Maia Sandu: Joining the EU is a more realistic goal than uniting with Romania at this point

MoldovaLive, 12 January 2026 16:50

President Maia Sandu said she would vote in favor of unification with Romania if a referendum were held, but stressed that European integration remains the more realistic objective for Moldova at this stage. She made the statements during an interview on the British podcast The Rest Is Politics: Leading. Sandu spoke about the national revival […] The post Maia Sandu: Joining the EU is a more realistic goal than uniting with Romania at this point appeared first on Moldova.

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Last 12 hours
17:50
A Moldovan citizen recruited by Russia Federal Security Service laundered cryptocurrencies between 2020 and 2022 to finance destabilization activities and received a 15 year prison sentence. The court delivered the verdict on January 12, 2026. Judges found the man guilty of treason and large scale fraud and established that he also incited hatred against Ukrainian […] The post Moldovan recruited by the FSB, laundered cryptocurrencies to finance destabilization. He was convicted of treason appeared first on Moldova.
16:50
President Maia Sandu said she would vote in favor of unification with Romania if a referendum were held, but stressed that European integration remains the more realistic objective for Moldova at this stage. She made the statements during an interview on the British podcast The Rest Is Politics: Leading. Sandu spoke about the national revival […] The post Maia Sandu: Joining the EU is a more realistic goal than uniting with Romania at this point appeared first on Moldova.
16:00
The IT sector generated more than one quarter of Moldova’s total services exports, exceeding 600 million US dollars in the January–September 2025 period, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED) reported. IT services exports increased by 23 percent compared with the same period of the previous year, reflecting the growing competitiveness of digital solutions […] The post IT Sector Generates Over 25% of Moldova’s Services Exports in 2025, Exceeding $600 Million appeared first on Moldova.
Last 24 hours
14:20
The Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) has ordered former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc and his former adviser Serghei Iaralov to appear as prosecution witnesses in the “Kuliok” case, in which former President Igor Dodon faces accusations, TV8 reports. The decision was issued on January 12, 2026. Prosecutors requested to hear 17 witnesses, but the […] The post (VIDEO) The “Kuliok” case, in which Dodon is accused: Plahotniuc and 10 other witnesses will be heard appeared first on Moldova.
13:30
The annual inflation rate in the Republic of Moldova reached 6.8 percent in December 2025, marking the lowest level recorded during the year, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics. Inflation has declined steadily since June 2025, although it remains slightly below the level recorded at the end of the previous year, […] The post Inflation accelerated sharply last year: the average annual rate reached 7.8%, compared to 4.7% in 2024 appeared first on Moldova.
12:40
Owners of electric vehicles in the Republic of Moldova will start paying a road tax on January 1, 2026, under new rules approved by the authorities. The tax will depend on the vehicle’s total weight rather than fuel consumption, reflecting the level of wear vehicles place on road infrastructure. Under the new scale, the tax […] The post New rules for electric cars in Moldova. Road tax to be introduced in 2026 appeared first on Moldova.
11:20
More than 50 percent of graduates with special educational needs or disabilities in the Republic of Moldova stop their studies after completing general secondary education, according to an analysis on inclusive education supported by UNICEF. The report shows that more children now attend mainstream schools, but many students face major difficulties when they try to […] The post UNICEF Report: Over Half of Moldovan Students with Disabilities Do Not Continue Studies After Secondary School appeared first on Moldova.
9:50
Moldova holds numerous Guinness World Records that attract global attention through unique achievements in wine, art, and culture. The most famous record belongs to the Milestii Mici winery, which holds the world record for the largest wine collection, with more than 1.5 million bottles stored in 55 kilometers of underground limestone tunnels. The Cricova winery […] The post Moldova breaks Guinness World Records: wines, arts, and unique consumption appeared first on Moldova.
More than 2 days ago
17:40
Vulnerable individuals in Copceac will benefit from a modern and welcoming space for the delivery of social services. The European Union and UNDP Moldova supported the renovation of the building. The Multifunctional Social Services Center in Copceac has opened to people in vulnerable situations, older persons, and people with disabilities. The project “Mayors for Economic […] The post With the support of the EU! Vulnerable people will have a friendly social services space in Copceac appeared first on Moldova.
