Moldova Approves 60-Day Energy Emergency After Power Line Damage

Moldova's parliament approved a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector on Tuesday after Russian strikes in neighboring Ukraine damaged a key power line that supplies up to 70 percent of the country's electricity from Romania.

The vote in the 101-member chamber passed with 72 in favor, while 18 lawmakers abstained and none opposed. The measure, proposed by the pro-European government, takes effect on Wednesday and aims to enable quicker mobilization of resources, protection of critical infrastructure and implementation of crisis mitigation steps if needed. The damaged Isaccea-Vulcanesti high-voltage line, which runs 40 kilometers through Ukrainian territory, was disconnected overnight following the attacks on Ukraine's energy grid. Moldovan officials estimate repairs could take five to seven days, with potential shortages of up to 400 megawatts during peak hours.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu addressed lawmakers during the session, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "What is happening in the energy sector today is not an accident," he said. "Russia's attacks on the civilian energy infrastructure in Ukraine represent a war crime, but also an attack on us here in...