EU Accession Momentum: Hungary signaled it will drop its veto, and the EU agreed to move Ukraine and Moldova to the next stage of membership bids, with talks on the first negotiating cluster expected soon. Gas & Energy Security: Moldova will cut the natural gas transit tariff on the route to Ukraine by 90% from Oct 1, 2026, aiming to make the corridor more economically feasible; meanwhile, the Energy Community says gas security in the region is improving as storage rules advance, with Moldova highlighted for building emergency stocks. Road & Infrastructure Finance: The EBRD approved an extra €150m for rehabilitating the Chișinău–Leușeni road and the Chișinău bypass, bringing the total to €300m and pushing updates to meet European standards. Agriculture Support & Digitalization: AIPA authorized May subsidies worth 178.49m lei for farmers, while a Moldovan firm developed a mobile platform to digitize services for farmers. Energy Efficiency Rules: Moldova adopted stricter ecodesign standards for household appliances to curb “phantom” standby consumption. US Embassy Land Move: Chisinau completed clearing land for the new US Embassy headquarters, with next steps tied to the transfer process. Trade & Russia Tensions: A Russian envoy said trade turnover with Moldova could reach $1bn, while also claiming Moldova is moving toward shutting economic relations with Moscow.