AGP Executive Report

EV Charging Rollout: Moldova may double its electric car fleet by 2030 and is preparing a roadmap to expand charging infrastructure, supported by a UNDP Moldova project financed by Denmark and a pre-feasibility study. Power Market Momentum: Moldova’s OPEM electricity exchange hit a new record day on the day-ahead market, with 304 MWh traded and prices ranging roughly from 68.5 to 82 bani/kWh. Circular Economy Push: The EcoVoucher programme collected over 300 tons of used appliances for recycling, with shipments to Romania and a focus on cutting energy use and landfill waste. Urban Transport Modernization: Moldova’s deputy PM visited Paris to study tram and public transport modernization, including planning, safety, and operations. Energy Security in Transnistria: Moldovagaz’s mandate to supply natural gas to Transnistria was extended until end-2026 to keep deliveries stable and ensure gas stocks. EU Sanctions Tightening: The European Commission unveiled a 21st Russia sanctions package, adding an EU entry ban for former Russian armed forces combatants and expanding curbs on energy, finance, crypto, and fisheries. Moldova–EU Growth Plan: Officials say the EU’s 1.9bn Growth Plan is accelerating reforms and setting up large infrastructure, energy, and digital projects. Agriculture Trade Signals: EastFruit reported shifting supply and demand patterns, with sweet cherries leading sales offers as Uzbekistan and other suppliers gain ground. Walnut Sector Outlook: Moldova’s walnut plantations still have major growth potential, with many orchards not yet in fruit-bearing stage, making investment and proper farming key. Drone Cooperation: Moldova is moving toward interceptor drone production using Ukrainian technologies, as regional drone risks keep rising.

Electricity Market Surge: Moldova’s OPEM power exchange logged a record Day-Ahead Market trade of 304+ MWh, with hourly deals across the day and prices ranging 68.5–82 bani/kWh, showing fast growth in competitive trading. Circular Economy Push: Moldova collected over 300 tons of used refrigerators and washing machines under the EcoVoucher Programme, with shipments for recycling to Romania—aimed at cutting energy bills and landfill waste. Energy Security & Infrastructure: Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu says Moldova has shifted from vulnerability to resilience via diversification and EU/RO interconnections, while works at the Chisinau Electrical Substation (Vulcanesti–Chisinau) are progressing to speed energization and strengthen grid stability. Gas Supply Continuity: ANRE extended Moldovagaz’s mandate to supply natural gas to Transnistria until Dec 31, 2026, to keep balancing and reserve planning in place. EU Policy & Sanctions: The EU unveiled its 21st sanctions package on Russia, expanding pressure across energy, finance, crypto and adding fishing, plus a proposed entry ban for those who served in Russia’s armed forces since the 2022 invasion. Urban Mobility Learning: Moldova studied France’s tram and public transport modernization in Paris as it looks to upgrade transport infrastructure and operations. Agriculture Outlook: Walnut sector officials say a large share of plantations is still not fruit-bearing, pointing to future production and export growth if farmers invest and follow proper tech.

EU-Ukraine Finance & Sanctions: The EU is readying a €90bn Ukraine loan, with the first €5.9bn tranche aimed at drones, while EU officials also plan 80+ new sanctions targeting Russia’s war economy and military-industrial complex. Energy Security (Moldova region): The Energy Community says gas storage security is improving across South-Eastern and Eastern Europe; Serbia and Ukraine have exceeded 2025 fill targets, while Moldova is expected to secure access to gas stored abroad. Power Infrastructure: Works at Chisinau Electrical Substation are progressing under the Vulcanesti–Chisinau interconnection, with Romania calling itself a reliable partner as Moldova pushes for stronger grid stability and ENTSO-E integration. Local Infrastructure Upgrade: Over 27 million lei is being invested in Sarata Galbena (Hîncești) to extend sewage networks and modernize roads under European Village programmes. Defense & Drones: Moldova reported a drone crossing and debris found near Lopatna after an overnight strike on Ukraine; President Maia Sandu renewed calls for interceptor drone tech and legislation to enable domestic production. Green Transition & Recycling: Five recycling companies can receive up to €425,000 to expand waste management and recycling capacity under an EU-UNDP circular economy programme. Education Modernization: Moldova is moving toward a €40m EIB loan to modernize 20 rural model schools with energy efficiency and digital upgrades. Agriculture Outlook: Moldova expects a stable fruit crop despite spring frosts, with growers focusing on frost protection and managing quality after rains. Investment Push: Moldova’s EU Investment Conference results point to over €1bn in announced partnerships and projects, while EBRD meetings highlighted energy security, infrastructure and reforms.

