Montenegro to require visas for Russian, Belarusian citizens

​Montenegro will end visa-free entry for citizens of Russia and Belarus starting October 31, 2026, according to an official government decree reported by the independent outlets Kovcheg and Astra.

Russia's Sberbank halts foreign currency Visa cards service

Russia’s Sberbank has begun notifying clients that it will discontinue servicing foreign currency and multi-currency Visa cards starting September 1, 2026, according to a report by The Moscow Times, citing TASS.

​IGSU fleet expanded following 13,000 missions in 2026

​Moldovan rescuers and firefighters carried out over 13,000 missions in the first half of 2026, averaging 72 interventions per day.

Russian funeral market expands amid tax shifts, austerity

Russia registered a record number of new funeral service providers in the first half of 2026. Between January and June, 995 new companies and sole proprietorships entered the market, marking a 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year, according to The Moscow Times.

From Cold War border to UNESCO site: Germany's Green Belt

Germany is seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for its Green Belt (Grünes Band), a 1,400-kilometer ecological corridor stretching along the former border between East and West Germany.

Moldova passes law to align professional credentials with EU

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova has passed in first reading a bill aligning national rules on foreign professional qualifications with European Union standards.

Moldova to pay citizens for legal wrongs in EU alignment push

Moldova's Parliament has passed the first reading of a legislative package establishing a comprehensive state liability framework. The law allows individuals and legal entities to seek financial compensation and moral damages for harm caused during criminal or administrative proceedings.

CEC dismisses request for Coșnița mayor recall vote

In the commune of Coșnita, located in the Dubăsari district, a referendum will not be held to dismiss the mayor. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has rejected the registration application submitted by the initiative group seeking to hold a local plebiscite to remove Alexandru Grigoraș from office. The electoral authority determined that the evidence provided was insufficient to establish the legal grounds required to initiate this procedure.

Emil Ceban returns as USMF rector after health minister term

Emil Ceban, the former Minister of Health, resumed his position as the rector of the "Nicolae Testemițanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF) on Friday, July 24. In his announcement, he outlined several key objectives: modernizing medical education, increasing the number of foreign students, and enhancing the university's international visibility. Additionally, the new management plan focuses on developing university infrastructure and attracting new investments.

DECREE | Agriculture minister Radu Musteața officially dismissed

Radu Musteața was officially dismissed from his position as Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry after the President of the Republic of Moldova signed a decree acknowledging his resignation. This decision was made on the same day that the minister announced his withdrawal from the government, which occurred just two days after the inauguration of the Cabinet led by Vasile Tofan.

Eight tons of sheep and goat meat confiscated after ANSA inspections

Around eight tons of sheep and goat meat were confiscated, and the operations of a slaughterhouse were temporarily suspended after inspections conducted by the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) in farms and slaughterhouses across the Republic of Moldova. These inspections were aimed at preventing the spread of African swine fever (ASF), addressing illegal slaughter practices, and removing products lacking origin and traceability from the food supply chain.

Travel agency owner jailed after €6,000 holiday scam allegation

Maria Munteanu, the administrator of the travel agency Travel Express, was accused of defrauding hundreds of clients by selling fictitious holidays in Turkey. She was placed in preventive detention for 30 days. This decision was made by Chisinau Court in Ciocana on Friday, July 24.