EU Path & Energy Security: Moldova’s PM Vasile Tofan spoke by phone with Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev about EU accession, bilateral projects, and energy security, including the Vertical Gas Corridor linking Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. Diaspora Forum Push: At Diaspora Days 2026 in Chisinau, leaders including Tofan, Maia Sandu and Igor Grosu urged Moldovans abroad to act as “ambassadors,” support local reforms, and help restart the economy—while the education ministry rolled out measures to help diaspora children integrate, including Romanian-language support in schools. Local Government Reform: Speaker Igor Grosu said over 450 town halls have agreed to voluntary amalgamation and can access investment funds, with a push to finish the process before a normative stage ends benefits. Energy Pressure in Heat: Energocom warned that high electricity purchase costs—especially during peak hours—could raise tariffs, urging reduced consumption between 18:00 and 23:00. Infrastructure & Renewables: Moldova authorized a 30 MW solar plant with 60 MWh battery storage near Vadul lui Vodă, and Moldelectrica said repairs to the damaged 330 kV Bălți–Dnestrovsk line will be prioritized after weather-related damage. Regional Context: Serbia battled major wildfires as Europe’s blistering heat and drought strain energy systems and emergency response.