EU Green Grants for SMEs: UNDP is offering green transition support to Moldovan SMEs, including a call for proposals under “Promoting Inclusive Green Transition in the Republic of Moldova,” backing eco-innovations, circular economy and energy efficiency. Circular Economy Push: Five recycling companies can receive up to €425,000 to expand waste collection and recycling capacity, with EU+UNDP support. EU Investment Momentum: Moldova’s first Moldova–EU Investment Conference highlighted over €1 billion in announced investment partnerships and projects, as officials tout faster transformation and EU-aligned growth. Education Modernization: Moldova is moving ahead with a €40 million EIB-backed loan to modernize 20 rural model schools, targeting energy efficiency, digital learning and safer spaces. Wine Exports & Jobs: Moldovan winemakers won 80 medals at VINARIUM 2026, reinforcing the sector’s export strength and employment role. Drone Incident & Security: A drone crossed into Moldova near Lopatna during Russia’s attack on Ukraine; fragments were found after an explosion, and Moldova says responsibility remains with Russia while it prepares interceptor drone production legislation. Flood Response: After June 6 heavy rains, rescuers carried out 65 interventions, with roads blocked and traffic disruptions in multiple districts and Chisinau.

Defense & Drones: President Maia Sandu says Moldova needs new legislation to start producing high-tech interceptor drones, citing repeated drone incursions and the need to enable public-private partnerships and attract foreign investors. EU Accession Momentum: Moldova and Ukraine are set to move forward on EU accession talks, with EU leaders pushing faster enlargement and Moldova’s readiness repeatedly highlighted. Flood Response: Heavy rains triggered dozens of emergency interventions across Moldova, with roads blocked, cars swept away, and teams pumping water and clearing access routes. Energy Digitalization: Moldova plans smart meters to make energy invoices fully digital within five years, enabling real-time consumption tracking and better grid-loss detection. Agri Exports & Training: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited a cherry farm exporting to the EU, while FAO launched farmer field schools to boost climate-resilient vegetable production and market access. Investment & Industry: Moldova’s energy and industrial modernization continues, including support for manufacturing upgrades and new regional partnerships, alongside ongoing EU-linked investment conference activity.

EU Accession Momentum: Moldova and Ukraine are set to start formal EU accession talks on June 15, but the road ahead still looks tough amid security and political hurdles. Energy Tech for Industry: Moldova is looking at next-gen solar via China’s perovskite photovoltaic push, while the government also plans smart meters to make energy invoices fully digital within five years. Flood Response & Infrastructure: Heavy rains triggered dozens of emergency interventions, with roads blocked and cars swept away in multiple districts; rescue teams and road workers are still clearing access routes. Agri Exports & Market Access: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited a cherry producer exporting to the EU, highlighting standards and rural jobs; Moldova also expands farmer support through FAO field schools for climate-resilient vegetables. Investment & Manufacturing: The EU–Moldova Investment Conference highlighted up to €641m in strategic projects, including a €20m pharmaceutical and MedTech Park expansion by Balkan Pharmaceuticals. Policy for Security Industry: Maia Sandu called for faster legal changes to enable drone and anti-drone production and private investment. Circular Economy: EU-backed support will help Moldovan waste management firms modernize and expand recycling capacity.

Flood Response: Heavy rainfall hit Moldova again, flooding homes and blocking roads across Chisinau and districts like Straseni, Ialoveni, Drochia, Telenesti and Sangerei; authorities mobilized emergency teams under a Yellow Code, with evacuations reported in Straseni and traffic suspended on some routes. EU Market Access for Farmers: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited a cherry producer in Slobozia-Dusca, highlighting new exports to the EU and the push to meet standards through EU partnerships. Agriculture Cooperation: Moldova and Azerbaijan expanded plans for agricultural collaboration, focusing on food security, climate adaptation, tech transfer and trade rules. Energy Digitalization: Moldova plans smart meters over the next five years so invoices become fully digital, with real-time consumption visibility and better grid-loss detection. Farmer Support: FAO launched Farmer Field Schools in Hancesti to help small vegetable growers improve productivity, quality and market access. Green Transition: EU/UNDP-backed support will strengthen waste management and recycling infrastructure via grants for five Moldovan companies. Pharma Investment: Balkan Pharmaceuticals presented a €20m project in Chisinau to build production, a biomedical innovation cluster and shared labs, with renewable energy and training included. Dniester Pollution Case: Moldova is documenting Dniester petroleum pollution damage and preparing a potential international legal case to seek compensation from Russia. Regional Trade Promotion: “Moldova Presents” opened in Vaslui, with 60 companies from food, textiles and agriculture aiming to grow business ties with Romania.

Energy Digitalization: Moldova plans to digitalize energy invoices within five years using smart meters for real-time consumption data, more accurate billing, and faster support—aiming to cut estimated bills and improve grid-loss detection. Agri Skills: FAO launches Farmer Field Schools in Hîncești to help small vegetable growers adopt climate-resilient practices and improve productivity, quality, and market access. EU-Accession Momentum: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, Merz and Macron pushed for a faster, more incentive-based enlargement path, including simplified negotiations and gradual single-market access for candidates meeting criteria. Pharma Investment: Balkan Pharmaceuticals unveiled a €20m Balkan Pharmaceutical and MedTech Park project in Chisinau, targeting new production, a biomedical innovation cluster, shared labs, and training for pharma/biotech talent. Green Transition: EU/UNDP support will back Moldova’s waste management and recycling expansion, including new facilities, modernization, and digital systems to reduce environmental impact. EU Integration Talks: Moldova and Slovakia discussed next steps in EU accession negotiations, focusing on institutional strengthening and reform priorities. Labor Costs: Moldova’s minimum wage reform is set to change how adequacy is assessed and how wages are negotiated at national and industry levels.

