AGP Executive Report

EU Integration & Justice: Parliament approved in first reading a new Arbitration Law to align Moldova’s dispute resolution with European standards, aiming for faster, more predictable business conflict handling. State Oversight: Speaker Igor Grosu says a future inquiry committee will review how state-owned enterprises run board competitions and who sits on them, including possible family ties. Farmers & Taxes: Grosu promised a fix for farmers’ VAT debt problem, including stopping arrears buildup and introducing monthly VAT refunds. Transport & Romania Link: Romania and Moldova signed in Bucharest an expanded infrastructure deal for the A8 Iași–Ungheni corridor, with the contract signed for the Iași–Ungheni section and works planned to connect Moldova to Romania’s motorway network. Cross-border Crime Tools: Moldova will ratify a protocol to speed up access to electronic evidence in international criminal investigations. Phone Scam Crackdown: Parliament backed rules requiring telecom providers to detect and block suspicious calls and tighten SIM activation. Public Health & Migration: Parliament will hold hearings on foreign workers reportedly housed in train carriages near Chisinau. Corruption Probe: A state secretary in the agriculture ministry was detained in a bribery case linked to animal feed import authorizations. Ukraine Response: President Maia Sandu condemned Russia’s latest strikes on Kyiv and urged stronger international action.

EU Enlargement & Diplomacy: Ireland officially took over the EU Council presidency, with leaders in Dublin backing faster accession talks for Moldova and Ukraine, as EU Council chief António Costa said the momentum from opening negotiation clusters should translate into real progress. Transnistria & Security: Moldova’s PM met the EU special representative for the Transnistrian settlement to discuss regional security, resilience, cybersecurity and advancing the settlement process. Defense & EU Funding: Moldova signed a deal for over 100 Roshel armored vehicles worth more than €50 million, financed via an EU grant under the European Peace Facility, with deliveries due by May 2027. Energy Infrastructure: Works on the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line are complete, with commercial operation expected in late August after testing at key substations. Digital Services for Youth: Moldova will let 14-year-olds request a qualified electronic signature certificate for use in e-services, with safeguards and no automatic expansion of legal capacity. Governance & Integrity: President Maia Sandu announced a “general clean-up” and a review of consultancy contracts after the MoldATSA scandal, while the State Chancellery will evaluate consultancy deals for compliance and quality. Public Administration: The government approved paid internships for 85 young people in public authorities as part of a program to train future civil servants. Maritime Rules: Moldova joined two IMO-backed maritime conventions on shipwreck removal and safer vessel recycling, published in the Official Journal. Business & Economy: TeraPlast completed its acquisition of a Spanish polyethylene pipe plant, and the electricity day-ahead market hit a record 542 MWh traded on June 30.

MoldATSA Fallout & Integrity Push: President Maia Sandu says abuses at MoldATSA are “systemic” and announces a “general clean-up,” including tighter rules for leadership appointments and stronger oversight of state-owned enterprises, while the State Chancellery will review consultancy contracts. EU Path & Negotiations: Moldova is praised as a top candidate in the EU enlargement process, and officials stress there’s no guaranteed accession date—only a reform pace—while EU leaders, including during Ireland’s Council presidency handover, urge momentum on negotiations for Moldova and Ukraine. Energy & Infrastructure: Works on the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line are completed, with commercial operation expected in late August; Moldova also reports active electricity trading (542 MWh on June 30). Regional Development: Government approved new nursery projects for 2025–2027 and EIB-backed modernization of 20 schools; it also granted industrial park status to Ocnița to attract investment and jobs. Transnistria Dialogue: Deputy PM for reintegration met the EU representative for the settlement process, focusing on reintegration policies, human rights, and removing obstacles to movement. Security & Safety: Sappers neutralized 21 WWII explosive devices in June; Moldova continues withdrawing from CIS agreements, including ending a CIS interlibrary loan deal.

