IN CONTEXT | Gas crisis on the Nistru’s left bank has Russian support, says Flenchea
Radio Moldova,
16 January 2026 12:00
The ongoing extension of the state of emergency in the Transnistrian region is not merely a technical issue; it is a political tactic employed by a secessionist regime that effectively keeps over 300,000 Moldovan citizens "in captivity." Russia continues to financially support this region through unclear mechanisms. According to former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Alexandru Flenchea, the only viable solution is reintegration. He made this statement during the show IN CONTEXT on Moldova 1.
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More news from Radio Moldova
Last hour
13:00
Teachers and doctoral students from the Republic of Moldova have the opportunity to spend a month in France working on the development of practical pedagogical tools. This opportunity was announced by the French Embassy in the Republic of Moldova. Applications for participation can be submitted until February 6.
Last 2 hours
12:40
In 2025, the Republic of Moldova achieved a historic milestone when its exports of services surpassed those of goods. Michelle Iliev, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED), emphasizes that this accomplishment should be leveraged to facilitate a smooth transition from a consumer-driven economy to a creative one.
12:40
A total of 544 individuals were caught by tax inspectors for engaging in illegal entrepreneurial activities in 2025. The fines imposed in these cases totalled 964 thousand lei.
12:00
IN CONTEXT | Gas crisis on the Nistru’s left bank has Russian support, says Flenchea # Radio Moldova
The ongoing extension of the state of emergency in the Transnistrian region is not merely a technical issue; it is a political tactic employed by a secessionist regime that effectively keeps over 300,000 Moldovan citizens "in captivity." Russia continues to financially support this region through unclear mechanisms. According to former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Alexandru Flenchea, the only viable solution is reintegration. He made this statement during the show IN CONTEXT on Moldova 1.
Last 4 hours
11:10
The cold weather is severely affecting the Republic of Moldova. In the first two weeks of this year, dozens of people were hospitalized with hypothermia, with almost one-third of patients admitted in critical condition, according to doctors.
11:10
In 2026, the state will invest more than half a billion lei to support research and innovation. Budget allocations will increase by approximately 47 million lei, reaching a total of 558 million lei. This funding will be distributed among 20 public institutions in the sector.
10:10
Road traffic on national roads is ongoing despite winter conditions. However, authorities report that the roads are passable and the road surfaces are mostly dry. In some areas of the country's north, snowfall has been recorded, according to the National Road Administration (AND).
10:00
The “Reîntoarcere” Temporary Accommodation Center in Bălți, which supports homeless individuals, is entering a new phase of modernization. With the assistance of the European Union (EU), the center is undergoing renovations to enhance its energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. The project aims to not only reduce energy consumption but also to improve living conditions for individuals in the most vulnerable situations.
10:00
Driver detained after serious Cimișlia crash that claimed the lives of a young man and a baby # Radio Moldova
A 36-year-old man was detained on Thursday, January 15, following a serious road accident involving a Mercedes car that occurred on January 14 on the R-3 road, heading toward the Cimișlia district, according to a police announcement.
Last 6 hours
9:50
The ongoing extension of the state of emergency in the Transnistrian region is not merely a technical issue; it is a political tactic employed by a secessionist regime that effectively keeps over 300,000 Moldovan citizens "in captivity." Russia continues to financially support this region through unclear mechanisms. According to former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Alexandru Flenchea, the only viable solution is reintegration. He made this statement during the show IN CONTEXT on Moldova 1.
9:40
The “Reîntoarcere” Temporary Accommodation Center in Bălți, which supports homeless individuals, is entering a new phase of modernization. With the assistance of the European Union (EU), the center is undergoing renovations to enhance its energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. The project aims to not only reduce energy consumption but also to improve living conditions for individuals in the most vulnerable situations.
Last 24 hours
18:10
Citizens of the Republic of Moldova are urged to avoid traveling to the Islamic Republic of Iran or to leave the country immediately, in the context of increased security risks.
