The European Union will provide 30 million euros ($31.5 million) to purchase and transport natural gas to Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniestria, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean said on Monday.

The European Union (EU) announced a EUR 30 million "targeted support to Moldova, including the Transnistrian region," to finance the purchase and transportation of natural gas for the region that is facing an acute energy crisis "provoked by Gazprom.

Moldovagaz and Tiraspoltransgaz signed a contract for the supply of 3 million cubic meters to maintain pressure in the gas transmission system of Transnistria until January 31. Transnistria has pledged to return these volumes by March 1.

Moscow’s gas cutoff fuels Moldova’s shift toward the EU, as the country seeks energy security and support. Meanwhile, pro-Russian Transnistria