AGP Executive Report

EU Trade Compliance: New customs rules kick in for Moldovan firms shipping to the EU via Romania, requiring mandatory Entry Summary Declarations in the EU’s ICS2 system—plus an EORI code, electronic signature, and active Romanian customs accounts. Energy Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s energy minister met Türkiye and Moldova counterparts in Istanbul, discussing electricity transmission corridors and broader energy-security projects. Currency Pressure: Moldova’s foreign-currency demand is outpacing supply, prompting NBM interventions to smooth the leu and support external payments. Aviation Disruption: Flyone Airlines canceled most Bucharest flights, leaving only a few routes on sale. EU-Moldova Momentum: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola urged EU states to accelerate accession talks for Moldova and Ukraine, arguing delays would play into rivals’ hands. China Push: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi met China’s Wang Yi in Beijing, focusing on expanding agri-food and wine exports, green energy, and digital cooperation. Household Support: EU-funded EcoVoucher vouchers (6,000 lei) go to about 1,160 vulnerable families for energy-efficient appliances. Education Investment: The state is investing 600 million lei in universities.

Moldova–China push: Deputy PM and FM Mihai Popsoi met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing, with both sides promising deeper trade and cooperation in green energy, the digital economy, and people-to-people links—plus talks on easing access for Moldovan agri-food and wines, including possible customs duty adjustments. EU accession momentum: Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu says Moldova and Ukraine should get the official opening of EU accession negotiations in June, calling it a fair step for both countries. IMF signal: Grosu also framed a new IMF agreement as a reliability marker for international partners, stressing it’s not a loan and is tied to a staff-level programme. Transnistria pressure: After Putin’s decree on fast-track Russian citizenship for Transnistria residents, Grosu said Russia is trying to “make up for losses” on the front; Russia’s Zakharova warned of “immediate response” to any actions targeting Russian citizens there. Business & culture: Parliament approved simpler financial reporting rules from 2027, while Chisinau launched the BITEI 2026 performing arts festival. Energy cooperation: China-backed feasibility studies are set to support renewable energy and electricity storage projects in Moldova.

Transnistria Flashpoint: Russia escalated its pressure on Moldova after Putin’s decree fast-tracked Russian passports for people in the breakaway region, with Maria Zakharova warning of “immediate and adequate” military response if Russian citizens are targeted; Moldova’s President Maia Sandu says the move is a hidden mobilization effort. EU Investment Push: Chisinau is set to host an EU–Moldova Investment Conference on 4 June, with a focus on turning reforms into projects under an EU Growth Plan package of up to €1.9bn. IMF Anchor: Moldova and the IMF agreed a new three-year non-financing programme to support deficit reduction and sustainable growth. Business Rules Update: Parliament approved simpler financial reporting from 1 Jan 2027 and clarified who investigates corruption, fraud, and organized crime. Trade & Compliance: Indonesia tightens phytosanitary rules for Moldovan wheat from 1 June, while Moldova’s exports remain heavily EU-linked (68% in 2025).

EU Accession Push: Germany’s Friedrich Merz is floating a fast-track “associate member” model for Ukraine—letting it join EU councils and even get a commissioner post without voting rights—aimed at ending delays and keeping reforms on track. Moldova’s EU Momentum: President Maia Sandu tells DW/RFI from Strasbourg that Moldova is working toward full EU accession by 2030, arguing reforms can’t wait. IMF Deal: Moldova and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on a new three-year Policy Coordination Instrument, with targets to cut the budget deficit and protect macro stability. Investment Pipeline: The government and the European Investment Bank reviewed project progress across transport, energy efficiency, health digitalization, schools, and agriculture. Bilateral Support: Sandu met Dutch leaders in The Hague to deepen backing on justice reform, civil society, and countering hybrid threats. Business & Daily Life: Tourism is moved under the Economic Development and Digitalization Ministry; Education Week kicks off; and Moldova approved emergency petroleum product stocks to meet EU-style resilience needs.

IMF Deal Momentum: Moldova has locked in a new three-year, staff-level agreement with the IMF, with Finance Minister Andrian Gavriliță saying targets for cutting the budget deficit and steps for sustainable growth are now set, while the government finalizes fiscal policy in the coming days. EU Trade Pull: New trade figures show over 68% of Moldova’s exports headed to the EU in 2025, led by electrical equipment and vegetable products, with total exports to the EU topping $2.55bn. Energy Security Upgrade: The government approved a first-ever national system for emergency petroleum product stocks, aiming for reserves equivalent to 61 days of consumption or 90 days of imports by 2034. SME Push: A 2026–2027 entrepreneurship action plan targets more SME jobs, more electronic invoicing, and bigger SME financing support. Fraud Warning: Police logged 23 fraud cases in 24 hours, with losses above 3.7m lei, urging people to hang up on calls requesting card details or urgent transfers.

