AGP Executive Report

OSCE Leadership in Transnistria: Christopher W. Smith took office as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and will also serve as mediator in the Transnistrian settlement process, aiming to boost confidence-building between Chisinau and Tiraspol. Romanian Language Day Push: Moldova marked Romanian Language Day with the Great National Dictation drawing nearly 3,500 participants, while Speaker Igor Grosu said Romanian is now enshrined in Moldova’s Constitution as the state language; EU Ambassador Iwona Piórko also recited a poem in Romanian. Security & Hybrid Threats: A New York Times investigation describes Russia’s plan to destabilize Moldova, including covert influence and vote-buying schemes. Energy and Connectivity: Romania’s interim foreign minister Oana Toiu said Bucharest is advancing energy links with Moldova and Ukraine and pushing EU accession support. EU Defence Pressure: Euronews reports the EU may pressure countries with Patriot stocks, including Spain and Greece, to transfer interceptors to Ukraine. Local Life: Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban announced 700 lei for about 8,000 children for the start of the school year. Agriculture Watch: ANSA detected grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in vineyards and launched eradication and control measures.

Romanian Language Day: Chișinău and at least 16 districts saw nearly 3,500 people take part in the 4th Great National Dictation, with Prime Minister Vasile Tofan urging Moldovans to learn Romanian as a sign of respect and a bridge between citizens, while Education Minister Dan Perciun said the state must make access possible from kindergarten onward. School support: Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban announced 700 lei for around 8,000 children to start the school year, plus free public transport passes for primary students. EU/Ukraine air defense: EU officials say pressure is expected on member states with interceptor stocks to transfer them to Ukraine, with Spain and Greece singled out ahead of a defense meeting. Transnistria politics: Moldova’s Foreign Ministry called Russia’s plan to open 16 extra polling stations in Transnistria for the Russian State Duma elections unacceptable without Chisinau’s consent. Local incident: A fire broke out at the entrance to Chisinau’s Central Market. Sports: Moldovan canoeists posted strong results at the World Championships in Poznan, including a fourth-place finish by Serghei Tarnovschi in men’s C1 1000m.

Transnistria Voting Row: Moldova’s Foreign Ministry says Russia’s plan to open 16 extra polling stations for the Russian State Duma in Transnistria—without Chisinau’s consent—is unacceptable and violates Moldova’s sovereignty, while noting Russia previously agreed to just one polling station in Chisinau. Airspace Under Pressure: Moldova reported an unauthorized aerial overflight tied to Russia’s strikes on Ukraine, with an object entering from Odesa near Dnestrovsk and leaving the same way minutes later; authorities say monitoring continues for public safety. Budget Watch: Moldova’s state budget deficit is set to rise to 23.07 billion lei, driven by higher spending, debt-service costs, and reduced foreign grant aid. Citizenship Rules: A draft would let people over 18 who acquired Moldovan citizenship by birth but lack documents apply to have it confirmed, with processing up to one month and an 800 lei fee. EU Context: Iceland voters rejected restarting EU accession talks, a reminder of how fiercely fisheries and sovereignty can shape Europe’s enlargement path.

Transnistria Voting Row: Moldova’s Foreign Ministry says Russia’s plan to open 16 extra polling stations for the Russian State Duma vote in Transnistria—without Chisinau’s consent—violates Moldova’s sovereignty, while Moldova says it can’t oppose voting rights for foreign citizens when agreed in advance. Citizenship by Birth: Chisinau is proposing a faster, simplified way for adults (born after July 4, 1991) to confirm Moldovan citizenship if they lack documents, with applications processed in up to a month and a proposed 800 lei fee. Constitutional Court Challenge: PSRM lawmakers are contesting a new procedure that would let the president decide within 30 days on Parliament’s moves to dismiss National Bank (NBM) leadership, arguing it risks expanding presidential powers. Energy & Taxes: A Romanian MP says Romania is cutting diesel excise taxes again from September 1, while Moldova is preparing higher fuel taxes and VAT increases—framing it as a budget-first approach. Water Crisis: Moldova’s drought warnings continue: Code Orange on the Dniester and Prut, with flows far below seasonal averages, urging rational water use. Local Economy: Speaker Igor Grosu backs “Local Product” and highlights a national record sour cherry pie made in Chisinau by Milina Bakery, as the exhibition runs with 300 producers. Independence Day Context: Moldova’s 35th anniversary coverage also keeps spotlighting defense cooperation and Russian drone intimidation around the celebrations.

