Moldova marks 20 years since Russia’s wine ban sparked EU pivot

Twenty years after Russia first banned Moldovan wine imports, the nation’s viticulture sector has transformed from a Moscow-dependent industry into a global competitor, experts say.

Ukraine faces June funding cliff as Western aid stalls

Ukraine risks exhausting its financial reserves for the war against Russia within the next two months. A convergence of geopolitical factors now threatens tens of billions of euros in critical international assistance.

Moldova’s Supreme Court at half capacity as judicial crisis grows)

Moldova’s judicial system is facing a severe staffing crisis, with only 388 out of 524 judge positions currently filled. The Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) is the hardest hit, operating with only half of its required bench.

Belgium deploys troops to protect Jewish sites amid rising threats

The Belgian federal government has redeployed armed military patrols to protect places of worship and Jewish community institutions. The move comes as the country, which hosts the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO, faces a surge in security concerns.

Putin presses oligarchs for defense funds as budget deficit soars

President Vladimir Putin has urged Russian oligarchs to contribute to the country’s straining defense budget to sustain the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to reports cited by The Guardian.

Moldova hits 45% of smart meter target to boost energy security

Moldova has installed 44,520 smart meters, reaching nearly half of its 2027 target to modernize the national energy system. The initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in a sector undergoing rapid transformation.

Moldova faces rolling blackouts as Ukraine strikes hit power lines

Moldova may begin implementing rolling blackouts during peak evening hours if projected electricity deficits cannot be covered by emergency supplies, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu warned.

Trump extends pause on Iran energy strikes until April 6

President Donald Trump announced late Thursday a 10-day extension of the current suspension of military strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Red alerts issued as extreme winter weather hits Central Europe

Authorities have issued red weather warnings across several European countries as an Arctic blast brings heavy snow, sleet, and violent winds to the continent. The highest alert levels are currently in effect for Croatia, Greece, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Italy.

Moldova faces peak-hour power blackouts after Russian strikes

Moldova faces a potential electricity deficit of up to 25% during peak hours on Friday, 27 March, state energy trader Energocom has warned. The shortfall follows Russian drone strikes that severed a critical cross-border interconnection with Romania.

Moldova to switch to Daylight Saving Time on Sunday

The Republic of Moldova will officially switch to Daylight Saving Time (DST) this weekend, setting clocks forward by one hour. At 03:00 on Sunday, 29 March, time will advance to 04:00.

Moldova railway operator doubles revenue amid recovery

Moldova’s state railway operator, Calea Ferată din Moldova (CFM), is showing signs of financial recovery despite ongoing liquidity pressures. Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Bolea announced that the company has significantly reduced its wage backlog, transitioning from a nine-month delay last year to paying February 2024 salaries.