Energy security and elections in the Republic of Moldova, on the agenda of two meetings held in Luxembourg on Monday
The latest events in the Republic of Moldova, including the parliamentary elections, and the energy situation on the eve of winter will be topics of discussion at the meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers, as well as the meeting of the Energy Ministers of the community bloc, which will take place on Monday, October 20, in Luxembourg.
European diplomatic sources told Teleradio-Moldova that the European Foreign Ministers will welcome the outcome of the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova and reiterate the need to continue supporting our country in the face of hybrid threats. In view of other upcoming elections, such as the one in Armenia, the Council will highlight the lessons offered by Chisinau, which managed to cope with attacks and threats in the process of holding the elections on September 28.
With reference to Georgia, the same diplomatic sources confirmed that, during the meeting, support for the South Caucasus country will also be reiterated, in an attempt to send an encouraging message to the population, according to which the European Union will not give up on defending the rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens, but will continue to seek to nominally sanction persons with public authority who are responsible for violating these rights.
EU support for Ukraine's defence efforts
After an exchange of views with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha, the Council, meeting in Luxembourg, will discuss the latest developments in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Sibiha will present an overview of the situation on the ground in Ukraine and his country's urgent priorities to the meeting.
Having recently returned from Ukraine, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas will present the conclusions of her recent mission to Kiev. The discussion will focus on strengthening the EU's security commitments to enhance the Union's contribution to security guarantees in both the short and long term. This will include increased military support for Ukraine and its defence industry, financial support, strengthening Ukraine's resilience, as well as energy aspects in the context of recent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and winter preparations.
The Council will also discuss the intensification of pressure on Russia, including the 19th package of sanctions, measures to disrupt the "shadow" fleet, as well as countering Russia's hybrid activities. The High Representative may also refer to the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The topic of a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, with a view to resuming peace negotiations in Ukraine, will not be left without attention. This is after Volodymyr Zelensky had an official meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, October 17.
According to Reuters, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban guaranteed the Kremlin that the conditions would be ensured for the meeting with the US President and for Vladimir Putin to travel to this meeting, despite the international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the Kremlin leader.
EU remains committed to efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East
European ministers will discuss the EU's involvement in the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire plan agreed on 10 October. Support for the Palestinian Authority, the reconstruction of Gaza and the two-state solution in the Middle East will also be discussed.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council is also expected to adopt two sets of conclusions on India and the Indo-Pacific region, in the context of strengthening economic and security partnerships, with the EU-Indo-Pacific ministerial forum to be held on 20-21 November 2025.
Energy security of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, in the EU's attention
Against the backdrop of Russia's continued military aggression against Ukraine and its impact on the entire region, Energy Ministers of the European Union Member States will meet in Luxembourg on Monday, 20 October, in a restricted meeting to review the energy security and resilience of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova ahead of the cold season.
The ministerial meeting will be joined by Olha Yukhimchuk, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine, and Dorin Junghietu, Acting Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, who will provide an overview of the energy situation in both countries.
The discussions at the Council ministerial meeting will focus on both immediate and long-term measures aimed at integrating both countries into the European Union energy market. According to the Danish presidency, which convened the meeting, energy market integration is an essential element in the European path of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, and is also of strategic importance for the energy security of the entire continent.
In addition to supporting the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, European ministers are expected to reach a political agreement on the total elimination of gas and oil imports from Russia by 1 January 2028. The initiative, proposed by the European Commission as part of the REPowerEU plan, targets all forms of imports – both through pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) – and has as its ultimate goal the complete reduction of energy dependence on Moscow.
