Government approves France–Moldova volunteering program for young Europeans

The Republic of Moldova and France are initiating an international volunteering program in enterprises, which will offer young people from the European Economic Area, including France, the opportunity to complete professional internships in Moldova. These activities will take place at the branches of French companies within Moldova or at their partner organizations. The agreement was approved by the Government during a meeting on January 14.

Ukrainian stopped at border with six suspected gold bars

At the Palanca customs post, six bars believed to be gold were found in the luggage of a 48-year-old Ukrainian citizen. The individual was one of the 36 passengers on a bus preparing to enter the Republic of Moldova.

Illegal weapons seized in Ialoveni poaching case

Police raided the homes of two men from the Ialoveni district who were suspected of poaching. During the raid, they discovered illegally owned weapons, ammunition, and other tools allegedly used for illegal hunting.

MEC launches a video contest promoting community traditions and values

Young people both within the country and in the diaspora are encouraged to participate in the National Video Essay Contest titled "Discover My Community," launched by the Ministry of Education and Research. The competition will run from January 9 to February 9, 2026, and is designed for individuals who wish to promote the values and heritage of their communities of origin.

NATO Chief: 5% GDP for Defense is a necessity as Arctic security deteriorates

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the era of European reliance on U.S. military spending has ended, calling a 5% GDP defense threshold a "strategic necessity."

Russia to centralize migrant labor control through mandatory state registries

Russia will strictly limit the employment of migrant workers across most regions starting in 2027, according to legislative amendments reported by Vedomosti.

IN CONTEXT | Experts: Russia is the main threat in Moldova–Romania unification debate

The topic of reunifying the Republic of Moldova with Romania was brought back into the spotlight by President Maia Sandu during a recent interview with British journalists. Journalist Robert Lupițu noted that this issue is being addressed with openness in Bucharest. Additionally, analyst Nicolae Negru mentioned on the ÎN CONTEXT show on Moldova 1 during the January 13 edition that the Russian threat could be a significant reason for a historic decision to reunify the two Romanian states.

Severe winter storms paralyze Central Europe transport hubs

Severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall and freezing rain, has paralyzed transport networks across several Central European countries.

Moldova plans to sign social security agreements with Slovakia and Canada in 2026

In 2025, the Republic of Moldova took a significant step in its European integration process by becoming the first candidate country for EU accession to sign an agreement with the European Labour Authority (ELA). Simultaneously, Moldova expanded its network of social security agreements to ensure that Moldovans who have worked legally abroad can access their pension and social benefits rights. This information was shared by Natalia Plugaru, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, in an interview with the Moldpres agency.

Reform implementation report sent to Brussels to underpin disbursement of next EU Growth Plan tranche

The Government in Chisinau will submit a consolidated report to the European Commission by the end of January this year regarding the implementation of reforms. This document will serve as the foundation for the disbursement of the next instalment of the Economic Growth Plan, which is financed by the European Union and amounts to a total of 1.9 billion euros. This information was shared by the Secretary General of the Government, Alexei Buzu, during the "PE FAȚĂ" show on Moldova 1 TV, aired on January 13.

Moldovan artists in Vienna; scholarship internships announced in Austria

In 2026, Austria will provide artists from the Republic of Moldova with the opportunity to undertake scholarship-based internships at cultural institutions and in relevant artistic projects in Vienna. The Austrian Ambassador to Chisinau, Stella Avallone, highlighted the Focus International Moldova 2026 project as one of the key initiatives shaping Moldovan-Austrian cooperation. She emphasized that the bilateral relations between the two countries have become increasingly dynamic in recent years.

Presidential adviser: Romania prepared to discuss union if Moldova considers it an option

Eugen Tomac, MEP and honorary advisor to the President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, stated in an interview with caleaeuropeană.ro on January 13 that any Romanian of good faith, regardless of whether they live on one side of the Prut or the other, views the unification of the Republic of Moldova with Romania as a natural process.