Transnistria & Elections: Moldova’s MFA calls Russia’s plan to open 16 extra State Duma polling stations in Transnistria without Chisinau’s consent a violation of sovereignty, saying electoral steps must be coordinated in advance. Russia’s War Narrative: Russian ambassador Oleg Ozerov again claims the West is arming Moldova and preparing it for conflict, while offering no proof—amid heightened security concerns around drones and hybrid threats. Sanctions & Finance: A new Economist investigation portrays Ilan Shor as a key figure in Russia’s crypto-based financial workaround, tied to the A7A5 stablecoin network. Independence Day & Diplomacy: Moldova marked 35 years of independence with a military parade and major visits, including trilateral engagement with Romania and Ukraine, as security risks linked to Russia’s war continue. Water Stress: Drought warnings intensify: Code Orange for the Dniester and parts of the Prut, with flows far below seasonal norms. Local Economy: Speaker Igor Grosu urges shoppers to back Moldovan producers at the “Local Product” exhibition, where a record sour cherry pie was baked in Chisinau. Governance & Defense: Moldova moves to integrate the National Security Council into defense decision-making, and to modernize drone rules for safer commercial operations. City Updates: Chisinau traffic restrictions are set for Aug. 30–31 for Independence-related events.

Water Crisis: Moldova’s drought is worsening: from Aug 29 to Sept 4, Dniester, Prut and most small rivers will stay far below normal, with some stretches at just 10–15% of the September average; authorities issued Code Orange for the Dniester and parts of the Prut and Code Red on several smaller rivers, urging everyone to use water rationally. EU Path: On Sept 1, EU working groups are set to review and likely approve screening results for negotiation clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine and Moldova, restarting the formal process after a July delay tied to Hungary. Economy & Taxes: The Finance Ministry explains the VAT increase for farmers and a planned excise rise on diesel, aiming to boost budget revenues and align fuel rates with EU minimums. Jobs: ANOFM reports 4,851 unemployed people found work since the start of 2026 (16,006 total employed so far this year). Energy & Hydrology: Moldova and Ukraine agreed to reduce Dniester flow to 60 m³/s for two weeks to protect reservoir levels and power operations. Politics & Courts: Dragoș Galbur rejects Dorin Recean’s defamation claims and demands evidence in court. Independence & Security: Moldova marked 35 years with a military parade and high-level visits amid drone incursions and ongoing regional security concerns.

EU Accession Talks: Brussels will resume work to open EU negotiating clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine and Moldova on 1 September, after a July attempt failed over Hungary’s stance. Energy & Utilities: Moldova’s energy ministry is discussing less frequent inspections of gas and electricity meters, aiming to align with EU practice and cut costs. Water Crisis: Chisinau and Kyiv agreed to reduce Dniester flow to 60 m³/s for the next two weeks as drought strains the Novodnistrovsk reservoir. Government Reset: Parliament’s second 2026 session starts 1 September, with EU law harmonization as a priority; new ministers Claudiu Năsui and Eugeniu Osmochescu took office, focusing on a “European economy” and smart agriculture. Economy & Trade Rules: VAT and excise rules for goods imported from Transnistria will be standardized starting 1 September, in phases through 2030. Politics & Courts: A Shor party vice-president and an unofficial member face trial over alleged illegal party financing. Security & War Fallout: Ukrainian intelligence says Russia recruited at least 857 Moldovan citizens to fight in Ukraine, with 81 reportedly dead. Culture & Education: The Nicolae Testemitanu medical university will host a welcome ceremony for first-year students on 1 September.

Parliament Returns: Moldova’s autumn parliamentary session kicks off September 1, with EU accession legislation harmonization at the top of the agenda as the remaining negotiation clusters depend on meeting EU criteria. State Honors: President Maia Sandu signed decrees awarding dozens of people and institutions the “Order of Honor” and “Order of the Republic,” including CEC chief Angelica Caraman and Promo-LEX head Ion Manole. Independence Day Diplomacy: Moldova marked 35 years of independence with a major military parade, concerts, and a high-profile Moldova-Romania-Ukraine trilateral push on resilience, energy security, and countering hybrid threats. Security & Drones: Moldova condemned repeated drone incursions, while Romania and Moldova said they maintain permanent information exchange on illegal drone flights. Transnistria Alert: Separatist authorities extended the “yellow terrorism” alert in Transnistria until October 30, keeping the region under heightened readiness. Economy Leadership: New Economy Minister Claudiu Năsui defended his appointment amid criticism, saying reforms are “medicine” Moldova needs, as he focuses on business support and delivery.

