# Moldova-Ukraine economic, energy, and EU accession relations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/moldova-ukraine-economic-and-energy-relations > Updated: 2026-10-12T08:41:03.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2. Moldova continues to navigate complex economic, energy, and political dependencies involving Ukraine. On the energy front, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan is exploring the import of approximately 500 million cubic meters of natural gas from Ukraine’s Poltava and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. Ukraine’s ambassador to Chișinău, Paun Rohovei, has confirmed that Ukraine possesses natural gas surpluses and is prepared to resume exports to Moldova, noting that both nations have the necessary conditions for energy cooperation. While negotiations are expected to follow market prices, officials are discussing long-term contracts to secure more favorable rates. Politically, Moldova and Ukraine are advancing EU accession objectives. On October 13, 2026, Moldova is scheduled to begin negotiations regarding the Internal Market and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth clusters, covering 17 chapters including digital transformation, taxation, and the free movement of goods, services, and capital. This follows the Ukrainian Parliament’s adoption of a law expanding educational and linguistic rights for national minorities, a reform requested by Hungary to unblock Ukraine’s accession process. Simultaneously, the Moldovan agricultural sector remains under pressure. The Farmers’ Force association has requested an extension of the licensing mechanism for importing cereals and oilseeds through December 31, 2026, warning that the current expiration on October 31 could lead to a market flooded with cheap Ukrainian grain. Additionally, a proposed VAT reform may impact the sector; while the government suggests maintaining a reduced 8% VAT rate for wheat, corn, and sunflower until 2028, the rate would increase to 12% for barley, rapeseed, and most other agricultural products. ## Claims - The Ukrainian Parliament adopted a law extending educational and linguistic rights for national minorities. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Moldova is opening two new negotiation clusters with the EU: Internal Market and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The EU will open two new negotiation chapters with Ukraine and Moldova. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Hungary requested the minority rights reform as a condition for Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Montenegro is expected to close three negotiation chapters on Tuesday. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Moldova aims to open all remaining EU negotiation chapters by the end of the year. (single source) - Ukraine may lift its moratorium on natural gas exports to increase state budget revenue. (single source) - Ukraine has a gas surplus of approximately 500 million cubic meters. (single source) - Veaceslav Platon suggested Moldova purchase gas from the Ukrainian internal market at 300–350 euros per 1,000 cubic meters. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Moldovan farmers seek extended grain import licensing Moldovan farmers are requesting extended import licensing for grains due to Ukrainian market instability, while the government proposes new VAT reforms for various agricultural crops. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-farmers-seek-extension-of-grain-import-licensing ### 2026-10-11: EU advances accession negotiations for Moldova and Ukraine The EU is opening new negotiation clusters with Moldova and Ukraine, advancing their accession paths. Moldova also explores importing gas from Ukraine as Kyiv considers lifting its export moratorium. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-seeks-natural-gas-imports-from-ukraine --- Cite as: Moldova-Ukraine economic, energy, and EU accession relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/moldova-ukraine-economic-and-energy-relations