Foreign Policy Association together with Friedrich­Ebert-Stiftung offer you a newsletter on foreign policy and European integration issues of the Republic of Moldova. The newsletter is part of the “Foreign Policy Dialogue” joint Project. NEWSLETTER MONTHLY BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2022 NR.11(201) Synthesis and Foreign Policy NTheewnselewttselre-tutel resistedreevaelliozpaetddebyMMădăădlăinlinNNeceșcușțuuț,ur,eeddaitcotor-rc-ocooordrdinoantaotror Debates TOPICS OF THE EDITION: 1. Vasile Grădinaru, PAS deputy: “The uncertainty of the position that the citizens on the left bank of the Dniester may take prevents Russians from using the scenario of closing the gas supply tap” 2. Editorial, Vitalie Calugareanu, journalist: “Energy terrorism” is just starting 3. Sergiu Tofilat, energy expert: “The stopping of gas volumes by Gazprom for the Republic of Moldova is a real scenario” 4. Expert Opinion, Victor Parlicov, energy expert: “An analysis of the energy security of the Republic of Moldova” 5.“Pipeline system of Moldovagaz that transports gas for domestic consumers. Source: Moldovagaz/Facebook” News in Brief The Republic of Moldova faces multiple hybrid attacks, which take the most varied forms, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Bogdan Aurescu, in an interview for Agerpres.“We are talking about overlapping and artificially generated crises. Their purpose is very simple: to derail the course of reforms and European integration firmly assumed by the President of the Republic of Moldova and the Government, and clearly supported by the parliamentary majority. For example, the reduction by Gazprom, every month, of the volumes of natural gas delivered to the Republic of Moldova. However, the vigour and determination with which the authorities and citizens of the Republic of Moldova are standing up to these massive challenges is remarkable,” said the head of Romanian diplomacy. In the context of the upcoming meeting of Foreign Ministers from NATO member countries, which will take place in Bucharest, on November 29-30, Bogdan Aurescu emphasized that it is“the first time that the Republic of Moldova is invited to such a format, which“confirms in fact, the importance that the allies attach to the stability of the Republic of Moldova, especially in these difficult moments for Chisinau”. The Republic of Moldova facing a hard winter: between European support and Russian dependence The Republic of Moldova and Georgia could soon launch a maritime route between the ports of Giurgiulesti and Poti. A working group will assess the feasibility and discuss with private sector partners whether there is sufficient interest for a direct sea and river route between Giurgiulesti Port and Poti in Georgia. This fact would partially allow for the intensification of direct commercial relations, but would also facilitate trade between the entire region of the South Caucasus and the rest of the European space, through the Republic of Moldova. The issue was addressed at the meeting between the head of Moldovan diplomacy, Nicu Popescu, and his Georgian counterpart, Ilia Darchiashvili, who visited Chisinau on November 24. Popescu stated that concrete ways of intensifying commercial and economic relations were discussed at the meeting. At the same time, it is planned to organize a businessmen’s forum in the spring.“There are more than 30 years of diplomatic relations with Georgia. Recently, the Republic of Moldova was visited by the Georgian president. On that occasion, a direct flight Chisinau­Tbilisi was inaugurated. This will allow the intensification of the ties between the two states- economic, social, touristic and political-diplomatic”, noted the minister. The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda, of Latvia, Egils, and of Poland, Andrzej Duda adopted, on November 25, a joint declaration on regional security and European integration at the summit dedicated to strengthening the Eastern Flank of NATO, which provides for the support of Ukraine and the Republic Moldova. Through this statement, the four presidents agreed, in Kaunas, Lithuania, to closely coordinate their efforts in strengthening regional security and defense capabilities. They also welcomed the significant achievements of Ukraine in advancing on the path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and confirmed the assumed commitment to strengthen joint efforts in supporting the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, appreciating its progress on this path. Moldovagaz`s gas pipelines transport gas for domestic consumers. Source: Moldovagaz/Facebook The Republic of Moldova is facing one of the most difficult winters since its existence as a state for 31 years. Moscow is again using its“energy weapon” in order to obstruct the European path of the Republic of Moldova. More than ever, Russia has more than halved its gas supplies under the renewed five-year contract from October 2021. Russia’s excuse is that Ukraine“is stealing” from the gas destined for Moldova, a fact denied by Ukraine. In reality, Moscow is coordinating its reduced gas supplies with rampant attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. The Republic of Moldova is a collateral victim of these Russian military actions. Moscow’s goal is to generate discontent and revolt among Moldovan society so that it turns against the current pro-European Monthly newsletter, No.11(201), November 2022 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel.+373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:fes@fes-moldova.org