SETimes: Gas pipeline to boost economy and energy security in Moldova

A newly inaugurated gas pipeline connecting the Romanian city of Iasi and the Moldovan border town of Ungheni will have a significant impact on the former Soviet republic's economy, but further investments are required for the line to get to its full operational capacity, analysts told SETimes.

The 42-kilometre long gas pipe was inaugurated late last month by Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta and his Moldovan counterpart, Iurie Leanca. "Moldova and Romania, to be truly independent, need energy. Together we can be truly independent and together we can be really respected and this is the message we are sending to Europe and the others," Ponta said.

"These projects are not against someone else, but in the interest of the Republic of Moldova," Leanca said. "This means we will be more confident no one will be able to create us problems, threaten us, but we will have in return an absolutely normal, civilized relation."

The gas pipeline, which took a year to complete, cost the two countries 26 million euros, of which 7 million came from the EU. Brussels has also made 10 million euros available to extend the pipe to Chisinau. If completed, the entire infrastructure would cover as much as half of Moldova's gas demand.  MORE