Independence Day diplomacy: Moldova marked 35 years of independence in Chisinau with a military parade and a concert, while President Maia Sandu hosted a high-profile trilateral push with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and Romania’s Nicușor Dan. Highest honor for Zelensky: Sandu awarded Zelensky Moldova’s Order of the Republic, citing his role in protecting peace and freedom in Europe. Security focus amid drone threats: Sandu called Russian drone overflights “intimidation” and said Moldova will keep investing in air defense; Dan said Romania and Moldova must cooperate to prevent drone attacks and counter hybrid threats. Regional cooperation plan: The three leaders agreed to deepen work on energy, infrastructure, logistics, and EU integration, with Zelensky stressing Ukraine, Moldova and Romania are “natural allies.” EU path support: Dan reiterated Romania will back rapid opening of remaining EU negotiation clusters for Moldova and Ukraine. Ukraine war backdrop: The week’s events unfolded as Russia carried out major missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including attacks on ports and infrastructure.

Independence Day Diplomacy: Romania’s President Nicușor Dan visited Cahul and met the Bishop of Southern Bessarabia, discussing projects to support Romanian communities and church life ahead of Moldova’s 35th anniversary. Security & Airspace Violations: Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi says the rising number of drone incursions shows Moldova’s military vulnerability and argues defense spending can’t be “secondary.” Independence Day Under Pressure: Maia Sandu condemned repeated Russian drone overflights hours before the holiday, while Moldova reported five unauthorized drone flights overnight; police later said a crashed drone near the Chisinau–Basarabeasca road was a “Parodiya” decoy with no explosives. Regional War Update: Russia launched a major overnight missile-and-drone attack on Ukraine, hitting multiple cities and infrastructure; Ukraine’s foreign minister urged partners to boost support ahead of winter. Energy Alert: Moldova extended its energy and hydrology state of alert for 30 days, citing drought impacts and continued reliance on imports. Political Tensions: Russia’s Zakharova criticized Claudiu Năsui’s appointment as Moldova’s economy minister, alleging economic “handover” to Bucharest.

Independence Day in Chisinau: Moldova marked 35 years since independence with ceremonies and a solemn return of the first parliament to the hall where the Declaration was voted, while the official Independence Day program brings leaders from Romania and Ukraine to the Great National Assembly Square for a military parade and joint statements. Airspace under pressure: Moldova reported another unauthorized aerial overflight tied to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, with a drone entering near Palanca and exiting toward Tudora/Gradinita; authorities also imposed a citywide drone ban in Chisinau for Aug. 27. Elections in Gagauzia: Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission set the calendar for People’s Assembly elections on Nov. 15, with the campaign starting Oct. 16, alongside new postal voting rules that entered into force. NATO and resilience: President Maia Sandu met NATO’s Political Committee to discuss deepening cooperation on air defense, anti-drone capabilities, cybersecurity, and countering hybrid threats. Diplomacy and EU politics: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said October talks will cover enlargement preparation but Georgia was not included, drawing sharp criticism from Georgian opposition figures. Education: Teachers’ salaries are set to rise 11–25% from Jan. 1, 2027, with 1,000 lei monthly net payments in the meantime.

Independence Day Politics: President Maia Sandu urged unity as Moldova marks 35 years of independence, saying freedom is “tested every day” and must be protected. Government & Business: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan wants dental-clinic authorization rules revised after criticizing a 35-page regulation with requirements he says are too heavy for small practices. Transnistria Tax Integration: Moldova plans to gradually extend VAT and excise duties to goods imported from the Transnistrian region, starting Sept. 1 for several categories, with full integration targeted by 2030. Energy & Water Alert: The state of alert in Moldova’s energy and hydrological sectors is extended by 30 days as drought keeps river flows low and supply risks remain. Drones & Airspace: New rules align Moldova’s drone operations with EU-style U-space coordination, aiming to identify and manage flights safely. Security at Borders: The Vynohradivka–Vulcănești crossing in Ukraine resumed after a Russian attack, while Sculeni traffic eased after heavy queues. Travel Disruptions: Access to Chisinau’s Eugen Doga International Airport will be restricted Aug. 27–31 for security measures. EU Ukraine Funding: EU leaders are discussing a possible up-to-€100B cooperation program with Ukraine, with enlargement progress including Moldova on the agenda. Digital Risk for Migrants: Moldova’s foreign ministry warns that a technical issue with Russia’s “Amina” app could jeopardize legal status for Moldovans in Moscow.