European spotlight: President Maia Sandu received the inaugural European Order of Merit in Strasbourg, saying the honor “belongs to the people of Moldova” and citing progress on EU integration and resilience to hybrid threats. Russia–Transnistria pressure: Moldova summoned the Russian ambassador after Putin signed a fast-track citizenship decree for Transnistria residents, which Chişinău and analysts describe as a covert mobilisation tool. EU energy security: In Berlin, Foreign Affairs Deputy PM Mihai Popșoi stressed regional cooperation as Moldova cuts Russian gas dependence and pushes grid synchronization with ENTSO-E. Reintegration vs accession: Valeriu Chiveri said EU accession and the Transnistrian settlement must be treated as two distinct processes, not linked as a precondition. Child protection shake-up: Moldova is reviewing foster parents’ allowances and pay as part of reforms tied to deinstitutionalization. Business & investment ties: Popșoi heads to China (21–25 May) to deepen trade and investment cooperation. Inflation watch: The National Bank of Moldova revised its outlook upward, warning inflation could peak at 8.6% in Q4 2026.

Eurovision Fallout: President Maia Sandu backed Moldova’s jury decision after protests, saying nothing should harm ties with Romania and praising the Romanian singers—days after the Moldova jury gave Romania just three points while the public vote was maximum, triggering resignations at Teleradio-Moldova. Transnistria Tensions: Moldova summoned Russia’s ambassador after Putin signed a fast-track decree for Russian citizenship for Transnistria residents, which officials call a covert mobilisation tool. Green Energy Push: Moldova launched applications for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027, offering up to $1m for energy and sustainability projects, while green energy funding and BESS progress keep building momentum. Inflation Watch: The National Bank raised its inflation forecast, citing food, fuel, regulated tariffs, and Middle East-driven market pressure. Trade & Industry: Bulk wine exports from Moldova have surged over the long run, and producer-price dynamics show inflation is still being driven more by energy and imports than domestic margins. Security & Health: Europol supported a crackdown on a €240m fake medicines network across the region, including Moldova.

Euro politics and aid: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that countries supporting Russia and Iran could lose EU aid, as Brussels tries to make its €300bn “Global Gateway” strategy more flexible. TRM scandal: Moldova’s public broadcaster chief Vlad Turcanu resigned after the Eurovision 2026 national jury controversy, saying the vote cast was his responsibility and citing “sensitive relations” in how points were awarded. EU accession push: Moldova’s leaders renewed calls for Germany’s backing, with officials highlighting continued support for the European path and reform momentum. Business reforms: The “We Succeed” programme was launched to simplify rules, cut costs, and align regulations with EU standards, with digitalization of services for firms a key pillar. Health crime crackdown: Europol backed a multi-country operation targeting a €240m fake medicines and supplements network, including call centres in Moldova and raids across the region. Transnistria pressure: Moldova condemned Russia’s fast-track citizenship plan for Transnistria residents as a war recruitment and influence move.

EU Accession Diplomacy: Speaker Igor Grosu met Germany’s Minister of State for Europe Günther Krichbaum, with both sides stressing Germany’s “very important” backing for Moldova’s EU path and reform momentum. Reintegration & Russian Pressure: Moldova is weighing responses after Putin’s decree enables fast-track Russian citizenship for Transnistria residents—Sandu calls it a recruitment and threat move. Business Reform Push: The Economic Development and Digitalization Ministry launched “We Succeed” to simplify rules, cut costs, digitize services, and align regulations with EU standards. Investment Pipeline: Moldova–EU Investment Conference is set for June 4, with more deals and contract signings expected. Health Crime Crackdown: Europol backed a multi-country operation targeting a €240m fake medicines network, with raids including call centres in Moldova and warehouses in Bulgaria. Rights on the Left Bank: Promo-LEX urges urgent action over alleged illegal detention of a young man in Transnistria. State Media Shake-up: Vlad Turcanu resigned as head of Teleradio-Moldova after the Eurovision 2026 jury scandal.

Transnistria Passport Push: Moldovan leaders hit back after Russia signed a decree enabling fast-track Russian citizenship for Transnistria residents, with President Maia Sandu warning it’s aimed at pulling people into the war. Council of Europe Tensions: Serbian FM Marko Djuric told the Council of Europe session in Chisinau that Kosovo will not join the bloc, arguing Pristina’s record on Serb rights should bar it. Cross-border Crime Crackdown: A Europe-wide operation coordinated by Eurojust and Europol dismantled a fake-medicine and supplement network, with raids across Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Moldova and 113 locations hit. Eurovision Aftershock: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” while the contest’s Israel-related boycott and protests kept dominating headlines—Moldova still awarded top points to Ukraine. Local Life & Jobs: Călărași opened a 17+ million lei park modernization, and Orhei hosted a university fair to steer students toward study in Moldova.

Transnistria Passport Push: Moldova’s President Maia Sandu slammed Vladimir Putin’s fast-track decree that lets Transnistria residents get Russian citizenship with fewer hurdles—no five-year residency in Russia, no language/history tests, and applications via Russian missions—warning it’s meant to recruit people for the war. War Recruitment Signals: Moldova’s PM Alexandru Munteanu says Russia is stepping up enlistment networks in the breakaway region as manpower shortages bite. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: In a separate enforcement win, authorities across 15 countries dismantled a fake medicines and supplements ring that allegedly sold 400+ unauthorized products online, with Eurojust and Europol support and raids across Moldova and the region. Local Life & Jobs: Călărași unveiled a 17m-lei park modernization, while Orhei hosted a university admissions fair for future students. Culture Under Pressure: Eurovision’s 70th edition in Vienna ended with Bulgaria’s Dara winning “Bangaranga,” but the show was marred by a boycott and protests over Israel’s participation—Moldova’s televote also featured prominently in Ukraine’s scoring.

