Aviation & Border Security: Moldova said a Russian drone entered its airspace and delayed flights, including the departure of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy en route to Norway, with authorities reopening airspace once the drone was confirmed down. Energy & Winter Readiness: Energocom reported buying and delivering natural gas for August at €57.80/MWh, while Moldova’s government also moved to prepare for the next heating season. Rail & Trade Logistics: Moldovan Railways (CFM) is lining up new logistics investments tied to Giurgiulesti Port and is also advancing the Iași–Ungheni railway rehabilitation and electrification to better connect into the European transport area. Tax & Investment Policy: Parliament advanced a broad 2027 fiscal and customs package in first reading, including higher personal exemptions and changes to VAT/excise, with the government framing it as support for work and investment. Agribusiness: Moldova’s new agriculture minister, Eugen Osmochescu, met fruit-sector representatives on boosting exports, modernizing plantations, and upgrading sorting, storage and packaging. Industry Leadership: Moldova’s Parliament reshuffled committee leadership, with Marcel Spatari taking over the Economy, Budget and Finance Committee and Adrian Băluțel leading European Integration. Tech Safety: AI firm Anthropic detailed how it disrupted alleged misuse of its Claude models, including attempts tied to espionage, surveillance and biological weapons research.
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Parliament & Tax Reform: Moldova’s Parliament advanced a broad 2027 fiscal and customs package in first reading, aiming to raise about 5.1 billion lei via higher personal exemptions, VAT/excise adjustments, and investment-leaning rules—while opposition warns the burden will hit prices and fuel evasion. Rail & Logistics: Moldovan Railways (CFM) is lining up new logistics upgrades tied to Giurgiulesti Port, including a proposed multifunctional module at Prut station and renewed cross-border links; it’s also procuring design-and-build work to rehabilitate and electrify the Iași–Ungheni line to better integrate Moldova into the European transport area. Energy Security: Energocom reported August gas procurement at €57.80/MWh and is building reserve volumes ahead of winter, using forward contracts to manage delivery and storage costs. EU-facing Governance: Parliament reshuffled committee leadership—Marcel Spatari took over Economy/Budget/Finance, while Adrian Băluțel chairs European Integration—alongside agriculture committee changes. Local Industry & Food: In Taraclia, nuns at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Convent made rose jam from monastery gardens, with products planned for Etno Fest. Cross-border Risk: Moldova accused Russia of a deliberate strike on the Tudora-Starokozache border crossing and rejected claims that weapons were routed through Moldova.
Aviation & Security: Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre says Zelenskyy’s plane was “almost hit” by a drone during take-off from Moldova to Oslo, after Moldova temporarily closed airspace following a Russian drone incursion; Moldova later confirmed a drone crash on its territory and another briefly entering Romania, underscoring how the war is spilling into regional transport safety. Border Tensions: Moldova rejects Russia’s claim that the Tudora-Starokozache checkpoint was hit because it was used for military logistics, calling it a false justification for an attack that killed civilians. Energy & Industry Risk: Ukraine argues fuel-stock rules are hard to implement in wartime because attacks on tank farms are only a matter of time, while Moldova continues planning for winter energy stability amid higher gas tariffs and uncertainty around supply routes. EU Integration & Governance: Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu frames EU accession as now “more about security than economic prosperity,” while MPs prepare to vote on dozens of EU-aligned laws, including budget, energy supply security, and rail reforms. Business Deregulation: Moldova’s PM proposes simplifying procedures for entrepreneurs and reducing permits and inspections, including steps aimed at cutting bureaucracy for private investment. Culture & Regional Links: The Meeting of Romanian National Theatres opens in Chișinău, bringing Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine together for 12 days of performances and industry events. Water Management: Moldova’s Dniester Commission emergency meeting is postponed to Sept. 14 as drought lowers reservoir discharge and threatens water supply for consumers.
