USAID funding suspension hits the Republic of Moldova's energy sector: Four projects in jeopardy

The Republic of Moldova’s energy sector is feeling the impact of the suspension of U.S. external funding, with four major projects—worth over $200 million—now in jeopardy due to the halted support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Ministry of Energy has requested clarifications from USAID, but no official response has been received yet. Meanwhile, authorities are exploring alternative funding sources to prevent delays in critical energy infrastructure investments.

Pensions indexed by 10%: Opinions of politicians and experts

All pensions in the Republic of Moldova will be indexed by 10% starting April 1, under a draft law examined in Parliament. While government representatives argue that this indexation is higher than would have been necessary according to the inflation rate and includes an additional increase, the opposition sees it as an electoral action aimed at attracting votes in the year of parliamentary elections. On the other hand, economic experts warn that indexation does not solve the fundamental problem of the pension system, and in the long term, structural reforms are needed to ensure its sustainability.

Eugen Carpov, the new director of ANRE. Parliament of the Republic of Moldova approves his appointment for a 6-year term

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova voted to appoint Eugen Carpov as director of the Board of Directors of the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), starting March 1, 2025, for a 6-year term. The decision comes after the expiration of the term of Veaceslav Untilă, who has held this position since 2019.

Transnistrian region hikes energy tariffs amid crisis

Experts suggest the increase in Transnistrian energy tariffs aims to address a budget deficit of around 200 million euros. This deficit likely arose after the cessation of electricity exports from the Cuciurgan Power Plant to the right bank of the Dniester.

Transnistria utility costs soar amid gas crisis

As of March 1st, residents of the Transnistrian region will face increased utility costs. Tariffs for natural gas, electricity, heating, and water will rise, according to the self-proclaimed Transnistrian authorities.

Chisinau beggars fake illnesses, disabilities

They feigned illness or disabilities to beg on the streets of Chisinau, Moldova. Twenty-two people have been penalized since the beginning of the year for such practices.

Three years of war in Ukraine // Aftermath of a devastating conflict and unknown prospects

February 24, 2025 marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has become the bloodiest in Europe since World War II. After three years of intense fighting, the human and material toll is devastating, and a diplomatic solution remains uncertain.

EU pledges €1.9 billion for Moldova’s infrastructure and development

Immediately after the European Union's financial support of 1.9 billion euros for the Republic of Moldova takes effect, Moldovan authorities will be able to submit a plan to the European Commission outlining how the funds will be used.

Moldova's priority: Transnistrian conflict resolution from within

Mihai Popșoi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, stated in a BBC interview on February 14, 2025, that resolving the Transnistrian conflict remains a top priority for the Moldovan authorities.

Chișinău urges Tiraspol to remove unfair transport fees

Chișinău has called on Tiraspol to eliminate what it considers excessive and discriminatory transport fees applied to vehicles exceeding 18 tons.

Gas for the Transnistrian region // Recean: We will continue to exert pressure on Tiraspol to respect the law

Chisinau will continue to exert pressure on the so-called Tiraspol administration to comply with Moldovan legislation. The statement was made by Prime Minister Dorin Recean during a visit to the south of the country, in the context of natural gas deliveries to the Transnistrian region.

Correspondence from Bucharest // Aggressive disinformation campaign: fake messages on Facebook and TikTok about Romania's security

Romania has been facing an aggressive online disinformation campaign for several days, intending to induce panic among the population. Authorities in Bucharest have detected hundreds of fake messages distributed on the social networks Facebook and TikTok, the Romanian Ministry of National Defense (MApN) announced.