16:40
Moldova has been selected to host its first European Digital Innovation Hub, marking a major step in the digital transformation of local businesses. Under the initiative, authorities will invest a total of 2 million euros to support the digitalization of enterprises. The Moldovan government, through the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development, will allocate 1 million euros […] The post Moldova to Host Its First European Digital Innovation Hub with €2 Million Investment in SME Digitalization appeared first on Moldova.
14:50
President Maia Sandu condemned Russias launch of the Oreshnik ballistic missile against Ukraine, saying the attack aims to intimidate Ukraine and its partners. Sandu said the missile strike hit energy infrastructure and civilian housing and described the action as an act of terror. She warned that the war is moving closer to Europe and threatens […] The post President Sandu Condemns Russia’s Oreshnik Missile Strike on Ukraine, Warns of Threat to European Security appeared first on Moldova.
13:30
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Bolea said that the chaos caused by the snowstorm on Moldova roads on Thursday afternoon reflected natural conditions, stating that this is how nature works. He defended the response of road services, praised field crews, and said on Facebook that people unfairly blamed him for the snowfall. The minister reported that authorities […] The post Bolea’s justification: Nature is to blame for the chaos on Moldova’s roads during Thursday’s blizzard appeared first on Moldova.
12:20
The Republic of Moldova will not return to the cheap electricity previously supplied by the Moldavskaya State District Power Plant (MGRES), and the reality of the energy market differs from nostalgic perceptions of the past. Acting Director General of Energocom Eugeniu Buzatu made the statement during the Rezoomat program on RealitateaTV. “Since January 2025, we […] The post Will Moldova return to cheap energy from MGRES? Energocom chief: Bread at 16 kopecks and salami at one ruble will be no more appeared first on Moldova.
11:00
Inspectors from the National Food Safety Agency (NFSA) destroyed 110000 birds and withdrew eggs from the market after they detected a banned substance during inspections at a poultry farm in the Republic of Moldova. The NFSA reported that laboratory analyses identified the substance metronidazole in the birds blood serum and in eggs. The discovery triggered […] The post 110,000 birds from a farm in Moldova were destroyed. What is the reason? appeared first on Moldova.
9:50
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged citizens of the Republic of Moldova currently in the United Kingdom to exercise caution as Storm Goretti is expected to affect several regions of the country. The warning follows information provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in London. According to British meteorological authorities, the storm […] The post Attention, Moldovans in the UK! Warning in the context of Storm Goretti appeared first on Moldova.
8 January 2026
18:10
The oil tanker detained in Venezuela by U.S. forces on January 7, which is part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, is allegedly linked to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, according to an investigation published by Radio Free Europe. The vessel initially sailed under the flag of Guyana in the Caribbean and was later detected flying the […] The post Press: Shor’s connection to the oil tanker in Putin’s ghost fleet, seized by the Americans in Venezuela appeared first on Moldova.
17:00
The Socialists are preparing for the elections expected to take place in Gagauzia. The PSRM leader Igor Dodon visited the region and met with several party members from the autonomous area. Dodon said he met with the head of the party’s territorial organization, as well as with several Socialist deputies from the People’s Assembly. He […] The post Are the Socialists preparing for elections in Gagauzia? Dodon visited the region to talk with party members. appeared first on Moldova.
15:00
President Maia Sandu today took part in the official launch of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides hosted the event, which brought together senior European officials, including European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During discussions […] The post President Maia Sandu Reaffirms Moldova’s EU Accession Commitment at Launch of Cypriot EU Council Presidency appeared first on Moldova.
13:40
Wrestling coach Grigore Postica has challenged in court the withdrawal of the Civic Merit Medal, a distinction that President Maia Sandu revoked less than two months after awarding it. According to anticoruptie.md, Postica filed a request with the Chisinau District Court on December 19, seeking to annul the presidential decree. The court rejected the request, […] The post Coach Grigore Postica is demanding the return of the medal withdrawn by Maia Sandu. He has taken the matter to court appeared first on Moldova.