Security & Airspace: Moldova again faced the war’s spillover as Russian drones hit the Starokazache/Starokozache border crossing near the Ukraine–Moldova line, killing 2 and injuring 3; Moldova also temporarily closed airspace after a drone incursion, while PM Vasile Tofan said Russia’s attacks are increasingly endangering citizens. Air Defense Push: Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi said Moldova will strengthen warning and defense systems and is set to receive an EU-funded integrated medium-range air defense package (€120m). Business Deregulation: PM Tofan unveiled a deregulation concept to cut bureaucracy and overhaul private-sector inspections—about 80 permits may be eliminated or simplified, with 172 permitting procedures flagged for change. Parliament Agenda: MPs will meet Sept. 10 with committee leadership reshuffles (economy/budget/finance and European integration) and draft laws on budget amendments, tax/customs simplification, and oil supply security. Energy for Winter: Government approved 52 measures for the 2026–2027 heating season, including commercial operation of the Vulcănești–Chișinău 400 kV line and steps to diversify gas and secure fuel stocks. EU Path & Regional Ties: Moldova and Bulgaria reaffirmed support for EU accession and cooperation on energy security; Taraclia will keep its separate administrative status as a municipality.
Renewables & Biofuels: Moldova will simplify and digitize renewable energy project approvals via a single EVO portal, set faster authorization deadlines, and create “acceleration areas”; it also moves to a biofuel registry and new market rules. Energy Security: The government approved a 2026–2027 heating season action plan with 52 measures to keep electricity, gas, heat and fuel supplies stable amid drought and volatile prices. Grid Oversight: An audit is set for delays on the Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line after works finish, following a defect found in equipment sent back to a Spanish manufacturer. Drone Rules for Industry: Moldova published EU-aligned regulations for drone operations in U-space, covering identification, authorization and coordination with air traffic—aimed at enabling commercial services. Tax & Consumer Impact: Fiscal policy for 2027 raises the personal allowance to 40,020 lei, increases VAT for HoReCa to 12%, and introduces VAT plus a 12-lei handling fee on imported parcels up to €150 from October. Energy Bills Complaints: Consumers report Energocom invoices that sometimes repeat amounts already paid, with mismatches versus banking apps. Agriculture Trade: The agriculture minister says there’s no economic case yet for extending grain import licensing, warning it could hurt trade relations. Cross-border Disruption: After a Russian drone strike, Ukraine suspended processing at the Starokozache border crossing with Moldova, affecting people and vehicle traffic. EU Path & Investment: Moldova’s PM met France’s ambassador, highlighting 213 French-capital companies and pushing new investment projects in infrastructure, energy and IT.
Fiscal Policy Overhaul (2027): Moldova’s government approved a 2027 fiscal and customs package: personal allowance rises to 40,020 lei, VAT stays reduced for basic goods, HoReCa VAT is set to jump from 8% to 12%, and excise duties increase (plus new taxes on vices and gambling). Public Debate: Former PM Ion Sturza warns the plan lacks “fiscal space,” citing a wider deficit and rising debt-service costs. Cross-Border E-commerce Costs: From October, VAT and a 12-lei handling fee will apply to parcels from abroad up to €150, aiming to level the playing field for local retailers. Energy & Consumer Pressure: Consumers report mismatched energy bills; Energocom hasn’t commented. Grid Project Scrutiny: An audit will review delays on the Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line after works finish. Drone Integration: Moldova published EU-aligned rules for drone operations in U-space, enabling safer flights alongside manned aircraft. Water Stress: Novodnestrovsk Reservoir drops to 111.5m amid low inflows, with talks to secure minimum Dniester flow. EU-Backed Child Protection: A €2.1mn EU-funded program targets moving children from institutions to community care. France Investment Push: PM Vasile Tofan met France’s ambassador; 213 French-capital companies operate in Moldova, with a Nov 2 business mission planned. Fashion & Exports: Five Moldovan designers will debut at Mercedes-Benz Bucharest Fashion Week; Azerbaijani textile output is reaching Georgian and Moldovan markets.
Fiscal & Customs Overhaul 2027: Moldova’s Cabinet approved a 2027 fiscal and customs package to simplify rules and align with EU standards, aiming to tax labor and investment less while shifting burden toward “harmful activities”; personal income tax relief is set to rise via a higher annual personal exemption to 40,020 lei, with dividends taxed at 8% and VAT changes (including HoReCa). Water & Agriculture Pressure: The Novodnestrovsk Reservoir in Ukraine dropped to 111.5 meters as inflows stayed very low, prompting Chisinau to push for minimum Dniester flows to protect drinking water and farming needs. Drone Industry Rules: Moldova published EU-aligned U-space drone regulations in the Official Journal, setting conditions for operations alongside manned aircraft and enabling flight identification and coordination—opening the door for commercial drone services like delivery and precision agriculture. Energy & Cross-Border Gas: North Macedonia and Serbia joined the Vertical Corridor gas initiative, strengthening diversification and supply routes for the region. Wine Tourism Boost: National Wine Day 2026 (Oct 3–4) expects around 10,000 visitors to Chisinau, with a “Wine Palette” dress code and week-long tastings across wineries and hotels. Hunting Season Calendar: Moldsilva approved 2026–2027 hunting rules, including quotas and restrictions (e.g., no stalking for deer; strict limits on weapons and licensed hunting).
