Moldova prosecutors seek 25-year term for oligarch Plahotniuc

Moldovan prosecutors on Monday asked a Chișinău court to sentence Vladimir Plahotniuc, the country's most powerful former oligarch, to 25 years in a maximum-security prison on charges of leading a criminal organisation, large-scale fraud, and money laundering.

Moldova, Romania pensions fall short of basic living costs

State pensions cover basic living costs in less than half of European countries. In the Republic of Moldova, retirees receive only 42% of the funds required for a decent life, according to a recent Moorepay analysis.

Middle East conflict disrupts Moldova’s agri-exports to Arab markets

Moldova’s agricultural exports are facing significant logistical disruptions due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Shipping routes to key Arab markets have become increasingly difficult to navigate, according to Agriculture Minister Ludmila Catlabuga.

EU struggles to break gas-price link despite renewables surge

The European Commission has requested that all 27 member states reduce gas reserves ahead of next winter. This move comes despite a significant drop in consumption since 2022.

Dozens feared dead after Colombian military plane crashes

A Colombian Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane carrying over 120 personnel crashed during takeoff on Monday in the country's southern Amazon region.

Russia taps physical gold reserves for first time in 24 years

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has begun selling physical gold from its sovereign reserves for the first time in nearly a quarter-century. The move aims to cover a federal budget deficit that has ballooned to over 18.5 trillion rubles (approx. €182.4 billion) since 2022.

Russian strike on Ukraine dam triggers major Dniester oil spill

Moldova is struggling to contain an "unprecedented" cross-border oil spill on the Dniester River, following Russian drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure earlier this month.

Trump claims nuclear deal reached with Iran to reopen Hormuz

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Iran has agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons development, potentially paving the way for a major de-escalation in the Middle East.

Moldova urges border upgrades to block Ukraine war arms smuggling

Moldova must urgently invest in border security and high-tech monitoring to prevent criminal networks from using the country as a transit hub for smuggled weapons from Ukraine, a top security official warned.

Moldova power line to Romania cut after strikes on Ukraine

The Isaccea-Vulcanesti high-voltage power line has been disconnected following recent attacks on energy infrastructure in Southern Ukraine, Moldova’s Ministry of Energy announced on Tuesday.

Chișinău mayor orders utility firm probe amid corruption fears

Chișinău's mayor, Ion Ceban, ordered the dismissal of the leadership of Infocom, a municipal utility and housing services company, and called for an internal inquiry to be completed within three days, amid a growing scandal over the company's operations.

Moldova to receive €12.9m German grant for EU accession reforms

The Moldovan Parliament’s foreign policy committee has approved negotiations for €12.9 million (approx. 250.9 million MDL) grant from Germany. The funding is earmarked for four priority projects designed to accelerate the country's alignment with European Union standards.