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.

Former Moldovan official jailed for 9 years in budget graft case

A former Moldovan Deputy Minister of Finance was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday for active and passive corruption. The Chisinau Court found the official guilty of attempting to use public funds to settle her family's private construction debts.

Moldova to mandate country-of-origin labels in larger shops

Moldovan lawmakers approved a draft law on Thursday requiring grocery stores larger than 50 square metres to clearly display the country of origin for all food products. The initiative, proposed by the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), aims to increase the visibility of local goods and help consumers make informed choices.

Moldova marks Purple Day as 60,000 battle epilepsy stigma

Approximately 60,000 people in Moldova live with epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition that remains shrouded in social misconception despite significant medical progress. On March 26, the country joined the global community in marking "Purple Day" to increase awareness and support for those affected.