11:20
The Republic of Moldova is taking part for the third consecutive year in the Destination of the Year competition, 2026 edition, a large scale contest organized in Romania that also includes tourist destinations from the right bank of the Prut River. Nominations for the national stage remain open until January 15, and the public can […] The post More tourists, more money for Moldovans. Our country is participating in the “Destination of the Year 2026” competition again this year appeared first on Moldova.
10:00
On January 17, 2026, Arena Chisinau will host the National Eurovision Final, where 16 participants will compete for the right to represent the Republic of Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest. For the first time, the national selection will feature a large scale show that includes not only the contestants, but also artists who have […] The post The Eurovision national final promises a great show at the Chisinau Arena! Satoshi has improved his song appeared first on Moldova.
7 January 2026
18:20
New details have emerged in the case of Sergiu Tarnas, a Moldovan citizen found dead last week in a field near Venice, Italy. A forensic examination shows that the victim died from a single gunshot to the temple, in what investigators describe as an execution style killing, Italian daily Il Gazzettino reports. According to Italian […] The post New details in the case of the Moldovan man found dead in a field in Italy. What did the medical examiner find? appeared first on Moldova.
17:10
On Old Style Christmas, marked on January 7, European and American diplomats in Chișinău sent messages of congratulations to Moldovans celebrating the Nativity of Christ, wishing them peace, inner calm, and joyful moments with loved ones. In its message, the Delegation of the European Union stated: “On the occasion of Old Style Christmas, the team […] The post The EU and the U.S. diplomats congratulate Moldovans on Old Style Christmas appeared first on Moldova.
15:00
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu today highlighted 10 key achievements of the Moldovan government in 2025, including securing the largest financial package the country has ever received from the European Union, totaling €1.9 billion. Grosu also noted the completion of the Energy Independence Line connecting Vulcănești and Chișinău, as well as 202 projects under the European […] The post Parliament Speaker Grosu Highlights Moldova’s Top 10 Achievements in 2025, Including €1.9 Billion EU Support and SEPA Accession appeared first on Moldova.
13:30
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has published a ranking of the 20 destinations with the fastest recovery in inbound tourism for January to September 2025 compared to pre pandemic levels in 2019. The Republic of Moldova entered the top 20 fastest growing tourist destinations and ranked ninth, recording a 63 percent increase […] The post Moldova Ranks Ninth Globally for Fastest Recovery in Inbound Tourism appeared first on Moldova.
12:10
The Embassy of the United States of America in Chisinau has launched the “50 States in 50 Weeks” campaign to showcase the diversity of the United States as part of preparations to mark 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Each week, the America House Chisinau cultural center presents the […] The post “50 States in 50 Weeks”: a cultural initiative of the US Embassy in Moldova appeared first on Moldova.
11:20
Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Christmas celebrated according to the old calendar, stressing the importance of togetherness, traditions, and faith during the holiday season. “Christmas brings us closer to one another and reminds us of traditions and faith,” Ceban wrote. The mayor wished people peace of mind and […] The post Ion Ceban, Old Style Christmas message: May the light of the holidays bring peace to your soul appeared first on Moldova.
10:10
President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu is taking part on Wednesday, January 7, in the official opening of Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides is hosting the event, which brings together senior European officials, including European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula […] The post Maia Sandu participates in the official launch of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union appeared first on Moldova.
6 January 2026
18:20
Moldova’s service exports recorded strong growth in the January to September 2025 period and outpaced goods exports. In real terms, service exports grew by 9.7 percent and contributed 1.4 percentage points to the overall GDP growth of 2 percent recorded during the same period. As a result, service exports now account for about 16 percent […] The post Moldova’s Service Exports Outpace Goods, Driving Economic Growth in 2025 appeared first on Moldova.
