EU Accession Momentum: Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu says the opening of a new EU negotiation cluster confirms Brussels’ confidence in Moldova, while the EU’s Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos says all remaining clusters are technically ready and could open once member states agree. Government Formation Watch: Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan held consultations with parliamentary factions ahead of the investiture vote; PSRM and other opposition voices criticized the lack of a published program and signaled they won’t support the cabinet. Defense & Sanctions: Grosu urged Moldova to keep investing in defense and align with EU sanctions after a drone incident near Copanca raised fresh security concerns. Local Governance: Four northern settlements in Florești district merged into a single mayoralty, with 18.5 million lei in government incentives to boost services and investment. Climate Policy: Moldova presented drafts to cut methane and other short-lived climate pollutants, targeting energy, agriculture and waste. Energy Costs: Energocom explained why it seeks a gas tariff adjustment after purchase prices rose sharply. Public Finance Transparency: The Ministry of Finance launched a pilot Budget Execution Portal to let citizens track how state money is spent. Regional Context: Germany’s Merz warned Russia may expand aggression beyond Ukraine, explicitly naming Moldova among at-risk countries. International Ties: A German Bundestag friendship delegation is visiting Chisinau, and Ungheni met a U.S. diplomat to discuss investment and modernization.