EU Accession Breakthrough: All EU member states have agreed to open talks with Ukraine and Moldova on the first “Cluster 1” in accession negotiations, covering rule-of-law and democratic standards, with Cyprus starting preparations for the formal opening and discussions continuing at EU Council level. Hungary’s Pivot: Hungary’s new government signaled it will drop its long-standing veto after reaching an agreement with Kyiv on minority rights for Hungary’s ethnic community in Ukraine, clearing the procedural path for both countries. Moldova–EU Investment Push: Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu told the Moldova–EU Investment Conference in Chișinău that the focus is now on turning Moldova’s “European future” into real growth and investment, while officials highlighted progress toward deeper integration into the EU single market. Justice System Oversight: Moldova’s Prosecutors’ vetting has advanced, with 70 of 190 cases completed and 42 prosecutors passing the ethical and financial integrity evaluation. Energy Corridor Update: Moldova will cut the natural gas transit tariff on the route to Ukraine by 90% starting October 1, aiming to make the supply route more economically feasible. Local Diplomacy & Culture: Moldova and Turkey discussed expanding joint culture, heritage, and tourism projects, including film festivals and support for literary exchanges.