EU Accession Push: Ireland’s Minister McEntee backed the formal launch of EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, calling it a historic milestone for reforms and democracy. EU Negotiation Details: Reports say Hungary may soon lift its veto on Ukraine’s EU path, with technical minority-rights talks potentially unlocking EU “fundamentals” clusters in June—while Kyiv also opposes splitting Ukraine and Moldova’s European tracks. Energy & Trade: Moldova will cut the natural gas transit tariff to Ukraine by 90% from Oct. 1, aiming to make the route more economically feasible; separately, the EBRD trimmed its Moldova growth forecast to 2.8% for 2026 and warned energy-price volatility could revive inflation. Local Governance & Economy: The CEC launched a new web platform for district electoral councils to boost transparency; the EBRD approved extra financing for Chișinău road upgrades; and Moldova is aligning unemployment benefits rules for cross-border workers with EU standards. Public Health: A PAS-linked civic figure says infant mortality in Moldova rose to 11.8 per 1,000 in 2024—about three times the EU average—calling for answers on what’s driving the trend.