16:30
Total passenger traffic at Chisinau International Airport reached 6.08 million passengers in the 12 month period of 2025, compared with 4.1 million in 2024, BANI.MD reports. The airport fulfilled its annual plan at 106.8 percent, marking a year on year increase of 46.8 percent, or an additional 1,938,018 passengers. In December 2025 alone, passenger traffic […] The post Chisinau Airport, record year in 2025: Six million passengers, Istanbul – the preferred destination appeared first on Moldova.
15:30
Member of Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and newly appointed head of the Moldova Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, Alexander Trubka, met with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova, Paun Rahovei. During the meeting, Trubka said he is ready, together with his colleagues, to visit Kyiv in February. Ambassador Rahovei said the talks focused on […] The post Moldovan MP Alexander Trubka Signals Readiness for Parliamentary Visit to Kyiv in February appeared first on Moldova.
14:30
The General Assembly of Prosecutors will take place online on March 20, starting at 10:00, according to statements by Dumitru Obada, president of the Superior Council of Prosecutors (CSP). Obada said the law requires the Prosecutor General Office to present its annual report by March 31, and the online format will help meet this deadline. […] The post Moldova’s General Assembly of Prosecutors Scheduled Online for March 20 appeared first on Moldova.
13:00
Veaceslav Platon has filed a request with the court asking to testify as a witness in the banking fraud case in which former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc is on trial. According to the application submitted to the Chisinau Court, Buiucani branch, Platon asked the judges to hear him via videoconference. Several witnesses mentioned his […] The post Platon wants to be heard in the bank fraud case. Rogac’s reaction appeared first on Moldova.
11:20
Any future negotiations or a peace agreement on Ukraine will not address the Republic of Moldova without Chisinau taking part, Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said in an interview with the state news agency Moldpres. “There is no such risk. We are making consistent efforts to ensure that no one discusses the Republic of Moldova without […] The post Peace in Ukraine: Is there a risk that Moldova will be discussed in international talks without Chisinau’s participation? appeared first on Moldova.
5 January 2026
17:30
Moldovan authorities plan to introduce new rules to better identify drivers of foreign registered vehicles who violate traffic regulations. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is preparing draft amendments to the Contravention Code that will regulate how authorities notify such drivers, deliver notices, and collect fines. The Ministry of Internal Affairs says the proposed changes aim […] The post Will drivers from abroad who break the rules no longer be able to avoid fines? International notifications could be sent appeared first on Moldova.
16:20
Promoting exports, opening new embassies, increasing Moldovas presence in European institutions, and accelerating the European integration process will be the main priorities of Moldovan diplomacy in 2026, Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said. In an interview with the state news agency Moldpres, Popsoi said the authorities also plan to strengthen support for Moldovans living abroad and […] The post Moldova, more present in European institutions and promoting exports. Mihai Popsoi announces priorities for 2026 appeared first on Moldova.
14:20
The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the Islamic Republic of Iran, based in Baku, has warned Moldovan citizens to avoid all travel to Iran because of rising internal tensions and increased security risks. The embassy advises Moldovan citizens who are already in Iran to contact diplomatic representatives by phone or email and report […] The post Moldova Urges Citizens to Avoid Travel to Iran Amid Rising Security Risks appeared first on Moldova.
13:20
Freelancers in the Republic of Moldova will receive stronger legal protection, clear taxation rules, and full social security coverage starting January 1, 2026, when the new Freelancers Law enters into force, the government announced. The law applies to individuals who provide services in areas such as IT, design, photography, architecture, consulting, handicrafts, cleaning services, and […] The post The Freelancer Law has come into effect. What changes for those who work independently? appeared first on Moldova.
11:50
Roads in the Republic of Moldova show serious quality problems and largely fail to meet European standards, according to a European Commission report on the TEN-T transport network. Moldova’s TEN-T network spans nearly 900 kilometers, but almost all of these roads are standard single-carriageway routes with one lane in each direction. The country has no […] The post The EU report: More than half of Moldova’s roads are in poor condition appeared first on Moldova.
10:20
Starting January 1, 2026, citizens traveling to European Union countries will benefit from the “Roam Like at Home” principle, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization announced. Under this rule, users will not pay additional charges for calls, SMS messages, or mobile internet while staying in an EU member state. Mobile operators will allow users […] The post Free roaming for Moldova in the EU from 2026: how does it work? appeared first on Moldova.