MoldATSA Fallout: President Maia Sandu launched a “general cleanup” after the scandal involving her cousin Anastasia Taburceanu, calling it a systemic mistake and promising tougher controls, sanctions, and changes to how senior officials are appointed. State Enterprise Overhaul: Sandu also pushed reforms for state-owned enterprises, including audits, separating productive from non-productive assets, and publishing more financial and governance data. PAS Transparency Push: Chisinau mayor Ion Ceban demanded publication of salaries and income for PAS-linked officials and advisers across state institutions. EU Path, Governance: Moldova is moving toward more EU-style corporate rules, while Sandu met international media support groups to strengthen resilience against disinformation. Local Development Funding: The government approved 115 new infrastructure projects, with most aimed at expanding public nursery services. Energy & Heating: Moldova and the World Bank signed a $1.7m grant to modernize Chișinău’s heating system, alongside plans for a new 250 MW cogeneration plant. Digital Growth: Google named Coob Ads its official Google Ads sales representative in Moldova (and several other markets). Public Health Alert: Moldova’s health ministry confirmed a Salmonella Enteritidis food-poisoning outbreak linked to a Chisinau hotel event. Heatwave Impact: Moldova is among countries facing extreme heat, with border and transport measures affecting truck traffic.

Heatwave Watch: Moldova is bracing for extreme summer temperatures as Romania tightens truck movement rules and Moldova’s Customs Service urges carriers to plan routes and avoid border delays. EU Accession & Diplomacy: President Maia Sandu met Latvia’s PM Andris Kulbergs and discussed next steps on EU integration, while also awarding Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna the Order of Honour for support during Cyprus’ EU Council presidency. World Bank Energy Deal: Moldova and the World Bank signed a US$1.7m grant to prepare modernization of Termoelectrica and Chișinău’s heating system, including plans for a new high-efficiency cogeneration plant. Media Resilience: Sandu met International Media Support to strengthen resistance to disinformation and modernize media legislation. Justice & Accountability: The Constitutional Court set rules on what happens to parties declared unconstitutional, and Chisinau’s court terminated criminal proceedings in a former Prosecutor General privacy case. Corruption Probe: Investigators carried out searches at MoldATSA amid the widening scandal. Security: Moldova detained four suspects tied to migrant smuggling across the Moldova–Romania border.

EU Accession Momentum: Moldova’s EU talks move forward as the Environment chapter opens, with Commissioner Jessika Roswall calling a “green Moldova” key to prosperity and resilience, and pointing to the €1.9bn Growth Plan for water, infrastructure and climate projects. MoldATSA Fallout: A chain of resignations continues after the MoldATSA scandal, with Public Property Agency chief Roman Cojuhari stepping down and the EU Delegation confirming Anastasia Taburceanu worked on an EU-funded Reform Support Team project while the EBRD evaluates the contract. Public Finance & Tax: The government drops a proposal to tax money received at weddings and christenings after consultations, saying the original aim was to curb donation declarations used to justify unexplained wealth. Sanctions & Influence Ops: The State Tax Service ordered freezing funds of three people added to EU sanctions over alleged destabilization and influence activities. Heatwave Response: Authorities opened first-aid tents across Chișinău and districts as temperatures climb toward 41°C, urging residents to avoid peak sun and stay hydrated. Local Politics: Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban proposes a local referendum on shifting schools to state control and expanding municipal boundaries. Business & Daily Life: Flyone starts direct flights from Chisinau to Batumi, and the EcoVoucher program delivers energy-saving appliance vouchers to 336 more families.