17:50
African swine fever cases see a ‘considerable’ rise: ANSA issues recommendations for citizens # Radio Moldova
The National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) reports a "considerable increase" in African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks on the territory of the Republic of Moldova at the beginning of 2026 and urges all citizens, including livestock breeders, to take measures to prevent the spread of this deadly disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boars.
14:40
The temporary suspension of immigration visa issuance by the United States does not alter the nature of the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the United States, according to Vladislav Kulminski, the Moldovan Ambassador to Washington. He stated that this decision has a limited impact on Moldovan citizens. The Ambassador emphasized that bilateral cooperation continues on strategic projects, and political and economic dialogue remains active, despite the administrative changes announced by U.S. authorities.
14:00
The Republic of Moldova is currently about 20% prepared for its accession to the European Union. The next two years will be crucial in turning political commitments into actual reforms. This statement was made by Marcel Spatari, the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, during the first edition of the show "The European Union and I," which aired on Moldova 1 on January 14.
Yesterday
13:50
The acting chief prosecutor of the Political and Project Management Section of the Prosecutor General's Office, Gheorghe Borș, along with prosecutor Vitalie Codreanu, recognized for his involvement in managing the "kuliok" case, has been found to have no issues regarding ethical or financial integrity. On January 15, the Superior Council of Prosecutors (CSP) approved the reports from the External Evaluation Commission, which recommended that the two state prosecutors undergo a vetting process for promotion.
13:30
The process of European integration in the Republic of Moldova is already having an impact at the local level; however, it remains not fully explained and would be challenging to implement without functional institutions and genuine dialogue between central and local authorities. Mayors and public policy experts emphasize that the success of negotiations with the European Union relies not only on laws and schedules but also on the administration’s ability to deliver tangible results for citizens.
13:30
The Culture House in Cimișlia is set to be renovated and transformed into a modern center for cultural and artistic activities. The contract for these renovation works was signed on January 15, coinciding with National Culture Day.
13:10
“Me & the EU": Expert says laws alone aren’t enough without working institutions # Radio Moldova
The process of European integration in the Republic of Moldova is already having an impact at the local level; however, it remains not fully explained and would be challenging to implement without functional institutions and genuine dialogue between central and local authorities. Mayors and public policy experts emphasize that the success of negotiations with the European Union relies not only on laws and schedules but also on the administration’s ability to deliver tangible results for citizens.
10:10
The United States of America (USA) 's decision to temporarily suspend the issuance of visas, effective January 21, 2026, also applies to citizens of the Republic of Moldova. However, this suspension does not constitute a travel ban or restriction on access to the USA. Issued immigrant visas will not be revoked, and the processing of non-immigrant visas will remain unaffected. These clarifications were provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova (MFA).
10:00
The Republic of Moldova and Romania celebrate National Culture Day on January 15. This day honors our shared cultural heritage and commemorates the birthday of Mihai Eminescu, the national poet of all Romanians. Traditionally, cultural and artistic events are held on both sides of the Prut to mark this occasion.
9:20
"Creative Europe": Information office in Chisinau, to facilitate the application process of cultural projects # Radio Moldova
The Republic of Moldova will be able to access European funds for cultural projects after it joins the European Union's "Creative Europe" Program on January 1, 2026. To help facilitate access to this program, the authorities in Chișinău will establish an information office, as announced by Andrei Chistol, the head of the section at the Ministry of Culture.
9:10
The Republic of Moldova is enhancing its border security with the inauguration of the new headquarters for the Passenger Information Directorate (PID). This facility, which opened on January 14, represents a significant investment that will facilitate the swift identification of risks, enable authorities to make quicker decisions, and promote safer travel for citizens.
14 January 2026
18:50
Installers of systems utilizing renewable energy sources (RES) will be registered in a dedicated registry. They will be required to submit a list of completed projects and their beneficiaries to the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED) every six months. This measure is outlined in a government-approved regulation dated January 14 and aims to align the national framework with European requirements.
