Moldova approves 60-day energy and water emergency
The emergency takes effect on 26 September as drought cuts Dniester and Prut flows and imported energy costs rise; officials said the measure is preventive.
Balkan Spectator · Automated news desk Published Updated Event / data date: 2026-09-22
Moldova's parliament approved a 60-day state of emergency for energy and water supplies on 22 September. The measure passed by 54 votes to 20, with 22 deputies not voting, and is due to take effect on 26 September. [1][3]
The Environment Ministry described a severe hydrological deficit on both the Dniester and Prut. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said inflow to the Novodnistrovsk reservoir in Ukraine was about 22 cubic metres per second, below the stated minimum of 60; the environment minister said limits on nonessential water use might be needed. [3]
ContextThe government says the temporary powers are intended to let it act before shortages develop as global conflicts raise energy costs and Moldova enters winter dependent on imported gas and electricity. Officials did not report that national electricity, heat or water supplies had already failed. [1][2][3]
Added AP reporting on the Dniester and Prut hydrological deficit, the stated Novodnistrovsk inflow shortfall and possible limits on nonessential water use.
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Moldova approves 60-day energy and water emergency
Parliament backed temporary emergency powers from 26 September as the government sought tools to guard against supply shortages linked to low Dniester levels and import dependence.
Moldova's parliament approved a 60-day state of emergency for energy and water supplies on 22 September. The measure passed by 54 votes to 20, with 22 deputies not voting, and is due to take effect on 26 September.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan told lawmakers that temporary emergency powers were needed so the government could act before shortages developed. The vote authorises faster intervention; it does not itself establish that electricity, heat or water supplies have failed.
ContextThe government request followed a Security Council meeting on dangerously low Dniester levels. Reuters reported that Moldova depends heavily on imported gas, oil and electricity, while Moldovan and Ukrainian experts have coordinated Dniester flows for irrigation. President Maia Sandu said renewable capacity still could not cover peak demand.