EU Environment Talks: European Commissioner Jessika Roswall began a visit to Chișinău, backing Moldova’s readiness to open the Environment cluster negotiations and stressing EU support via the €1.9bn Growth Plan for water, wastewater, air quality and climate resilience. Green Finance Push: Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu used the Green Finance and Investment Forum to argue that “green” is now part of European integration, while officials discussed where funding and administrative capacity will make or break reforms. Remittances Hit Record: Moldova’s remittances rose to a May high of $161.07m, up 23% year-on-year, with about one million Moldovans working abroad. EcoVoucher Round: Another 336 families received vouchers up to 6,000 lei to buy energy-efficient appliances under the EU-supported EcoVoucher program. Energy Interconnection: A grant agreement was signed for the Bălți–Suceava 400-kV power line linking Moldova and Romania, aimed at further reducing dependence on Russian supply. Heatwave Checks: Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban ordered extra inspections after complaints that some buses and trolleybuses had non-working air conditioning. MoldATSA Fallout: Education Minister Dan Perciun called the MoldATSA scandal a “systemic error” and said accountability must follow the chain of oversight. Famine Recognition Drive: MPs registered a draft law that would recognize the 1946–47 famine as a crime against humanity and make denial punishable by up to five years in prison.

MoldATSA Fallout: PAS MP Radu Marian resigned as chair of Parliament’s economy, budget and finance committee after the MoldATSA scandal, saying he acted in good faith but calling for audits and financial checks into alleged salary abuses. Politics & Media Tensions: Constitutional lawyer Teodor Cârnaț attacked President Maia Sandu and the government in a video, accusing them of intolerance toward criticism and of turning state power into a propaganda-style system. EU Track & Transnistria: President Sandu said EU talks on ending the war in Ukraine could also include Transnistria, focusing on the illegal presence of Russian troops, while Moldova continues work with OSCE support to free detained citizens. Energy & Finance Watch: Moldova’s budget deficit rose to about 7.7 billion lei by end of May, with spending growing faster than revenues and foreign grants sharply down. Border Narrative: Russia again urged citizens to avoid travel to Moldova, alleging humiliating checks at Chisinau airport and delays that can lead to denied entry. National Memory: Moldova marked the second National Memory Congress in Chișinău, recalling deportations and the 1946–47 famine. Aviation & Growth: EUROCONTROL data points to strong projected air traffic growth for Moldova, with MOLDATSA estimating 11.2% annual growth for 2023–2028. Sports: Ukrainian women won the European rugby sevens trophy final in Chisinau, beating Moldova in the semis.

National Memory: Moldova marked the second National Memory Congress in Chișinău, focusing on the victims of 1941 deportations and the 1946–47 organized famine, with officials stressing that these crimes must be kept “called by their name.” EU-Ukraine Talks & Transnistria: President Maia Sandu said that if negotiations start to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, the EU could also consider Transnistria—especially the peaceful withdrawal of Russian troops—while Moldova continues work with the OSCE on releasing illegally detained citizens. Security & Travel: Russia again warned its citizens not to travel to Moldova, alleging humiliating checks at Chișinău airport and limited consular access. Budget Pressure: Moldova’s budget deficit rose to about 7.7 billion lei by end of May, driven by faster spending growth and a sharp drop in foreign grants. Water & Climate: New mapping highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, while Europe’s heatwave—spreading east and including Moldova—has triggered health alerts and rising death toll concerns. Energy & Aviation: Moldova’s air traffic is forecast to grow fastest in Europe, and the country is pushing energy interconnections and infrastructure projects. Agriculture: The BERRIES project backs berry growers with weather stations and training to boost resilience under harsher conditions.

National Fathers’ Day: Moldova marked the holiday for the second time, with Labour Minister Natalia Plugaru highlighting new ways for fathers to share childcare and education responsibilities. Soviet Occupation Memory: Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu marked 86 years since the 1940 Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, recalling arrests, deportations, famine and fear. Media Literacy Push: Moldova’s Foreign Ministry met UNESCO to advance a 12-month project aimed at protecting the information space, boosting media literacy, and improving journalists’ safety amid rising disinformation. EU Integration Milestone: Moldova marked 12 years since signing the EU Association Agreement, with the EU Delegation pointing to market access, reforms, and community-focused projects. Parliament Transparency Watch: Promo-LEX says Parliament violated transparency rules during a plenary session, including rushed document availability and consultation deadlines. Heatwave Alert: A record-breaking European heatwave is spreading east, with Moldova among countries issuing top-level alerts as temperatures soar and health systems brace for strain. Social Sector Pay Rise: Moldova plans average salary increases of about 22% for social sector workers, with higher boosts for lower-paid categories.