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria won the 70th Eurovision in Vienna for the first time, with Dara’s “Bangaranga” beating Israel’s Noam Bettan in a final marked by protests and an unprecedented boycott. Transnistria Pressure Tactic: Hours after the show, President Putin signed a decree making it easier for Transnistria residents to get Russian citizenship via a simplified process—prompting Maia Sandu to accuse Moscow of trying to pressure Moldova and feed the war in Ukraine. EU Outreach on the Ground: Soroca launched an “European Village” for Europe Day, with EU embassies running activities and an Energy Resilience Pavilion highlighting EU-backed projects. Skills Pipeline: Moldova’s Centre of Excellence in Construction held an open day for hundreds of teenagers, pitching modern, EU-supported training for construction careers. Family Focus: A Family Festival in Chișinău marked International Day of Families with events aimed at reducing inequalities and supporting child well-being.

Eurovision in Vienna: The 70th Eurovision grand final is underway at the Wiener Stadthalle, with tight security and rainy weather not dampening the mood—though the Israel boycott still dominates the backdrop, as five countries stay away and several broadcasters refuse to air the show. Moldova on stage: Moldova’s entry is in the final lineup, adding to the spotlight on the contest’s political fault lines. Transnistria pressure point: In a major regional move, Russia fast-tracks citizenship for residents of Transnistria via a simplified procedure, a step Chișinău civil society calls propagandistic. Council of Europe diplomacy: Moldova hosts the Council of Europe ministerial session, where officials discuss security and rights, while Azerbaijan criticizes what it calls a biased approach toward it. Public life: Moldova marks International Day of Families with a festival at the Botanical Garden in Chișinău, bringing families together for activities and performances.

Eurovision 2026 Finale: Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle hosts tonight’s grand final with 25 acts, but the show is still shadowed by protests over Israel’s participation—Look Mum No Computer (UK) and Moldova’s Satoshi (“Viva, Moldova”) are both in the running order, while Greece and Cyprus aim for a strong finish. Transit & Trade Modernisation: TRACECA is moving to a digital Single Transit Permit, shifting from multiple paper permits to one electronic document to cut time and costs for carriers. EU Integration & Diplomacy: Moldova’s Deputy PM for Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi met Monaco and the Czech Republic, focusing on corruption and money-laundering, agri-food and energy security, as Moldova pushes its European agenda. Agriculture Investment: Two irrigation systems in Calinesti and Criulenii de Sus will be rehabilitated under a €60m programme backed by France and the EU. Regional Politics: Russia signed a decree easing Russian citizenship for Transnistria residents, using an expedited path via consulates. Business & Jobs: Wizz Air says it wants over 60% of Moldova’s flight market as it expands in Chisinau.

Council of Europe in Chisinau: Moldova hosted the 135th Committee of Ministers session, with Secretary General Alain Berset warning that “democratic security” is the centre of Europe’s security architecture and saying the Council of Europe must be used as a geopolitical force. Special Tribunal push: At the same summit, the Council of Europe approved moving the Russia “Nuremberg-style” Special Tribunal from signatures to the operational stage, with 36 countries and the EU backing it and The Hague set to host. Elections clock: The CEC says Friday is the last day for campaigning ahead of local elections and referendums on 17 May, with strict bans on election-day media appearances and new fines for violations. Trade momentum: Moldova’s goods exports rose 10.2% in Q1 2026 to €848.5m, with the EU taking 61.8% of sales. Aviation and costs: Wizz Air says it aims for over 60% of Moldova’s flight market, while travel agencies warn of added summer flight surcharges tied to higher kerosene costs. Energy storage: CET-Nord launched a tender for a 70 MW battery storage system at Bălți. Transnistria dialogue: Deputy PM for reintegration Valeriu Chiveri met OSCE officials to press for practical steps and removal of “artificial barriers” between the banks of the Dniester.

EU Accession Momentum: Moldova’s Deputy PM for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov says the country has completed 93% of its reform agenda and expects political signals in the coming weeks, as President Maia Sandu adds that an official decision to open accession negotiations could come next week. Inflation Watch: The National Bank warns inflation will accelerate again in 2026, citing energy and fuel costs plus Middle East-driven shocks, with a projected peak later this year. Energy Integration: Ministers in Athens backed faster cross-border energy links for Southeastern Europe, including Moldova’s push to modernize and connect to Romania’s grid. Agriculture Funding: Moldova signed deals for €60m to modernize irrigation, aiming to boost output and drought resilience. Aviation Growth: Wizz Air will base a fifth aircraft in Chisinau from September and expand routes, adding 500,000+ seats. Cross-border Security: OSCE leaders renewed support for dialogue on Transnistria, while working groups resumed talks on civil status and movement issues.