AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Court Reform: Moldova’s parliament adopted in second reading a draft law to make the selection and appointment of Constitutional Court judges more transparent, with a structured, competitive process starting three months before a mandate ends. Energy & Security: Moldova recorded 44 airspace violation incidents since the start of 2026, with drones and missile fragments among the main objects; meanwhile, border police found drone fragments near Briceni and urged people not to approach debris. Gas Price Transparency: The government says it will actively seek cheaper gas and better contract terms (including from the US, Azerbaijan, Qatar and Turkmenistan) and publish results with maximum transparency once offers are concrete. EU Path & NATO Position: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan told Bloomberg Moldova won’t seek NATO membership, while also stressing the need to maintain close relations with NATO countries. EU Funding Progress: Moldova says it has completed 95% of actions under the EU-backed Growth Plan, with a monitoring committee meeting in Chisinau. Romania Link: Parliament ratified a Moldova-Romania agreement on strategic transport infrastructure, tied to TEN-T connectivity. Diplomacy: Mihai Popșoi met Azerbaijan’s FM in New York on strengthening strategic partnership, including energy and renewables cooperation. Public Sector Pay: A law published in the Official Journal will fund one-off allowances for public-sector workers, starting October 2026. Culture & Sports: Astra Film Festival 2026 announced its competition lineup; UEFA Nations League returns with Moldova set to play in the week’s fixtures.

Anti-SLAPP Push: Moldova’s parliament approved in second reading a package to better protect people targeted by abusive lawsuits (SLAPPs), adding tools like rapid dismissal and remedies for victims. Banking Independence: Lawmakers advanced in first reading measures to strengthen the National Bank of Moldova’s independence in line with EU standards. FX Liberalization: Parliament passed in second reading a draft that gradually raises caps for foreign exchange operations without National Bank authorization. Health & Mobility: EU medical and pharmacy qualifications will be recognized in Moldova, with a new professional card system. Tobacco Rules: Clearer, more visible health warnings are set for tobacco packaging as parliament considers updated tobacco control rules. Crime Victims: A draft law will strengthen protection, legal help and state compensation mechanisms for crime victims. Airspace Tensions: President Maia Sandu and officials condemned repeated Russian drone overflights; police found Gerbera-type drone wreckage in Florești. Transnistria Talks: Chisinau and Tiraspol agreed to intensify dialogue, including on Latin-script schools. Energy & Growth: Moldova’s Growth Plan monitoring meeting stressed keeping reform momentum; renewable energy permits are set to be streamlined.

Energy Emergency: Moldova’s parliament published a 60-day state of emergency for energy and hydrological sectors starting Sept. 26, giving authorities faster procurement and temporary rules to protect heating, drinking water, and critical infrastructure. Media Reform: Moldova adopted a new mass media law replacing the 1994 press law, adding transparency rules on media ownership and financing, stronger editorial independence, and journalist safety safeguards. Tobacco Control: New draft rules will make tobacco health warnings clearer and more prominent on packaging, with expanded warning messages. Renewables Push: Permits for renewable energy projects will be streamlined, with “acceleration areas” and set maximum timelines for approvals. Public Safety: Civil protection and fire protection rules are set to be updated to match European standards. EU & Security Cooperation: UK PM Andy Burnham highlighted Moldova’s experience resisting Russian election interference and announced a British National Center for Information Defense. Elections Watch: Moldova and Romania’s electoral authorities signed a cooperation memorandum in Bucharest to strengthen election resilience. Regional Context: Zelensky warned at the UN that Russia’s war could spread beyond Ukraine, naming Moldova among countries at risk.

Energy & Water Emergency: Moldova’s parliament approved a 60-day state of emergency for energy and hydrological sectors, starting Sept. 26, after drought and low Dniester levels raised risks for gas, fuel, electricity and water supplies. Transnistria Gas Supply: Moldova asked the regulator to extend Moldovagaz’s role as gas supplier to the left bank until April 30, 2027, including a storage obligation of 15% of consumption. Central Bank Independence: Parliament will review a draft law to strengthen National Bank of Moldova independence in line with EU standards, limiting political interference. Renewables Rules: Moldova is set to simplify permits for renewable energy projects, including faster authorization timelines and clearer rules for “acceleration zones.” Integration & Asylum Updates: A bill would create a working group to support foreign citizens’ integration, combine language and orientation programs, and adjust asylum-related financial assistance. EU-Romania Connectivity: Romania will finance 56 million euros for the Ungheni bridge and strategic road links through 2030, with updated border-control arrangements. Visa Cooperation: Mihai Popșoi signed an agreement ending visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders between Moldova and Mongolia. Security & Tech: Moldova plans to align electronic evidence rules with international standards and may create a facial image registry for biometric identification.