Energy & Trade Links: North Macedonia and Serbia have joined Greece-led “Vertical Corridor” gas diversification, expanding cross-border transmission connectivity for supplies into Southeast and Central Europe. EU Path & Cooperation: Moldova’s PM Vasile Tofan spoke by phone with Slovakia’s Robert Fico, thanking SlovakAid support across governance, healthcare, education, food security, agriculture, business environment and infrastructure, with about €10m in active projects. Agriculture & Food Security: Global food prices climbed to the highest since late 2022 as Russia-Ukraine war disruptions hit wheat exports, with UN data pointing to port and shipping damage along the Black Sea and Danube. Wine Industry & Tourism: National Wine Day 2026 (Oct 3–4, Chisinau) returns with a “Wine Palette” dress code and expects around 10,000 visitors, with hotels booking months ahead. Scholarships for Skills: Moldova will raise student scholarships by at least 40% from 2026–2027, including higher support for health, education and STEAM tracks. Security & Industry Risk: Moldova is again flagged in the wider region’s hybrid-threat picture, as Russian-linked cyber and sabotage activity continues to target European institutions and infrastructure.
Wine & Tourism: Moldova is gearing up for National Wine Day’s 25th anniversary, with organizers expecting around 10,000 tourists to Chisinau on Oct 3–4 and pushing activities across the week to keep visitors longer. Agriculture Policy: Farmers’ Force is demanding PAS deputy Radu Marian apologize over accusations of conflict of interest tied to proposed import licensing for cereals and oilseeds. Trade & Food Security: Global food prices climbed to their highest since late 2022 as Russia-Ukraine disruptions keep squeezing wheat exports; Ukraine is also working on alternative routes that include Moldova to protect contracts. Logistics Under Pressure: Ukraine’s railway operator says Moldova’s Calea Ferată din Moldova blocked grain transfers at Kuchurgan, forcing rerouting through other border crossings. EU Accession Momentum: Lithuania says it will try to open Moldova’s remaining EU negotiation clusters before Jan 1, 2027, and sees room to expand cooperation in defense and dual-use tech. Energy & Resilience: Parliament approved a 2026 budget revision boosting social insurance revenues and adding 550 million lei for energy vulnerability measures, while public sector staff with lower incomes get one-time allowances. Cyber & Security: Moldova is in the spotlight of wider regional threats, including a new Russian HOOKEDGE Windows backdoor targeting European diplomatic and defense-related organizations.
Border Disruption: Russia hit the Orlivka crossing on the Ukraine–Romania border again, pausing people and vehicle processing before operations resumed within hours—another reminder that Danube logistics are a frontline target. Cyber & Hybrid Security: Moldova’s SIS warns of more Telegram recruitment for Russia-directed hybrid tasks, while Moldova also faces domestic pressure points after a Criuleni tragedy exposed failures in electronic monitoring for abusers. EU Accession Push: Lithuania says it will try to open Moldova’s remaining EU negotiation clusters before its 2027 Council presidency, with talks also covering security and winter readiness. Grain & Transport Resilience: Ukraine is rerouting grain after Moldova’s Kuchurgan rail corridor was blocked, and experts push the “Odesa Triangle” idea—moving cargo via Moldova toward Constanța to keep contracts alive. Food Prices: Global food prices rose to the highest since late 2022 as Russia-Ukraine disruptions keep squeezing wheat exports. Agri-Industry Outlook: Moldova expects about 526,000 tons of apples, with processors preparing for record volumes as canning lines run below full capacity. Capital Markets: Moldova’s new Moldova International Stock Exchange got an unlimited-term operator licence, aiming to broaden financing via equity and bonds. Energy & Social Support: Parliament approved 2026 social budget amendments (+1.37 billion lei) and one-time allowances for lower-paid public staff, alongside extra funding to reduce energy vulnerability.