EU Anniversary & Integration: Moldova marked 12 years since signing the EU Association Agreement, with the EU Delegation highlighting market access, reforms, and community projects—and noting candidate status and the start of accession talks. EU Support & Security: At the Moldova–EU Summit in Brussels, leaders backed Moldova with new funding for security, hybrid-threat resilience, and border infrastructure, while officials pointed to progress on the Growth Plan. Parliament Watch: Promo-LEX says Parliament continues to violate transparency rules, citing rushed consultations and documents not made public in time. Money Laundering Reform: Lawmakers adopted in first reading changes to modernize the Service for Prevention and Combatting of Money Laundering, including a new financial intelligence officer role and certification. Energy & Economy: Moldova’s budget deficit rose to 7.7 billion lei in May; the government also approved emergency oil product stocks and moves to strengthen energy security. Local Development: URBACT Accelerator opens a path for Moldovan cities to get grants up to €40,000 and mentoring for urban projects. Cross-Border Travel: Customs reported increased traffic at Giurgiulești–Galați and advised drivers to use alternative checkpoints. Sports & Culture: An exhibition “Republic of Moldova Presents” opened in Brașov, while Moldova’s Alexander Karmanov became the first Moldovan drafted into the NHL.

Sanctions Crackdown: Moldova’s SIS and prosecutors dismantled an alleged scheme exporting dual-use components worth over 21 million lei to Russia’s military industry, including parts linked to Yak-130 and Su-27 aircraft, after shipments were disguised as “waste processing equipment.” EU Path & Governance: Parliament adopted in first reading reforms to align the anti–money laundering service with European standards, including a new “financial intelligence officer” status and mandatory staff certification. Budget Watch: Moldova’s 2026 budget deficit rose to 7.7 billion lei in the first five months, driven by faster spending growth and a sharp drop in foreign grants. EU-Moldova Dialogue: A new Moldova–EU subcommittee meeting in Chisinau focused on public administration reform as a core accession requirement. Minorities: President Maia Sandu met OSCE’s High Commissioner on National Minorities, stressing EU accession as the best guarantee of equal rights and discussing Gagauzia elections. Security & Tech: Parliament approved rules requiring identity-document checks to activate prepaid SIM/eSIM cards, aiming to curb phone scams. Regional Politics: Parliament speaker Igor Grosu called Romania’s tacitly adopted union draft a provocation and urged a stable, pro-European government in Bucharest.

EU Accession & Rights: President Maia Sandu met OSCE High Commissioner Christophe Kamp, stressing that EU accession is the “best guarantee” for equal rights and social cohesion, including in Gagauzia. Security & Sanctions: Moldova’s SIS and prosecutors dismantled an illegal export scheme of dual-use components worth over 21 million lei to Russia, including parts used in Yak-130 and Su-27 aircraft, hidden behind false customs declarations. Diplomatic Tensions: Russia summoned Moldovan ambassador Lilian Darii over the detention of Russian diplomatic couriers at Chisinau airport; Moldova’s MFA rejected the allegations. Finance & Reforms: Parliament ratified a €218.2 million IBRD loan to cover the budget deficit and support reforms, including procurement and energy/transport alignment with EU standards. Energy Independence: Moldelectrica signed the €17.5 million contract for the 400 kV Balti–Suceava power line linking Moldova to Romania and the EU grid. People & Mobility: Ukraine simplified citizenship access for ethnic Ukrainians in Moldova, with plans to make language/history exams easier. Digital Economy: Moldova launched EVO 2.0 and signed a Digital Country Partnership with Mastercard for digital identity and payments. Local Life: Chisinau property tax bills for 2026 were mailed, with reminders on deadlines and exemptions.