Energy Emergency: Moldova’s parliament has approved a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors starting Sept. 26, after lawmakers backed the government’s plan 54-20. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the cold season is bringing “overlapping risks” for gas, fuel, electricity and water, with drought and rising costs making the situation more interconnected than under the earlier state of alert. Water Crisis Focus: Officials point to a severe hydrological deficit on the Dniester and Prut, with special attention on the Dniester as a key water source. Transnistria Gas Supply: Authorities also moved to keep gas flowing to Transnistria through Moldovagaz, extending the obligation and requiring reserves equal to 15% of consumption through the heating season. EU Path & Support: Moldova’s leaders also used the moment to push European cooperation, including talks with the European Commission on accelerating Growth Plan projects and with Czech officials on EU accession momentum. Diplomacy: Moldova established diplomatic relations with Togo, signing the agreement in New York.

Energy & Water Emergency: Moldova’s government approved asking parliament to declare a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors from Sept. 26, citing overlapping cold-season risks, rising fuel costs, and a worsening Dniester situation. Dnies­ter Hydrology: Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder warned water reserves are now about three times lower than reservoir discharges, with authorities preparing extra steps to protect supply. Fuel Prices: Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu said diesel could reach 40 lei per liter if market pressure continues, blaming shortages and regional price spikes. Governance & Oversight: The National Crisis Management Center says crisis procurement will stay under oversight, with schemes ruled out. Triumphal Arch Restoration: Chisinau’s Triumphal Arch is set for restoration after the government clarified its legal status and registered it as state public property, aiming to start works in March-April 2027. EU & Security Diplomacy: President Maia Sandu met Czech senators on Moldova’s EU path and security cooperation; Romania’s Nicușor Dan said Moldova and Ukraine should be EU-bound and compatible with NATO standards. Foreign Policy & Airspace: Moldova’s Foreign Ministry condemned two unauthorized Russian overflights as serious sovereignty violations. Propaganda in Transnistria: A report says Russian-backed separatists are intensifying schoolchild brainwashing through a “Transnistrian people” propaganda competition.

Energy & Water Emergency Push: Moldova’s pro-European leaders are asking parliament to declare a state of emergency for the energy and hydrological sectors after dangerously low Dniester River levels and rising fuel and gas prices. Parliament Timeline: PM Vasile Tofan says the government needs legal “tools” to act fast if supplies worsen, with an extraordinary parliamentary session set for Sept. 22. Cold-Season Support: President Maia Sandu says compensation for vulnerable households will run throughout the entire cold season, while authorities prepare reserves and alternative supply routes. Hydrology Measures: The environment ministry is removing illegal dams, cleaning riverbeds, and updating plans for alternative water sources as reservoir inflows remain extremely low. Security for Infrastructure: The National Security Council also ordered stronger protection of energy infrastructure from drone and cyber threats, as Moldova reports frequent airspace violations and plans to expand air defense with EU support. Russia Gas Question: Sandu reiterated Moldova does not buy Russian gas because deliveries were cut off in 2022 and transit ended, while Russian energy revenues are linked to the war effort. Regional Politics: Hungary’s PM says Budapest will not join Ukraine’s Carpathian Eight (C8) initiative.

Moldova Air Safety: Moldova reported another unauthorized aerial overflight amid Russian attacks, with an object entering near Palanca and leaving minutes later; the north was briefly restricted for security checks. Energy Resilience: President Maia Sandu convenes the National Security Council to review the international energy crisis and steps to strengthen Moldova’s winter energy resilience. Transnistria Politics: Chisinau condemned Russia’s State Duma elections in Transnistria as a sovereignty violation, saying the vote has no legal effect and warning of possible diplomatic measures. EU Integration & Diplomacy: Parliament speaker Igor Grosu met Lithuania’s new ambassador, stressing “closest possible cooperation” as Lithuania leads the EU Council in 2027 and aiming to open all negotiating clusters. Online Election Rules: Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission is drafting stricter rules for online electoral campaigning, including clearer duties for influencers and third-party spenders. Education & Minorities: The Education and Research Ministry launched a “Young Researcher” contest for ethnic-minority pupils, asking essays in native languages on Moldova’s independence. Public Safety & Justice: A Moldovan drug case involving TikToker “Nikoglai” and his wife was reported as detention over alleged large-scale trafficking. Regional Context: Russia-Ukraine drone exchanges continued, with Zaporizhzhia hit after Kyiv’s large drone barrage.