Security & Hybrid Threats: Moldova’s SIS warns of more Telegram-based recruitment of citizens for Russia-directed tasks, starting with simple photography and escalating toward sabotage, mainly aimed at targets in Ukraine. Energy & Industry Resilience: Moldova’s energy regulator cooperation with Azerbaijan’s AERA was discussed, while the government also approved extra 550 million lei for energy-vulnerability measures and raised social insurances funding for 2026. Agriculture & Food Supply Chains: Moldova’s apple harvest is projected at 526,000 tons, with processors ready for record volumes; meanwhile, Parliament approved a provisional licensing regime for grain and oilseed imports through 31 October 2026. Trade & Logistics: Ukraine is pushing the “Odesa Triangle” concept, expanding logistics through Moldova toward Constanța, and Moldova’s railway role remains critical as grain flows face disruption risks. EU Integration: Lithuania says it will seek to accelerate Moldova’s EU accession talks, aiming to open remaining negotiation clusters before its 2027 Council presidency. Finance & Markets: Moldova’s new Moldova International Stock Exchange received an unlimited-term operator licence, backed by Bucharest’s bourse, aiming to broaden equity and bond financing.
Food & Agriculture: Global food prices climbed to the highest level since late 2022 as Russia-Ukraine disruptions keep wheat exports under pressure, with UN data pointing to port and shipping attacks. Moldova’s Agri-Industry: Moldova’s apple harvest is expected at about 526,000 tons, with processors ready for record volumes (around 325,000 tons for processing), while canneries say capacity depends on steady delivery through the season. Trade Rules for Farmers: Parliament approved a temporary licensing regime for grain and oilseed imports until 31 October 2026, sparking pushback from farmers who warn of dumping pressure and demand longer coverage. Logistics & Exports: Ukraine is rerouting grain after Moldova’s railway operator CFM blocked transfers at Kuchurgan, highlighting how corridor access can shift fast even when deals exist on paper; experts also point to the “Odesa Triangle” route via Moldova toward Constanța to keep contracts moving. EU Integration & Policy: Lithuania says it will seek to open remaining EU accession negotiation clusters for Moldova before its 2027 Council presidency. Energy & Industry Resilience: Moldova’s energy regulator cooperation with Azerbaijan was discussed, while the government also raised social insurance funding for 2026 and allocated extra money to reduce energy vulnerability. Capital Markets: Moldova’s new Moldova International Stock Exchange (MIE) cleared a key step with an unlimited-term market operator licence, aiming to broaden financing for companies.
Black Sea Food Security Diplomacy: Zelensky says Ukraine is pushing with Egypt, Turkey, the Emirates and Saudi Arabia to secure safer Black Sea grain routes after Russian strikes, aiming to prevent a food-price shock and social unrest. Rail Freight Bottleneck: Ukrzaliznytsia reports Moldova’s CFM blocked grain transfers at Kuchurgan, forcing reroutes via other crossings and exposing how “Solidarity Routes” can fail at the operator level. EU Accession Push: Lithuania’s Budrys and Moldova’s Popșoi back opening remaining EU negotiation clusters before Lithuania’s 2027 Council presidency, with defence and dual-use tech cooperation on the agenda. Agriculture Import Rules: Parliament approved a provisional licensing regime for grain and oilseed imports until 31 October, while MPs and farmers’ groups warn it could distort prices and hurt local exporters. Apple Processing Outlook: Moldova expects ~526,000 tons of apples, with processors ready for record volumes if deliveries stay steady. Energy Market Adjustments: ANRE updated 2026–27 gas storage volumes, including higher stockpiles for Transnistria, as market reforms shift large consumers to free-market supply. MIE Stock Exchange: Moldova International Stock Exchange got an unlimited-term operator licence, with Bucharest Stock Exchange support to expand equity and bond financing. Security & Hybrid Threats: SIS warns of growing Telegram recruitment for reconnaissance tasks linked to Russia, escalating from simple photos to sabotage-prep missions.
