In Moscow's crosshairs: Moldova looks east and west to stay warm this winter

Moldova is grappling with an energy crisis as Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants disrupt electricity supply and Gazprom cuts gas deliveries, leading to frequent blackouts. Moscow is accused of using energy as a weapon to destabilize Moldova, with protests in Chisinau against the pro-European government allegedly financed by the Moscow-influenced Șor party. Moldova is working to diversify its energy sources, with a new gas pipeline from Romania and plans for power lines to Western Europe. The EU-funded Reducing Vulnerability Fund helps vulnerable families with energy costs, but high inflation and energy prices remain a concern.

Moldova is holding its breath as the war in Ukraine threatens its neighbours

Moldova, a militarily neutral country with European aspirations, faces significant risks due to the war in Ukraine. Euronews journalist Julián López Gómez traveled across Moldova, encountering a mix of pro-Western and pro-Russian sentiments among citizens, government officials, and business owners. The Maxemchuk family, a Moldovan-American household, exemplifies the fear and anxiety prevalent in the country. Moldova's government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, has applied for EU membership, while the opposition PSRM party, represented by MP Adrian Lebedinschi, advocates for neutrality. The unresolved conflict in the pro-Russian region of Transnistria and the autonomous territory of Gagauzia add to the complexity. Moldova's economy is strained by the war, the pandemic, and an energy crisis, and the influx of Ukrainian refugees has increased its population by nearly 4 percent. Despite these challenges, the Maxemchuk family remains involved in aid programs and hopeful for a peaceful resolution.

Limited access to COVID vaccines for Europe's poor: the case of Moldova

Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, is struggling with limited access to COVID-19 vaccines, having received only enough doses for 1% of its population. The country's medical staff are exhausted, and the lack of vaccines is particularly dire for the most fragile communities. Moldova's pro-EU President, Maia Sandu, has secured a donation of 200,000 doses from Romania and is negotiating for more through the COVAX program. Corruption and weak institutions are obstacles to the vaccine rollout. The country's reliance on temporary workers abroad means an ineffective vaccination campaign could lead to increased isolation. The population remains hopeful that vaccines will eventually enable a return to normalcy.