Transnistria Voting Row: Moldova says Russia opened unauthorized polling stations for the Russian State Duma across the breakaway region, with only one station agreed inside the Russian Embassy in Chisinau; Romania also condemned the move as a violation of Moldova’s sovereignty. Airspace Scare in Moldova: The Foreign Ministry condemned an overnight “drone-like” overflight near Orhei’s Berezlogi and Călărași’s Dereneu after residents reported an explosion, but police found no debris or impact marks. Kyiv Attack Spillover: Russian drone strikes killed three children and a woman in Kyiv, with additional deaths reported in the wider Kyiv region. Gagauzia Water & Deadlock: PM Vasile Tofan met Gagauz mayors on drying wells and blocked projects, urging systemic water solutions and calling for “free, fair and transparent” elections amid institutional deadlock. Energy Prices Debate: Former energy minister Victor Parlicov said Moldova’s gas and energy price spikes stem mainly from overlapping external shocks, not decisions made in Chisinau. Work Opportunities: Germany published its seasonal-work nationality list, including Moldova, EU states, EFTA countries, and Georgia. Sports & Culture: Moldova kicked off the European Week of Sport with inclusive youth events, while Chisinau hosted the 25th Ethnicities’ Festival bringing together 45 groups.

Drone Scare & Airspace Row: Moldova’s Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned an unauthorized drone-like overflight over Orhei (Berezlogi) and Călărași (Dereneu) after residents reported a midair explosion; police checked both areas but found no debris or impact marks, while checks continue. Gagauzia Water Crisis: PM Vasile Tofan met Gagauz mayors in Comrat, warning wells and boreholes are drying up and calling for systemic water investments; he also urged “free, fair and transparent” Nov. 15 elections to unblock projects stalled by the region’s political deadlock. Social Protection Push: President Maia Sandu and Labour Minister Natalia Plugaru backed reforms at the National Forum of Social Protection Professionals, highlighting case management expansion and the frontline work of social assistants and child protection specialists. Culture & Unity: Chisinau hosted the 25th Ethnicities’ Festival with 45 groups from 24 communities under “Unity in Diversity,” while Taraclia held its 25th Etno Fest bringing together ensembles and craftspeople from Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine. Tourism Boost: Moldova reported a 25% rise in international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026, with 257,300 tourists hosted and growth led by hotels and guesthouses.

Drone Incursions & Border Scrambles: Moldova’s Border Police reported multiple unidentified aircraft crossing its airspace near Ștefan Vodă (including Căplani) overnight, with searches launched after a reported object fell and caught fire near Ukraine’s Troițcoe; Moldova says no fragments or explosion site were found on its territory. Foreign Ministry Condemnation: After a separate explosion near Colonita, Moldova’s Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the incident as another consequence of Russia’s war, stressing any unauthorized airspace entry is a serious sovereignty violation. Russian Election Fallout: Russia’s State Duma vote has sparked a diplomatic row with Moldova over Moscow’s plan to open polling stations in separatist Transnistria, which Chisinau rejects. PM Meets Southern Businesses: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan visited companies in Taraclia and Gagauzia, urging clearer rules and less bureaucracy to boost exports and competitiveness. Culture & Unity: At Etno Fest Taraclia, the PM tied cultural diversity to national unity amid war and propaganda pressures. Tourism Boost: Moldova reported a 25% rise in international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026. New Event in Chisinau: Moldova will host an international search-and-rescue dogs competition on Oct 2–4.

Border Security: Moldova’s Border Police reported several unidentified aircraft and drones briefly violating its airspace overnight near Ștefan Vodă (including Căplani), with searches after a reported object falling near the border; Moldova’s Foreign Ministry condemned the incident as a serious sovereignty violation. Drone Debris Probe: Separate reports say debris from a jet-powered drone with Russian markings was found after an explosion near Kolonitsa, close to Chisinau, and experts are examining fragments. Ukraine Crossings Hit: Russian drone strikes targeted the Starokozachye Ukraine–Moldova border crossing, killing two and forcing closure, with analysts warning of delays to supplies and exports. Transnistria Voting Row: Russia’s State Duma election plans to open polling stations in Transnistria sparked a diplomatic dispute; Moldova says voting should be limited to a single embassy station in Chisinau, while Romania condemns the move as illegal. EU/Policy Watch: EU leaders weigh tougher budget compromises as reforms intensify; Moldova also discussed using 2024 census data for public policy, and PM Vasile Tofan met Council of Europe officials on justice, anti-corruption, and human rights. Energy: Moldova’s energy minister said strategic “security stocks” can’t be used to simply lower gas prices, only for exceptional supply disruptions.