17:00
Over 74,000 left bank residents are medically insured. The state paid over 140 million lei for their treatment # Radio Moldova
Tens of thousands of residents of the Transnistrian region receive treatment and compensated medicines in hospitals and clinics on the right bank of the Nistru. According to authorities, 74,500 Moldovan citizens living on the left bank hold medical insurance within the national system. Many of them, including children, pensioners, and vulnerable people, receive coverage paid by the state.
15:50
Forced leave for CFM employees. They will return to work at the beginning of February # Radio Moldova
The forced leave at the state enterprise Calea Ferată din Moldova (CFM) was extended. The measure affects more than a thousand employees who, after staying home for two weeks, were told they would return to work only at the beginning of next month. During this period, they receive half of their salary.
15:00
The company Teleradio-Moldova (TRM) will upgrade its audiovisual equipment through purchases funded by a grant from Japan. The draft ratification of the agreement was approved on January 14 at the Executive meeting in Chisinau.
More than 2 days ago
13:30
Internships in Moldova for young Europeans: Government approves France volunteering program # Radio Moldova
The Republic of Moldova and France are initiating an international volunteering program in enterprises, which will offer young people from the European Economic Area, including France, the opportunity to complete professional internships in Moldova. These activities will take place at the branches of French companies within Moldova or at their partner organizations. The agreement was approved by the Government during a meeting on January 14.
13:30
Three doctors from the Gagauzia Autonomous Region are facing up to three years in prison for alleged malpractice that resulted in the death of two patients. The Prosecutor General's Office has announced that it has submitted two criminal cases to court against these doctors, who are accused of failing to adhere to medical rules and procedures.
11:30
The topic of reunifying the Republic of Moldova with Romania was brought back into the spotlight by President Maia Sandu during a recent interview with British journalists. Journalist Robert Lupițu noted that this issue is being addressed with openness in Bucharest. Additionally, analyst Nicolae Negru mentioned on the ÎN CONTEXT show on Moldova 1 during the January 13 edition that the Russian threat could be a significant reason for a historic decision to reunify the two Romanian states.
11:10
At the Palanca customs post, six bars believed to be gold were found in the luggage of a 48-year-old Ukrainian citizen. The individual was one of the 36 passengers on a bus preparing to enter the Republic of Moldova.
10:40
Police raided the homes of two men from the Ialoveni district who were suspected of poaching. During the raid, they discovered illegally owned weapons, ammunition, and other tools allegedly used for illegal hunting.
10:20
Young people both within the country and in the diaspora are encouraged to participate in the National Video Essay Contest titled "Discover My Community," launched by the Ministry of Education and Research. The competition will run from January 9 to February 9, 2026, and is designed for individuals who wish to promote the values and heritage of their communities of origin.
9:50
Russia will strictly limit the employment of migrant workers across most regions starting in 2027, according to legislative amendments reported by Vedomosti.
9:50
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the era of European reliance on U.S. military spending has ended, calling a 5% GDP defense threshold a "strategic necessity."
7:50
Severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall and freezing rain, has paralyzed transport networks across several Central European countries.
13 January 2026
22:40
The Government in Chisinau will submit a consolidated report to the European Commission by the end of January this year regarding the implementation of reforms. This document will serve as the foundation for the disbursement of the next instalment of the Economic Growth Plan, which is financed by the European Union and amounts to a total of 1.9 billion euros. This information was shared by the Secretary General of the Government, Alexei Buzu, during the "PE FAȚĂ" show on Moldova 1 TV, aired on January 13.
22:30
In 2025, the Republic of Moldova took a significant step in its European integration process by becoming the first candidate country for EU accession to sign an agreement with the European Labour Authority (ELA). Simultaneously, Moldova expanded its network of social security agreements to ensure that Moldovans who have worked legally abroad can access their pension and social benefits rights. This information was shared by Natalia Plugaru, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, in an interview with the Moldpres agency.