Gas & Connectivity: North Macedonia’s NOMAGAS and Serbia’s Transportgas Serbia joined Bulgartransgaz’s Vertical Corridor gas initiative, extending the route across Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia to boost supply security and bidirectional capacity. Rail & Food Exports: Ukraine’s rail freight operator says Moldova’s CFM blocked grain transfers at Kuchurgan, forcing rerouting via other Ukraine–Moldova border crossings and adjusting freight charges—highlighting pressure points in the “Solidarity Routes” setup. EU Accession Push: Lithuania’s foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys said Vilnius will seek to open remaining Moldova negotiation clusters before its EU Council presidency starts Jan 1, 2027, with Moldova’s deputy PM Mihai Popșoi calling it a key window for faster integration. Agriculture Trade Rules: Parliament approved a provisional licensing regime for grain and oilseed imports until Oct 31, while MPs clash over whether the temporary rules protect local farmers or favor large exporters and input suppliers. Energy Resilience: Moldova’s regulator ANRE recalculated 2026–2027 winter gas storage, raising Transnistria volumes and setting a stockpile deadline of Nov 1; SIS chief Musteață warned of a more intense winter amid Russian attacks and high energy costs. Finance & Jobs: The 2026 social insurances budget was revised upward by 1.37 billion lei, and public sector staff earning up to 20,000 lei will get one-time allowances up to 4,000 lei; Moldova also moved ahead with a new Moldova International Stock Exchange, licensed for an unlimited term.
Logistics & Food Security: Ukraine is pushing “Odesa Triangle” routing to keep exports flowing via Moldova to Romania’s Constanța port, with 1.5M tons already moved in seven months and plans to lift volumes further. Agriculture & Imports: Moldova is tightening the rules for grain and oilseed imports with a 60-day licensing push, while MPs accuse the government of favoring big exporters and input suppliers. Agri-Processing: Moldova’s apple harvest is forecast at about 526,000 tons, with processors ready to handle a record volume as daily intake capacity and delivery timing shape output. Energy Resilience: ANRE set 140.35M cubic metres of gas storage for the 2026–2027 winter and raised Transnistria storage volumes, as market reforms shift more consumers to free-market supply. Capital Markets: Moldova’s new Moldova International Stock Exchange cleared a key step with an unlimited-term operator licence, with Bucharest Stock Exchange involvement. Investment Framework: Parliament advanced a draft law creating a “strategic investment” regime with state-backed agreements for large projects in priority sectors. Security & Winter Risk: SIS warns of a more intense winter amid Russian attacks and cross-border energy interdependence. Transport & Industry Disruption: Romania’s Cernavodă nuclear shutdown risked by Danube drought is flagged as a wider regional industrial shock. Border Infrastructure Under Fire: Ukraine reports strikes damaging crossings near Moldova and Romania, with rapid emergency repairs and plans for mobile infrastructure reserves. EU Integration & Governance: Moldova continues aligning legislation with EU rules and moves ahead on harmonizing the tax regime for Transnistrian businesses.
Energy Security: Moldova’s regulator ANRE reallocated gas storage for the 2026–2027 winter to 140.35 million m³ (due by 1 Nov) and raised the Transnistria obligation to 135.972 million m³, reflecting market reforms since 1 April. Budget & Cost of Living: Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu called the 2026 deficit above 23 billion lei “manageable” after a budget revision that boosts spending for social support, salaries, local infrastructure and the Road Fund. Winter Preparedness: SIS chief Alexandru Musteata warned of a “more intense” winter as Russian strikes and energy risks near the Moldovan-Ukrainian border continue. Strategic Investment Rules: Parliament backed in first reading a new Law on Investments creating a clearer regime for strategic projects to make conditions more predictable for local and foreign investors. Agriculture Trade Controls: MPs supported a 60-day licensing scheme for cereal and oilseed imports to protect domestic producers, with a free application process and oversight by multiple agencies. Logistics & Exports: Railway of Moldova moved 46,500+ tons of export and transit goods in August, led by rapeseed, oilseeds and wheat. EU Integration & Digital Services: Moldova’s banks began integrating the government EVO digital ID wallet for identity verification, aiming to scale from 20 services to 200 next year. Foreign Cooperation: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan met Denmark’s ambassador on investment and economic cooperation, with a focus on IT, agriculture, agri-food and green energy.