Russian Drone Incursions & Airspace Risk: Moldovan police say debris from a jet-powered drone with Russian markings was found after an explosion near Chişinău’s Kolonitsa suburb early Sept. 18, underscoring how exposed Moldova’s air-defence picture remains. Transnistria Tensions: Russia opened 16 polling stations for the Russian Duma elections in Transnistria without Chişinău’s consent, while Moldova authorized only one station at its embassy in Chişinău—seen as a show of control. Prime Minister on the World Stage: Vasile Tofan begins a New York trip Sept. 23–26 for the UN General Assembly, focusing on investment, Moldova’s European path, and regional security. EU-Linked Reforms: A new law sets updated rules for recognizing foreign professional qualifications, including an automatic recognition route for several regulated professions, with procedures moving online. Regional Diplomacy & Energy: Moldova praised Azerbaijan’s role in energy security and connectivity; an Azerbaijan–Moldova commission meeting is set for December in Chişinău. Public Safety & Tech: Moldova’s EVO digital ID is being expanded into banking use, while police also reported drone debris and ongoing checks.

Border Security: Police in Chișinău’s suburb Colonița are still investigating a loud early-morning blast; officials first couldn’t identify the object, but later said they found fragments possibly linked to a drone, while Moldova’s defense ministry reported no unauthorized airspace violations. Ukraine War Spillover: Russia also hit the Starokozachye Ukraine–Moldova border crossing, killing two people and forcing closure, with analysts warning it could delay arms and trade flows. Transnistria Politics: Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu says protests tied to Chisinau’s new fiscal measures won’t change reintegration, linking the unrest to Russia’s upcoming parliamentary elections. EU Path & Governance: Moldova published new rules for recognizing foreign professional qualifications, including an automatic recognition route for several regulated professions and more remote processing. Public Safety Tech: The Ștefan cel Mare Academy opened a drone operator training lab for the Interior Ministry, with first courses set for November. Economy & Diplomacy: PM Vasile Tofan pushed a transparent Oct. 20 privatization auction for the Zarea Hotel and will attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week. Culture & Exports: Over 20 Moldovan companies are showcasing products in Baia Mare, Romania, at “MOLDOVA PRESENTS.”

Ukraine Border Attack: Russian drones hit the Starokozachye crossing between Ukraine and Moldova, killing two and forcing the border post to close, raising fears of delays to both military supplies and trade. NATO Warning: Poland’s PM Donald Tusk says Russia may stage drone or rocket “accidents” on NATO’s eastern flank to test alliance response, as Poland tightens readiness. Moldova Project: Moldova will create a single structure to speed up strategic infrastructure delivery; PM Vasile Tofan says delays come from weak implementation capacity, and Mircea Esanu is set to lead the new “Moldova Project.” EU Path Support: Lithuania pledges continued backing for Moldova’s EU accession during its 2027 EU Council Presidency, while Igor Grosu says Hungary supports Moldova after talks in Budapest. Public Safety & Justice: Parliament approved faster EU-style police data sharing and DNA result exchanges, plus new rules to curb phone scams and fraud. US-Diplomacy: Joseph Mark Burkhalter was sworn in as the new US Ambassador to Moldova.

Drone Incursions & Border Disruption: A Russian drone briefly violated Moldova’s airspace on Sept. 17, crossing from Ukraine toward Tudora and exiting near Palanca, amid mass strikes on Odesa; Moldova says it’s monitoring airspace with partners. Border Operations: The Palanca crossing in southern Moldova temporarily suspended operations due to a communications line failure, with travelers urged to use nearby points. Energy & Winter Support: Moldova’s heating compensation budget could reach about 2.5 billion lei this winter, with more beneficiaries expected as prices stay higher; Parliament also approved revised social insurance spending, pushing the 2026 budget above 52.8 billion lei. EU Path & Reforms: Deputy PM Cristina Gherasimov welcomed EU plans for accession roadmaps for reforming candidates, while Moldova also moves to implement the European Child Guarantee. Finance & Infrastructure: Moldova’s crypto-asset market law entered into force, and the EBRD signed a loan up to €344 million to modernize about 134 km of key road corridors. Culture & Community: National Wine Day returns Oct. 3–4 with 110+ producers, plus a giant grapevine planned for PMAN; the Ethnicities Festival celebrates unity in diversity on Sept. 20.