President Maia Sandu sets 2026 diplomatic priorities amid rising hybrid threats

President Maia Sandu underscored that the Republic of Moldova can only survive as a free and sovereign democracy by joining the European Union. The head of state delivered this message during the annual meeting of Moldovan ambassadors in Chișinău.

Transport reform conflict: APOTA accuses Moldovan government of lack of transparency

Moldovan transport operators are threatening to resume national protests. The Employers' Association of Road Transport Operators (APOTA) has formally requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

Chisinau magistrate claims workload retaliation following return from maternity leave

Marina Rusu, a judge at the Chisinau Court (Centru headquarters) and mother of seven children, staged a formal protest at the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) on December 22.

Survivor of Russian labor camps testifies before International Criminal Court

In late October 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague formally accepted the testimony of Olena Yagupova.

Vlad Filat rejects French conviction as political, appeals two-year sentence

A French court has sentenced former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat to two years in prison and a fine of €100,000 (approx. 1.94 million MDL) for money laundering.

From vulnerability to maturity: How Moldova secured its energy future in 2025

The Republic of Moldova concludes 2025 "more energy-secure, better connected to Europe, and ready for the future," stated Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu.

Farmers urge government to prolong import licenses to save exports

Farmers in Moldova are urging national authorities to reinstate the mandatory licensing requirement for grain and oilseed imports from neighboring Ukraine.

Mass resignations hit Moldovan prosecutors amid integrity checks

The completion of the external integrity and professional ethics evaluation for prosecutors remains a distant goal, officials from the Vetting Commission have acknowledged.

Councilor Melnic claims legal retaliation by Mayor Ion Ceban

Ion Melnic, a councilor representing the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in the Chisinau City Council, announced that Mayor Ion Ceban has initiated legal proceedings against him.

Banking fraud case: Vladimir Plahotniuc to remain in custody until late January 2026

Former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc will spend an additional 30 days in custody after the Chișinău Court, Buiucani seat, ruled on Monday, December 22, to extend his preventive detention.

Niigata assembly approves TEPCO nuclear restart amid public protests

Japan took the final major step on Monday toward resuming operations at the world's largest nuclear power plant. The Niigata Prefectural Assembly voted in favor of the governor’s proposal to support the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility.

Mark Rutte confirms US troops will remain in Europe amid Ukraine war negotiations

Only US President Donald Trump can persuade Russian leader Vladimir Putin to accept a peace settlement in Ukraine. The statement was made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in an interview published Sunday, December 21, by the German publication Bild am Sonntag.