Moldova adopts new sustainable forest management rules for 2026-2030

The Moldovan Government approved a new set of regulations on January 22 to modernize the administration of the country’s state-owned forests between 2026 and 2030. The policy prioritizes ecological health through planned sanitary felling and scientific management to revitalize the nation's aging woodland areas.

French Navy intercepts Russian shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean

The French Navy intercepted a suspicious oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday morning, January 22, as part of a crackdown on Russia’s clandestine "shadow fleet." The vessel is suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions.

Explosive drone detonated in Moldova village near Ukraine border

Moldovan authorities carried out a controlled detonation of a Gheran-2 kamikaze drone discovered Thursday morning in the village of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu confirmed that the device, found in a local garden, carried a 50-kilogram explosive payload that remained intact after the initial crash.

Moldova to buy new radar as Soviet-era systems fail to detect modern drones

Moldova is preparing to acquire a new aerial surveillance radar as its current defense infrastructure fails to fully address emerging security risks. Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi announced the move following intensified regional threats and recent airspace violations.

Transnistria hit by widespread blackout following Cuciurgan power plant failure

Transnistria’s breakaway region suffered a major power outage on Friday after a generation unit at the Cuciurgan (MGRES) power plant failed. De facto authorities in Tiraspol reported that the electrical grid was gradually restored across the territory following the incident.

French business mission to visit Moldova in March 2026 following Davos summit

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and French Minister for Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier announced a major economic mission to Chișinău scheduled for March 2026. The agreement was reached on Thursday, January 22, during a bilateral meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Moldovan citizens lose over €39,000 to phone scams in 24 hours

Police in the southern Moldovan city of Cahul documented five major phone scams in a single day, reporting total financial losses of €39,070 (approx. 765,800 MDL).

Court extends detention for Vladimir Plahotniuc over $43 million embezzlement

A Chisinau court extended the preventive detention of former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc for an additional 30 days on Wednesday. The ruling ensures the high-profile defendant will remain in custody until at least February 22, 2026.

Moldovan judge Ghenadie Tocaiuc remains suspended over drunk driving charges

The Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) has rejected an appeal by Judge Ghenadie Tocaiuc to resume his duties at the Soroca Court. The magistrate remains suspended as he faces a criminal investigation for driving under the influence (DUI).

Active explosive drone discovered near Ukraine border in Moldova

Moldovan police have confirmed that a drone discovered on the morning of January 22 in the village of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district, is armed with a live explosive device. The General Inspectorate of Police has established a security perimeter and ordered the immediate evacuation of nearby residents as experts prepare for a controlled detonation.

Russia detains alleged Moldovan intelligence agent in Moscow

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a Russian citizen in Moscow, alleging the individual was acting as an agent for the Moldovan special services. The FSB claims the suspect was on a mission to undermine Russian national security when detained.

European Social Rights Committee finds Moldova non-compliant with labor standards in 2025 report

The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) has released its 2025 conclusions, revealing significant gaps in how 45 signatory states, including the Republic of Moldova, implement the European Social Charter.