21:50
Michael Carrick revine la Manchester United. Clubul englez a anunțat că fostul mijlocaș va fi antrenor interimar până la finalul acestui sezon competițional. Carrick a fost luat în calcul alături de norvegianul Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pentru a prelua echipa până când clubul va alege un succesor permanent a portughezului Ruben Amorim.
21:20
Moldovan artists in Vienna as Ambassador Stella Avallone announces scholarship internships in Austria # Radio Moldova
In 2026, Austria will provide artists from the Republic of Moldova with the opportunity to undertake scholarship-based internships at cultural institutions and in relevant artistic projects in Vienna. The Austrian Ambassador to Chisinau, Stella Avallone, highlighted the Focus International Moldova 2026 project as one of the key initiatives shaping Moldovan-Austrian cooperation. She emphasized that the bilateral relations between the two countries have become increasingly dynamic in recent years.
21:10
Presidential adviser: Romania prepared to discuss union if Moldova considers it an option # Radio Moldova
Eugen Tomac, MEP and honorary advisor to the President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, stated in an interview with caleaeuropeană.ro on January 13 that any Romanian of good faith, regardless of whether they live on one side of the Prut or the other, views the unification of the Republic of Moldova with Romania as a natural process.
19:40
New furniture, computers and interactive whiteboards in 400 kindergartens and schools in Moldova # Radio Moldova
Two hundred kindergartens and 200 schools in the Republic of Moldova were equipped with new furniture, equipment and teaching materials. The investments made exceed the amount of 3.61 million dollars, money allocated by the World Bank through the "Improving the Quality of Education" project.
16:30
Maia Sandu: “We hope the EU will not give Putin veto power over Moldova’s EU accession process” # Radio Moldova
Shortly after taking office as president and after the Action and Solidarity Party won the 2021 parliamentary elections, Maia Sandu sent Moscow a message of openness, stating that the Republic of Moldova sought “normal, decent relations based on mutual respect” with the Russian Federation. Russia responded differently. An energy crisis erupted in the autumn of 2021, followed by economic pressure and growing tensions around the Transnistrian issue and Moldova’s European path.
16:00
A fire broke out shortly ago in an apartment building on Alecu Russo Street in the Rîșcani district of Chisinau. Fire crews responded at the scene.
14:40
An 81-year-old woman from Lipcani village in the Briceni district died after being burned alive in a fire in her home. Firefighters discovered her partially charred body on the doorstep of her residence.
14:30
The Republic of Moldova will participate, along with 14 other countries, in the first semi-final of the Eurovision 2026 music contest. The list was made public on the event's official platform.
14:30
Latvia is assisting the Republic of Moldova in establishing a national data center, as part of their collaboration aimed at enhancing digitalization and cybersecurity. This commitment to joint initiatives and the desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation were affirmed during a meeting at the Government on January 13.
14:00
Migration has not only changed the employment landscape for Moldovans, but it has also impacted their ability to cope with the loss of loved ones. Between 2020 and 2025, more than 1,600 Moldovan citizens died while abroad. The process of repatriating their remains has become a financial burden for families and a frequent responsibility for authorities.
12:50
Trilateral Chamber of Commerce supported by over 250 institutions in Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova # Radio Moldova
Romania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova will establish a trilateral Chamber of Commerce (CCTRUM) to enhance interstate cooperation and improve the management of European funds. This initiative has already received support from over 250 institutions and organizations across the three countries.
12:50
Queues at Chișinău Airport: Passengers advised to arrive three hours before their flight # Radio Moldova
There is significant congestion at "Eugen Doga" International Airport in Chisinau, where passengers are expressing dissatisfaction over unbearable crowding. The airport administration is advising travelers to arrive at the terminal at least three hours prior to their flight.
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