Loud boom reported near Chișinău; police checking localities

A loud boom was reported this morning, September 18, near Chișinău, specifically southwest of the village of Colonița, toward Tohatin. Several individuals contacted the police through the 112 emergency service to report the incident. Law enforcement officers inspected the local area. So far, authorities have found no objects, signs of an explosion, or other public hazards.

UTM is launching a new space mission with a Romanian university, from nanosatellites to AI

The Republic of Moldova achieved a historic milestone by launching TUMnanoSAT, the country's first satellite, into orbit. Researchers at the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) developed this nanosatellite. It was launched on August 12, 2022, and remained in orbit for nearly six months, until January 31, 2023. This successful mission showcased the technical capabilities of the team based in Chisinau. Following this achievement, UTM researchers are already working on a new space mission, with a launch planned for next year.

Loans are getting costlier. Experts advise waiting

Loans are likely to become more expensive now that the National Bank has increased the base interest rate from 7.50% to 9.0%. This decision is intended to combat inflationary pressures. Ongoing turbulence in energy markets, driven by geopolitical tensions, adds to the uncertainty. As a result, experts are advising Moldovans to consider postponing any plans to take out loans.

Moldova condemns Russian drone incursions at OSCE forum

Moldova condemned repeated violations of its sovereign airspace by drones at the OSCE on Wednesday, urging the Russian Federation to halt actions destabilising regional security and endangering civil aviation.

Kremlin stages managed election to gauge war support in Russia

Russia began three days of tightly controlled parliamentary elections on Friday, staging a ballot without genuine opposition that the Kremlin treats as a test of public sentiment toward its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Moldova rolls out €650,000 grant fund for youth NGOs

Youth organisations in the Republic of Moldova can secure state grants of up to €29,800 (approx. 600,000 MDL) per project under the newly launched 2027 Grants Programme.

Moldovan parliament approves one-off bonuses for state workers

Moldova's parliament passed the 2026 state budget revision in the second reading on Thursday, approving one-off financial bonuses of up to 4,000 MDL (€204) for public employees earning under 20,000 MDL monthly.

Moldova targets Guinness record with giant human grapevine

Moldova plans to assemble the world’s largest human grapevine on October 3, aiming for a Guinness World Record during the milestone 25th National Wine Day in central Chișinău.

NBM raises base rate to 9% as inflation pressures persist

The National Bank of Moldova raised its base rate to 9% on September 17, citing stronger inflationary pressures and energy market volatility.

Russian strike damages Odesa tower and hits university in Kyiv

Russian forces struck a 19-story residential high-rise in Odessa shortly after midnight, injuring three civilians, including a three-year-old child, as strikes targeted several Ukrainian regions overnight.

US lawmakers pass sweeping Russia sanctions to cripple war effort

The U.S. Congress passed sweeping legislation approving severe economic sanctions on Russia and Iran, authorizing punitive tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil and natural gas.

Unidentified drone crosses into Moldova during Russian strikes

An unidentified drone briefly crossed into Moldovan airspace on Thursday morning as Russian forces conducted massive strikes against neighbouring Ukraine, including the southern Odessa region, the Defense Ministry said.