Ukrainian athletes banned from international competitions alongside Russian or Belarusian competitors

Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sport has banned athletes from entering international Olympic and non-Olympic sports competitions, where they could face competitors from Russia or Belarus, Politico reports.

Despite protests in recent months, France's Constitutional Council has approved an increase in the retirement age

France's Constitutional Council has approved an increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 proposed by President Emanuel Macron, rejecting calls for a referendum, reports the BBC. At the same time, the Constitutional Council said some articles of the controversial reform were legally flawed.

The Audiovisual Council presented its report to Parliament. Opposition demanded explanations for suspension of licence for six TV stations

The Audiovisual Council imposed 447 sanctions on media service providers and distributors over the past year for non-compliance with audiovisual legislation, according to the institution's report presented in Parliament today. According to the report, 235 fines totalling 2,340,000 lei and 212 warnings were issued. Parliamentary opposition demanded explanations for the suspension of licences for six TV stations

Approved by Parliament: the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Justice will be able to request advisory opinions from the ECtHR

The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Justice will be able to ask the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) for an advisory opinion on questions of principle concerning the interpretation or application of the rights and freedoms defined in the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. A draft law providing for this has been adopted by Parliament. The authors of the draft say that seeking ECtHR opinions will result in a reduction of Moldova's ECtHR convictions.

Alexandr Nesterovschi and Irina Lozovan, who left the Party of Socialists, collect signatures for the creation of a new party

Unaffiliated MPs Alexandr Nesterovschi and Irina Lozovan, who have left the Party of Socialists, are collecting signatures for the creation of a new party. The priorities of the future party include defending the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova and joining the Eurasian Union, said MP Alexandr Nesterovschi.

Dorin Recean chaired the first meeting of the Governmental Commission for European Integration

The transposition of European directives into national legislation is not a process of copying the text, but of adjusting it to our realities, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said at the meeting of the Governmental Commission for European Integration. The head of the executive stressed that citizens, businessmen and national institutions must go through this transformation.

Expert: Examination of Ilan Șor's case at the SCJ could take up to a year

Yesterday's decision by the Chisinau Court of Appeal sentencing fugitive politician Ilan Shor to 15 years in prison is enforceable, which means he can serve his sentence and his assets can be confiscated. But his lawyers say they will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of Justice, and experts say it could take up to a year for the case to be heard in that court.

Alexandr Slusari has a new position at Energocom

Former MP of the Platform for Dignity and Truth, Alexandr Slusari, currently executive director of the Farmers' Force Association, has been appointed member of the Energocom Board. The announcement was made by the head of the institution, Victor Bînzari, who noted that he will have full rights to be involved in the strategic development of the company.

Victor Parlicov: We do not rule out a return to the purchase of gas from Gazprom

The Republic of Moldova can buy cheaper gas from the international market, and there is currently no need to buy natural gas from Gazprom for the right bank of the Dniester, Energy Minister Victor Parlicov told TV 8. But he does not rule out the possibility of returning to importing gas from Gazprom.

Russian mercenary group Wagner on EU sanctions list for "active participation in war"

The European Union on Thursday added the Russian paramilitary organisation Wagner to the list of persons and entities sanctioned for "active participation in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine". The mercenary group, which is fighting in eastern Ukraine to try to seize the towns of Bahmut and Soledar, was already placed on another EU sanctions list in February for human rights violations and "destabilising" countries in Africa.

The founder of "Bismobil Kitchen", Mihail Sharan, was detained by INI employees

The founder of a furniture manufacturing company, Mihai Saran, accused of leaving customers without furniture and money, was arrested by law enforcement officials after he escaped from the Chisinau Court seven days ago. Law enforcement officials say Șaran has been hiding in an abandoned house in Durlești.

Parliament is in session. MPs to examine the Audiovisual Council's activity report for 2022

The agenda for Friday's plenary session includes seven items, including the Audiovisual Council's activity report for 2022