Moldova PM bypasses regional leaders in Gagauzia visit

Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu focused on "grassroots" results during his first official working visit to the autonomous region of Gagauzia on December 18, choosing to meet with local mayors and entrepreneurs rather than regional leadership.

Transnistria declares 30-day economic emergency over gas shortage

The breakaway Transnistrian region has entered a 30-day economic state of emergency starting December 18.

EU summit debates using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine loan

European Council President António Costa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the European Council meeting held on December 18, 2025, in Brussels.

Chisinau paid parking plan stalls amid legal dispute

The rollout of paid parking in Chisinau remains paralyzed due to what local authorities describe as "legislative gaps."

Moldova allows labor inspectors to conduct 24/7 unannounced raids

Moldovan labor inspectors have been granted the power to enter any workplace at any hour, day or night, without prior notice, following a law passed by Parliament in its final reading on December 18.

Dodon welcomes Plahotniuc testimony in Moldova black bag corruption case

Igor Dodon, the former President of Moldova and leader of the Socialist Party, has publicly welcomed the decision of his long-time rival, Vladimir Plahotniuc, to testify in the high-profile "kuliok" (black bag) corruption trial.

Moldova Parliament appoints Uliana Bădărău to state audit office

The Parliament of Moldova voted on December 18 to appoint Uliana Bădărău as a new member of the Court of Accounts, the country’s supreme financial watchdog. She replaces Eduard Moroșan, whose five-year term has concluded.

Moldova stalls anti-corruption merger after Venice Commission warning

Moldovan authorities have launched broad consultations to decide the future of a controversial judicial reform that would create a unified Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office (PACCO).

Moldova’s agriculture minister faces no-confidence motion over crisis

The Moldovan Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, headed by Minister Ludmila Catlabuga, is the target of a non-binding no-confidence motion signed by 42 Members of Parliament.

Moldova delays teacher salary hikes until 2026 citing budget reform

Moldovan teachers must wait until 2026 for salary increases as authorities prioritize structural pay reform.

EU Council summit: Last chance to unlock Moldova and Ukraine talks for 2025

European Union enlargement dominates the agenda of the year’s final EU Council summit on December 18-19. This meeting represents the last window for EU leaders to reach a consensus on officially launching chapter-by-chapter negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine in 2025—a process currently stalled by Hungary’s persistent opposition to Kyiv's membership.

Moldova small businesses scale up through ODA modernization grants

Small businesses across Moldova are scaling operations from local workshops to industrial-grade production lines, fueled by mentorship and funding from the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA), the country's state agency for business growth.