Moldova’s €3.50 cigarette packs: A magnet for youth addiction

The Republic of Moldova remains a sanctuary for affordable tobacco in Eastern Europe, with prices significantly lower than those in the European Union. While officials argue for "gradual" tax increases to prevent illicit trade, health experts warn that slow policy shifts reflect a dangerous susceptibility to industry pressure.

Moldovan Parliament scraps controversial law threatening Bar Association independence

On February 12, Moldovan lawmakers voted to repeal controversial amendments to the Law on Advocacy that would have allowed Justice Ministry officials to sit on lawyer licensing and disciplinary commissions.

Munich Security Conference 2026: Europe braces for a post-American security era

World leaders have gathered for the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) amidst a seismic shift in the global order. The primary focus remains whether Europe can still rely on the United States as an unconditional security guarantor.

Moldova to receive €168 million EU Growth Plan tranche by March

Moldovan authorities expect the European Union to disburse the next installment of the €1.9 billion (approx. 37.4 billion MDL) Growth Plan for Moldova. Finance Minister Andrian Gavriliță announced that the funds are scheduled to arrive between late February and early March 2026.

EU leaders push for energy reform to salvage industrial autonomy

European Union leaders have convened to address the systemic erosion of the bloc’s competitiveness, signaling an urgent need for structural energy reforms. Romania, France, and Belgium are leading the call for immediate measures to lower electricity prices.

Ukraine considers spring referendum on peace deal involving territorial concessions

​Kiev is considering a national referendum this spring to deliberate on a peace plan. Citizens may be asked to vote on a potential agreement that includes territorial concessions, potentially aligning the vote with presidential elections.

Moldova to leverage Romanian expertise for cultural heritage digitization and infrastructure modernization

The Republic of Moldova is set to adopt Romanian best practices in digitizing cultural heritage and modernizing institutional infrastructure.

European allies mobilize €33.1 billion to shield Ukraine as US funding shifts

NATO allies have pledged €33.1 billion (approx. 648.7 billion MDL) in new military support to fortify Kyiv’s air defenses. The announcement follows a high-level meeting in Brussels focused on countering intensified Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and civilian targets.

New heating tariffs take effect in Moldova as Chisinau rates drop

New heating tariffs for households across Moldova officially came into force on February 13, following a decision by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE).

Belgian police and EPPO raid European Commission over €900 million real estate deal

Belgian federal police, acting under the authority of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), conducted raids on the European Commission’s headquarters and the Belgian sovereign wealth fund (SFPIM) on Thursday.

Moldova cuts €13.5M in red tape, signaling major 2026 deregulation push

Moldova is preparing a systemic structural overhaul for 2026 aimed at dismantling bureaucratic barriers and simplifying state inspections. Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Eugeniu Osmochescu, described the upcoming measures as a definitive move toward a predictable and transparent investment climate.

National Library of Moldova launches innovative literacy strategy ahead of National Reading Day

The National Library of the Republic of Moldova hosted a landmark assembly today, bringing together authors, digital creators, and librarians to redefine reading in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The event showcased innovative projects designed to engage a generation whose information consumption habits have fundamentally shifted over the last two decades.