Loud boom near Chișinău; police checking localities

A loud boom was reported this morning, September 18, near Chișinău, specifically southwest of the village of Colonița, toward Tohatin. Several individuals contacted the police through the 112 emergency service to report the incident. Law enforcement officers inspected the local area. So far, authorities have found no objects, signs of an explosion, or other public hazards.

UTM is preparing to launch a new Moldovan satellite following TUMnanoSAT's success

The Republic of Moldova achieved a historic milestone by launching TUMnanoSAT, the country's first satellite, into orbit. Researchers at the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) developed this nanosatellite. It was launched on August 12, 2022, and remained in orbit for nearly six months, until January 31, 2023. This successful mission showcased the technical capabilities of the team based in Chisinau. Following this achievement, UTM researchers are already working on a new space mission, with a launch planned for next year.

Loans are costlier; experts advise waiting

Loans are likely to become more expensive now that the National Bank has increased the base interest rate from 7.50% to 9.0%. This decision is intended to combat inflationary pressures. Ongoing turbulence in energy markets, driven by geopolitical tensions, adds to the uncertainty. As a result, experts are advising Moldovans to consider postponing any plans to take out loans.

Moldova denounces repeated Russian drone breaches at OSCE

Moldova condemned repeated violations of its sovereign airspace by drones at the OSCE on Wednesday, urging the Russian Federation to halt actions destabilising regional security and endangering civil aviation.

Russia holds parliamentary vote with no opposition on ballot

Russia began three days of tightly controlled parliamentary elections on Friday, staging a ballot without genuine opposition that the Kremlin treats as a test of public sentiment toward its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Moldova offers youth grants of up to 600,000 lei

Youth organisations in the Republic of Moldova can secure state grants of up to €29,800 (approx. 600,000 MDL) per project under the newly launched 2027 Grants Programme.

Moldova raises 2026 budget to fund public sector one-off aid

Moldova's parliament passed the 2026 state budget revision in the second reading on Thursday, approving one-off financial bonuses of up to 4,000 MDL (€204) for public employees earning under 20,000 MDL monthly.

Moldova aims for world record human grapevine at National Wine Day

Moldova plans to assemble the world’s largest human grapevine on October 3, aiming for a Guinness World Record during the milestone 25th National Wine Day in central Chișinău.

Moldova’s central bank raises base rate to 9%

The National Bank of Moldova raised its base rate to 9% on September 17, citing stronger inflationary pressures and energy market volatility.

Russian missile hits Odesa high-rise, injuring three civilians

Russian forces struck a 19-story residential high-rise in Odessa shortly after midnight, injuring three civilians, including a three-year-old child, as strikes targeted several Ukrainian regions overnight.

US Congress passes major sanctions bill on Russian and Iran energy

The U.S. Congress passed sweeping legislation approving severe economic sanctions on Russia and Iran, authorizing punitive tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil and natural gas.

Russian drone briefly breaches Moldovan airspace near Ukraine

An unidentified drone briefly crossed into Moldovan airspace on Thursday morning as Russian forces conducted massive strikes against neighbouring Ukraine, including the southern Odessa region, the Defense Ministry said.