Agribusiness Support: Moldova financed 769 small agricultural businesses under the FCA program (Mar–Aug), refinancing 655.65 million lei at a fixed 5.1% rate, with 65.68 million lei tied to grants; more FCA loans and grants remain available until year-end. Trade & Food Security: Moldova may temporarily license imports of cereal and oilseed crops until Oct. 31, 2026, aiming to protect domestic producers while keeping supply flowing. EU Integration & Digital Services: The government advanced EU legislation harmonization and pushed forward digital ID wallets—Moldova’s EVO wallet is already integrated by FinComBank and Moldindconbank, with plans to scale from 20 services to 200 next year. Energy Costs: Energocom reports natural gas prices rising to 74.35 euros/MWh amid tighter global LNG supply and low European storage; the government also approved 550 million lei for cold-season energy compensation. Logistics & Exports: Railway of Moldova moved 46,500+ tons of export and transit goods in August, led by rapeseed, oilseed crops, wheat and peas. Local Governance Reform: 63% of mayors’ offices opted for voluntary amalgamation; incentives are planned at about 4.5 billion lei. Anti-Corruption: CNA and prosecutors conducted searches linked to the consumer protection inspectorate.
EU-aligned policy push: Moldova’s cabinet backed a framework to harmonize national legislation with EU rules and added cold-season energy support, while the reintegration deputy PM said tax-regime harmonization with Transnistria will continue toward a single system by 2030. Digital services: Europe’s digital ID wallets are moving from pilots to rollout; in Moldova, FinComBank and Moldindconbank have started using the government’s EVO wallet, with plans to expand services fast. Energy costs: Energocom says natural gas prices keep climbing on the European exchange, driven by supply risks and low storage levels. Agri-logistics: Railway of Moldova reported 46,500+ tons of export and transit cargo in August, led by rapeseed, wheat and peas. Consumer & compliance: Moldova’s anticorruption prosecutors and the CNA carried out searches tied to the consumer protection inspectorate. Local governance reform: 63% of mayors’ offices opted for voluntary amalgamation, with incentives planned. Trade & tax integration: Moldova started applying VAT and excise duties to goods from Transnistrian businesses, beginning with alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and more. Business support: ODA opened September grant calls worth 61+ million lei for SMEs, women’s entrepreneurship, digital innovation and value-chain upgrades.
Energy Policy: Moldova earmarks 550 million lei for 2026 energy compensations for the cold season, with beneficiary criteria to be adjusted toward families who need help most. Logistics & Expansion: Nova Post enters Canada, processes 3,000+ shipments so far, and plans further network growth plus a franchise model. EU Integration Diplomacy: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi meets Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha in Chisinau, discussing EU negotiation clusters and joint energy and infrastructure projects. Anti-Corruption: Moldova’s CNA and anti-corruption prosecutors conduct searches tied to the consumer protection inspectorate, targeting officials under investigation. Local Governance Reform: 63% of mayors’ offices choose voluntary amalgamation; the government promises incentives worth about 4.5 billion lei. Tax & Trade (Transnistria): Moldova starts applying VAT and excise duties from Sept. 1 to selected goods imported by Transnistrian businesses, aiming for uniform rules across the Dniester. Labor Market: Over 10,000 undeclared workers were identified in 2026, with informality falling in agriculture and construction. Food & Exports: Moldovan wine producers promote in the Netherlands via the “Buy Diaspora” programme, linking small producers with Dutch buyers.
VAT & Excise Integration: Moldova starts applying VAT and excise duties from Sept 1 on imports brought in by Transnistrian-region businesses, first covering alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, perfumes, pyrotechnics, jewelry/precious stones and some vehicles, with broader categories from Jan 1. Labour Crackdown: Authorities identified 10,140 undeclared workers in 2026; informality is down to 17.3% (from 23.0% in 2023), with the biggest drops in agriculture and construction. SME Grants: Moldova-based companies can apply for non-reimbursable funding calls with over 61 million lei available for September via ODA (women’s entrepreneurship, small producers, digital/tech startups, value-chain competitiveness, and energy-efficiency modernization). Agri-Food Watch: ANSA detected the quarantine pest grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in multiple vineyards and launched eradication/control steps. Export & Processing: A plum grower in Ialoveni expands orchard and processing capacity with IFAD support, adding cold storage and drying throughput. Industry & Energy: Premier Energy reports 27% y/y growth in normalised EBITDA in H1, while Vetropack completes furnace dismantling at St-Prex, shifting the site into decommissioning and materials recovery. Security Spillover: A drone with explosives was found in eastern Romania about 30 km from Moldova’s border; Romania and Estonia also reported drone incursions amid regional alerts. Diplomacy & Connectivity: Romania reiterates support for Moldova’s EU path and energy interconnection projects as it pushes connectivity and “energy blackmail” endgame. Local Business: Moldova’s “Buy Diaspora” wine push lands in the Netherlands, linking small producers with Dutch buyers and partners.
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