EU Accession Push: The European Parliament backed Moldova’s progress and voted to open all remaining EU negotiation clusters, with 505 votes in favor, urging faster talks as Moldova targets provisional closure by 2028. EU Cluster 6 Move: Chisinau has been invited under the Irish EU presidency to submit its negotiating position for Cluster 6 “External Relations,” covering foreign/security policy, trade, and development cooperation. Defense & NATO Links: Romania’s President Nicușor Dan said he asked NATO allies to help strengthen Moldova’s defense capabilities, while Romania boosts defense spending to 3.7% of GDP and joins drone procurement initiatives. Local Governance Reform: 773 Moldovan city halls have started voluntary amalgamation, with 112 already merging around district centers. Energy Planning: Moldova is drafting a priority authorization regime for strategic energy projects tied to EU partners to speed up cross-border interconnections. Border Security & Smuggling: Moldova’s Customs Service says it’s intensifying the fight against illegal tobacco trade, including seizures and thwarted attempts. Politics in the Courts: The Court of Appeal upheld a 10-year prison sentence for former Banca de Economii interim president Viorel Bîrca.