2 January 2026
18:20
Moldelectrica announced that the first transactions on the Electricity Balancing Market have been completed, marking the launch of a new mechanism designed to maintain real-time balance between electricity production and consumption. According to the transmission system operator, participants submitted the first bids and concluded the first transactions on December 31, 2025, after completing the qualification […] The post Moldelectrica recorded its first transactions on the Balancing Electricity Market appeared first on Moldova.
16:00
The Republic of Moldova has expressed solidarity with Switzerland after the tragedy at the Crans-Montana ski resort. President Maia Sandu conveyed condolences to the families of the victims. “My thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic fire in Crans-Montana. I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Moldova stands in […] The post Moldova stands in solidarity with Switzerland after the tragedy in Crans-Montana. Message of sympathy from Maia Sandu appeared first on Moldova.
14:40
Starting in 2026, employers in the Republic of Moldova will be able to offer vacation vouchers to employees or compensate their holiday expenses at rural tourist accommodation facilities for the first time, following amendments to the Tax Code. The PAS lawmaker Victoria Belous said the new mechanism aims to support the development of rural tourism […] The post (VIDEO) Starting in 2026, employees will be able to receive vacation vouchers for the first time. How will it work? appeared first on Moldova.
13:10
President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu congratulated Bulgaria on joining the euro area, effective January 1, 2026. “Congratulations to Bulgaria on joining the euro area today, an important step that opens new opportunities for citizens and businesses. Moldova looks on with admiration and hope at this achievement as we continue on our own […] The post Maia Sandu congratulates Bulgaria on joining the eurozone: Moldova looks on with admiration and hope at this achievement appeared first on Moldova.
11:40
Moldovans holding dual citizenship increasingly face problems at the border, where Romanian authorities stop them and confiscate their Romanian identity cards, citing fictitious residence addresses as the reason. The Realitatea team spoke with a young man who experienced this situation firsthand. The report documents the case of Petru Dari and the bureaucratic difficulties he encountered […] The post Reality of the Week: Moldovans have their Romanian identity documents CANCELED at the border appeared first on Moldova.
9:50
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Moldova benefited from expanded access to non-refundable financing for business development throughout 2025, according to results presented by the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA). The ODA data show that the number of funded projects increased from 596 to 810 during the year, a rise of 36 percent. The value […] The post SMEs in Moldova Receive Expanded Non-Refundable Financing and Job Support in 2025 appeared first on Moldova.
1 January 2026
18:00
Fireworks malfunctioned and exploded at a very low altitude during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Romanian city of Timisoara, causing panic among spectators. The incident occurred at a public event organized by the local authorities in Victory Square. Several artists were performing on the main stage at the time, including the band Lupii lui […] The post Panic in Timisoara, where artists from Moldova performed on New Year’s Eve: fireworks that got out of control exploded below appeared first on Moldova.
16:20
There is currently no information indicating that Moldovan citizens were among the victims of the explosion in Switzerland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau announced, adding that it continues to closely monitor the situation. According to Moldovan diplomats, the process of identifying victims is still ongoing. At the same time, the Embassy of the […] The post Are there any Moldovans among the victims of the explosion in Switzerland? Response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appeared first on Moldova.
14:20
The Republic of Moldova increased its gross external debt to USD 11.6 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2025, up 12.4% compared to the beginning of the year, according to data published by the National Bank of Moldova (BNM) in its Balance of Payments report, cited by BANI.MD. The debt grew by […] The post Moldova’s external debt reached $11.6 billion, up 12.4% appeared first on Moldova.
13:00
Transport operators using paid permits to travel through Hungary will pay higher fees starting January 1, 2026. The new tariffs apply to international road freight transport and vary according to the type of permit and the vehicle’s total weight, IPN reports. For bilateral transport, trucks or vehicle combinations weighing more than 12 tonnes will pay […] The post Higher road tolls in Hungary from 2026 for international freight transport appeared first on Moldova.
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