory framework, which will support the country’s sustainable economic development and energy transition.

The draft Sectoral strategy for the long-term renovation of the national housing stock for the period 2025-2030 is a relevant example. This strategy focuses on increasing energy efficiency in the building sector, which consumes nearlyhalf of national energy. The goal is to identify and implement economic solutions for building renovations, thereby reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Another significant project is the National Programme for Strengthening the Solid Biomass Sector for 2024-2030. This programme aims to develop the biomass market in Moldova, with a focus on using local resources and reducing dependence on conventional resources. The initiatives in this program support the transition to renewable energy sources, thereby ensuring the country’s energy security.

In the natural gas sector, the draft law amending Law No. 108/2016 and the Regulation on Exceptional Situations in the Natural Gas Sector are essential for harmonizing national legislation with European standards. These acts are vital for the effective management of the gas supply crisis, in the context of regional and international instabilities.

Recent legislative projects, such as the amendment of Law No. 108/2016, are essential for ensuring a functional and resilient energy market. These regulations contribute to protecting consumers and guaranteeing stable energy supply, thus facilitating Moldova’s full integration into the European market.

The collaboration between the Republic of Moldova, the EU and UNDP is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and fully integrating into European structures. Through the support provided in modernizing legislation, implementing efficient policies, and aligning with international standards, Moldova is moving toward a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable energy future. These efforts not only contribute to the country’s economic development but also to environmental protection and improving the quality of life for all people.