Border Security: Russia escalated strikes on Ukraine’s logistics and the Ukraine–Moldova border, hitting crossings including Vinogradovka–Vulcănești and disrupting traffic, as attacks also targeted Odesa-area ports and infrastructure. EU Integration & Justice: Moldova’s parliament backed first-reading changes to allow automated exchange of police data with EU states, including DNA and fingerprint searches, to speed up cross-border crime investigations. Crime Prevention (DNA): A separate first-reading vote would let Moldova exchange DNA profiling results with other countries for serious, especially cross-border, crimes. Government Reshuffle: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said he picked Claudiu Năsui for Economy to cut state spending and reduce state-owned companies, adding he discussed the choice with Romania’s Ilie Bolojan. Media Language Rules: Parliament approved in first reading a draft requiring TV channels to broadcast at least 50% Romanian-language (or dubbed) programming, with limits for other languages and extra local-content rules. Water Crisis Watch: Moldova warned Dniester conditions are worsening upstream, with Novodnistrovsk reserves dropping and flow stability becoming harder. Weather: A Yellow Code for heavy rain is in effect across much of Moldova on Aug. 26. Business & Investment: Moldova advanced a law to make arbitration more predictable, aiming to improve enforcement and flexibility for companies.

Independence Day in Chişinău: Speaker Igor Grosu invited citizens to Independence Day events on Aug. 27, including flower-laying at 9:30 a.m. and a military parade in the Great National Assembly Square with 2,000+ participants, plus an evening concert. Government reshuffle: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan proposed Eugeniu Osmochescu for Agriculture and Claudiu Năsui for Economy and Digitalization; Sandu also granted Moldovan citizenship to Năsui. EU-aligned media push: Parliament backed a draft to increase Romanian-language and domestic content in Moldova’s audiovisual space and strengthen the Audiovisual Council. Border security: After Russian Shahed drone strikes, Ukraine suspended the Vynohradivka–Vulcănești crossing; Moldova’s Mirnoe–Tabachi also briefly halted, while other checkpoints were used. Economy & markets: Moldova’s day-ahead electricity market hit an all-time high; a new eVMS.md subscription round lets citizens buy government bonds online with up to 7.85% interest. Culture & wine: National Wine Day returns Oct. 3–4 in Chişinău.

Ukraine Independence Day Diplomacy: Moldova’s President Maia Sandu joined the Coalition of the Willing in Kyiv, urging stronger air defense as a direct way to protect Moldovan skies, citing nearly 60 airspace violations since 2022 and rising incidents in 2026. EU-UK Military Push: EU leaders and UK PM Andy Burnham backed fresh support, including a €6.1bn EU tranche for air defense and related systems, while Burnham said the UK will share classified Storm Shadow/SCALP component blueprints to help Ukraine produce long-range missiles at home—prompting Kremlin backlash. Moldova-Ukrainian Solidarity at Home: Chisinau’s parliament hosted “Rebirth in Glory and Power,” an exhibition on Ukraine’s destroyed sacred heritage, with Speaker Igor Grosu calling it evidence of Russian attacks on faith and culture. Cross-Border Drone Incidents: A drone found near Romania’s Moldova border and reports of drones breaching Moldovan airspace underscored the security pressure on both sides. Moldova’s Domestic Reforms: Parliament advanced EU-aligned rules for financial markets, digitalized court procedures, and updated election rules for Gagauzia, including postal voting. Economy & Agriculture: Fitch cut Moldova’s 2026 growth outlook, while grape harvest forecasts point to a 10–15% rise in 2026.

Ukraine Independence Day Diplomacy: Moldova’s President Maia Sandu was in Kyiv for Ukraine’s 35th anniversary, where she said Moldova, Ukraine and Romania must work together to protect citizens from war-linked threats, and she received the Order of the Republic from Volodymyr Zelensky for support against Russia’s aggression. US-Moldova Ties: The US Embassy says North Carolina National Guard troops will march in Chisinau’s Independence Day parade on Aug. 27. Security & Airspace: Moldova reported another unauthorized drone flight over the south; Romania scrambled F-16s and a helicopter after radar signals near Cahul and Târgu Bujor, with airspace restricted briefly. Energy & Prices: Energocom said July gas deliveries to Moldova totaled 86,450 MWh (about 8.38 million cubic meters) at a weighted average price of 50.12 euros/MWh. Road Safety Upgrade: Parliament backed a draft law requiring road safety assessments at least every five years and creating an online system for drivers to report dangerous spots. Courts Under Pressure: A bomb threat led to evacuation at the Chisinau Court of Appeal as the first appeal hearing in the “Bank Fraud” case involving Vlad Plahotniuc began. Trade With Turkey: PM Vasile Tofan said Moldova aims to double trade with Turkey to $2 billion and invited Turkish firms to invest.