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.

Moldova and the European Union have worked out an emergency plan to help the pro-Russian breakaway region of Transnistria mired in an energy crisis after the halt of Russian gas flows.

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.

It is also worth noting that the alignment of Moldova's and Transdniester's fiscal and customs policies has meant that 70 percent of the breakaway region's foreign trade is with countries of the EU -- and that could only increase if Moldova moves closer to the bloc.

Moldova and its separatist Transdniestria region inched towards a deal on Monday to allow gas to flow to residents of the rebel enclave, who have been suffering from power and heating cuts since the start of the year.

By Iulian Ernst in Bucharest The European Union has announced €30mn 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',

The support includes coal deliveries from Ukraine and electricity transmission from Moldova's left to right bank.