Moldova moves to cut red tape for booming dental tourism

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan has instructed Health Minister Alexandru Gasnas to present comprehensive deregulation measures for private dental clinics at the next cabinet meeting. The directive follows consultations with medical tourism industry leaders who cited severe administrative bottlenecks and disproportionate licensing burdens.

Moldova to tax Transnistrian luxury imports starting September 1

The Moldovan Government is initiating a phased harmonization of the tax and customs regime applied to goods imported by businesses located in the breakaway Transnistrian region. The first set of duties will take effect on September 1.

Russian top universities recruit students for drone units

Forty-seven of Russia's top 50 universities are actively urging students to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, according to an investigation by Novaya Gazeta Europe cited by Meduza. The findings are based on the 2026 Raex academic rankings and institutional announcements.

Moldova raises FX transaction cap tenfold to €100,000

Moldova will raise the threshold for foreign currency operations exempt from National Bank of Moldova (BNM) authorization from €10,000 (approx. 201,530 MDL) to €100,000 (approx. 2,015,300 MDL). Lawmakers approved the legislative initiative in its first reading with 66 votes.

Moldova cuts Soviet-era red tape to support private sector growth

Moldova is moving to dismantle legacy regulatory barriers and eliminate burdensome paperwork that stifles private enterprise and drags down national budget revenues.

Moldova expects 15% higher wine grape yields in 2026

Moldova’s wine grape harvest is projected to increase by 15% compared to the previous season, according to estimates released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry. Average productivity is expected to reach between eight and nine metric tons per hectare.

Moldova gender pay gap widens to 15% in 2025

Women in Moldova earned on average 15% less than their male counterparts in 2025, despite making up more than half of the country’s employed workforce.

Moldova eyes $2B trade with Turkey as gateway to EU markets

Moldova aims to double bilateral trade with Turkey to $2 billion within the next two years, leveraging annual growth rates of 20 to 25 percent. Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced the target during an interview with the Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of a private visit to Istanbul.

Moldova expands biomass heating to cut natural gas reliance

Moldovan authorities are urging public institutions and households to switch to solid biofuels to mitigate import vulnerabilities and buffer against sudden price shocks.

Moldovan table grape growers showcase resilience in Cimișlia

Moldovan table grape producers gathered in the southern town of Cimișlia for the 11th edition of the National Grape Festival, showcasing high-yield produce despite severe winter frosts and persistent summer droughts. The event highlighted both the sector's economic vulnerability and its technical adaptation.

Moldova hikes gas tariff by 41% ahead of winter

Moldova’s National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) approved on August 21 a 40.8% increase in end-user natural gas tariffs. Starting September 1, 2026, consumers will pay €1.04 (approx. 20.30 MDL) per cubic meter, including VAT, up by €0.30 (5.88 MDL) from the current rate.

Moldova becomes top buyer of Ukrainian dairy at €46.8M

Moldova emerged as the primary export destination for Ukrainian dairy during the first seven months of 2026. Moldovan purchases totaled €46.8 million (approx. 917.3 million MDL), absorbing nearly a quarter of Ukraine’s outward dairy shipments, according to the Association of Milk Producers of Ukraine.