EU Accession & Reform: Moldova has entered the decisive phase of EU talks as the first negotiation cluster (“Fundamentals”) opened in Luxembourg, while Brussels is also preparing a “gradual integration” model that could bring candidate countries economic perks before full membership. EU Track Split: The EU is now treating Moldova and Ukraine separately on pace and reforms, with progress tied to each country’s delivery. Brussels Support: At the EU–Moldova Summit, leaders backed Moldova’s path and signaled new funding tied to reforms, alongside deeper security cooperation. Security & Sanctions: Moldovan prosecutors say SIS and PCCOCS stopped a scheme exporting dual-use control equipment worth about 21 million lei to Russian military-linked firms, allegedly disguised as waste recycling devices. Diplomacy: Moldova’s Foreign Ministry rejected Russian Embassy claims that diplomatic couriers were detained or inspected at Chisinau airport. State Oversight: President Maia Sandu called the MoldATSA scandal “very serious,” citing failures in controls and salary abuses, and said inspections should extend to other state enterprises. Energy Plans: The Energy Ministry published an MoU for a ~100 MW U.S.-backed gas-fired power plant, and separate work is moving on a Termoelectrica cogeneration project. Social Policy: Salaries for Moldova’s social assistance staff are set to rise 12.4–28.7%, with performance bonuses. Regional Ties: PM Alexandru Munteanu met Ukraine’s leadership and EBRD officials in Gdańsk, stressing reconstruction support and connectivity. Appointments: Moldova will appoint new ambassadors to India and Armenia and a new Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe.

EU Accession Update: Brussels has effectively separated Ukraine and Moldova’s EU paths, shifting to a more merit-based approach where each country advances at its own pace after opening the first negotiating cluster. Hungary Roadblock: The EU is now expected to open only two more negotiation clusters for Moldova and Ukraine before the summer break, with Budapest’s renewed opposition still slowing the timetable. EU–Moldova Summit Fallout: EU leaders also signaled deeper security and reform cooperation as Moldova pushes ahead on Cluster 1. Diplomatic Moves: President Maia Sandu approved new ambassadors to India and Armenia and a new Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe. OSCE & Minorities: Deputy PM for reintegration Valeriu Chiveri and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi met OSCE officials on national minorities and reintegration steps. Energy & Infrastructure: Moldova published plans for a 100 MW gas-fired power plant and says testing/energization of the Vulcănești–Chișinău 400 kV line starts end of June; authorities also outlined steps to shift freight toward rail. Social Policy: Moldova will raise salaries in the social assistance system and expand community living for about 120 people with disabilities. Politics & Identity: Romania’s Chamber of Deputies tacitly adopted a unification initiative, drawing sharp Russian criticism over “annexation” language. Protests: Farmers’ protests continued to disrupt traffic on multiple routes near border crossings.

EU Accession Roadblocks: Hungary is again delaying EU talks by blocking a procedural step on screening results for negotiation clusters 2–6 for Moldova and Ukraine, though Brussels sources call it routine and expect COELA to revisit on 26 June. Diplomatic Moves: President Maia Sandu approved new ambassadors to the Council of Europe, India, and Armenia. Transnistria Talks: Chisinau proposed a late-July 1+1 meeting with Tiraspol to discuss the Convergence Fund. Farmers’ Protests: “Forța fermierilor” plans fresh border-crossing protests at Leușeni and Sculeni over a VAT hike to 20%, demanding direct payments and tax refunds. Energy Policy: Moldova ended the heightened energy alert status after improved market conditions, while keeping enhanced monitoring. Business & Digital Services: The government approved a 2026 digital transformation plan for key entrepreneur services. Public Safety: A Fulger special police officer was injured in an accidental shooting while on duty. Sports: Alexandra Chiriacova won bronze in women’s doubles at the U21 European Table Tennis Championships. Romania Unification Push: Romania’s lower house tacitly approved a bill on unification with Moldova, sending it to the Senate.