Republik Moldau

Christopher W. Smith took office today as the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, following his appointment by the Swiss OSCE Chairman-in-Office. He will also serve as the OSCE mediator in the Transdniestrian settlement process.

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has met new Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, Natalia Voutova, at the beginning of her mandate in Moldova.

Moldova’s parliament formally approved businessman Vasile Tofan as prime minister on Tuesday evening, filling a vacancy created after the previous government collapsed following a scandal at a state institution. The change in government comes as Moldova is engaged in sensitive negotiations over EU accession. While Tofan is widely respected in business circles, some critics question whether his lack of political experience could hinder his ability to deliver reforms.

[…] President Maia Sandu named Vasile Tofan, 44, a senior partner at investment firm Horizon Capital, on Saturday, after the previous prime minister, Alexandru Munteanu, stepped down earlier this month, citing an inability to carry out his duties in line with his convictions.

Moldova’s Prime Minister, Alexandru Munteanu, unexpectedly announced his resignation on Friday, but will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed, according to official statements.

The summit was a key opportunity to highlight the strategic importance of Moldova's future within the EU and to strengthen the partnership between the EU and Moldova. […] EU leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to Moldova's sovereignty, security and resilience, in light of Russia's continued hybrid attacks against Moldova and the consequences of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

EU-Moldova summit to take place in Brussels on 22 June

[…] At the summit, leaders will assess Moldova’s progress on reforms, in particular, on the rule of law and fundamental rights, and the fight against organised crime.

Moldova will consider reunification with neighbouring Romania if its path to EU membership is obstructed or blocked, Eugen Osmochescu, the country’s deputy prime minister told Euractiv in an interview. … Osmochescu however insisted Moldova’s objective remains signing an EU accession treaty by the end of 2028. Only if that process were to stall would political leaders seriously consider alternatives.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has received the European Order of Merit in the European Parliament. In an interview with DW and RFI, she spoke about her country's EU integration, Transnistria and Russia's war in Ukraine.

[…] The Parliamentary Association Committee discussed the state of Moldova’s EU accession negotiations, the country’s economic situation, as well as the geopolitical and security context, and calls on the European Council “to formally open negotiations for all clusters of chapters without any further delay, starting with the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster during the Cypriot Presidency of the Council and continuing with the other five clusters by the end of 2026,” the Declaration states.