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The Transnistria region, which is only recognized by Russia, is to be incorporated into the Republic of Moldova. This was announced by President Maia Sandu.
Chișinău/Tiraspol – The Republic of Moldova wants to incorporate the separatist region of Transnistria into its national territory before possible accession to the European Union. President Maia Sandu announced on Tuesday in Norway that she would set the country up to 2030 EU-I want to prepare for integration. “Ideally, we would like the country to be reintegrated before accession, and we are working on it, but it does not just depend on us.” In Oslo, Sandu signed an energy agreement with Norway, so the country’s supply will not be provided in the future be more dependent on Russian gas supplies.
The internationally unrecognized Republic of Transnistria was created between 1990 and 1992 during the collapse of the Soviet Union through secession from the Republic of Moldova. The independence movement resulted in war from March to July 1992. The fighting claimed more than 500 lives and ended with military intervention by the Russian 14th Guards Army stationed there on the side of the separatists. As a result of the fighting, Transnistria declared itself independent, something the Republic of Moldova has never recognized since its own independence from the Soviet Union (August 27, 1991).
Powder keg Transnistria: In addition to Russian and Ukrainian population
The region borders Ukraine to the east and the population has been falling for years. According to the Center for Eastern European and International Studies, the region had just over 700,000 inhabitants in 1990, and around 465,000 people still lived there in 2021. To date, only Russia recognizes the province and its government. The other states see it as part of the Republic of Moldova.
About a quarter of Transnistria’s population is Russian, almost 30 percent is Ukrainian and the rest are predominantly Moldovan. Transnistria has its own paramilitary units, but an estimated 1,500 Russian soldiers are also stationed there. Last February they… Separatists asked Russia for protection from the government in Chișinău.
Moldova wants to reduce dependence on Russia
Since the Russian army attacked Ukraine, the government in Chișinău has been trying to break away from Russian dependence and is importing gas via neighboring Romania. The Republic of Moldova obtains most of its electricity from a gas-fired power plant in Transnistria. The region itself is dependent on deliveries from Russia. According to Moldovan Energy Minister Victor Parlicow, these should not be hindered.
However, Russian gas is transported via pipelines that run through Ukraine. The transit agreements expire at the end of 2024, and Parlicow stated that the contracts would not be extended. Without Russian gas supplies, Transnistria could face major economic problems. (fmü)
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