EU Accession Momentum: Moldova’s next EU steps were discussed in Chișinău with Slovakia, as officials focused on reforms and institution-building ahead of the first accession cluster work. Investment Push: At the EU–Moldova Investment Conference, projects worth up to €641m were announced across energy, digital infrastructure, education and sustainable agriculture, with support mobilized through EU grants and loans via partners like the EIB and EBRD. Digital & Industry: Moldova Digital Summit 2026 highlighted digital transformation for faster services and business growth, citing that 78% of business services are already online and that the IT sector drives over €1bn in exports. Green Transition: EU-backed support will expand Moldova’s waste management and recycling capacity, while a post-disaster needs assessment mechanism was launched after the Dniester petroleum pollution crisis. Legal Case Prep: Moldova is documenting Dniester damage and preparing a case aimed at recovering losses from Russia. Agri-Exports: Moldova exported 9,700 tons of apples in May (about US$8m), with Russia the top destination. Pharma & MedTech: Balkan Pharmaceuticals presented a €20m plan for a new production facility and biomedical R&D infrastructure at the investment conference. Workforce Link: Over 1,000 diaspora Moldovans registered for an online career fair on June 11 to connect with employers back home. Trade Promotion: “Moldova Presents” opened in Vaslui, Romania, with 60 local companies showcasing food, textiles and agricultural products.

EU Accession Momentum: Moldova and Ukraine are set to open the first EU accession cluster talks, with EU leaders reconfirming readiness to start negotiations and focusing on rule of law and institutional standards. Investment Push: At the EU–Moldova Investment Conference in Chișinău, the EU outlined projects up to €641m (energy, digital infrastructure, education, sustainable agriculture), alongside World Bank support of $250m for competitiveness, jobs, and EU integration. Pharma & MedTech Expansion: Balkan Pharmaceuticals presented a €20m+ Balkan Pharmaceutical and MedTech Park plan, including a new production facility, biomedical innovation cluster, shared labs, and renewable energy/storage. Digital Transformation: Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu opened Moldova Digital Summit 2026, stressing GovTech ambitions and noting 78% of business services already online. Food & Farming Resilience: “Fruit Day 2026” spotlights modern orchard tech and adaptation, while Moldova also moves to strengthen crisis response after Dniester pollution. Dniester Pollution Case: Moldova launched a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment with EU/UN partners and is documenting damages to build a potential international court case against Russia. Security & Compliance: Europol backed an international hit on counterfeit medicines and supplements networks, including call centres and logistics linked to Moldova. Energy Tech: Moldova prepares approval steps for solar and battery storage, while SVOLT showcased full-scenario energy storage solutions at SNEC 2026.

EU Accession Momentum: The EU has agreed to formally open accession talks with Moldova (and Ukraine) on the first cluster, covering rule-of-law and democratic standards, after all 27 member states reconfirmed Moldova is ready to start negotiations. Investment Push for Moldova: At the EU–Moldova Investment Conference in Chișinău, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced up to €641m in strategic projects, including energy efficiency, digital infrastructure, education and sustainable agriculture, with as much as €433m mobilized via EU grants/guarantees/loans through partners like the EIB and EBRD. Road & Transport Funding: Moldova secured an additional €150m EBRD loan to modernize the Chisinau–Leușeni road and the Chisinau ring road section, targeting heavy-traffic standards and capacity upgrades. Hybrid Threat Response: Moldova’s State Chancellery, with the EU Partnership Mission, held a roundtable on combating illicit financing and implementing restrictive measures tied to hybrid threats. Agri-Food & Exports: “Moldova Fruct” invited stakeholders to a Fruit Day event, while a Dniester cross-border training program is open for SMEs aiming to boost exports to Romania and EU markets. Legal/Agro-Industry: The ECHR ordered Moldova to pay €560,000 to a Slovenian-capital agro-industrial company after findings on fair-trial and property-rights violations.

EU–Moldova Investment Push: Moldova used the EU–Moldova Investment Conference in Chișinău to announce over €1 billion in new partnerships and projects, spanning digital infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, pharma, logistics, water systems and high-value agriculture, with Commissioner Marta Kos citing 93% reform delivery under the Growth Plan. Road & Transport Upgrades: Moldova secured an additional €150m EBRD loan to modernize the Chisinau–Leuseni road and the Chisinau ring road, while EIB is also weighing ~€120m for Ukraine TEN-T border checkpoint upgrades that would improve logistics links involving Moldova. Energy for Industry: The energy ministry launched approval for a 30 MW solar park plus 60 MWh battery storage in Vadul lui Vodă, and Moldova plans a 90% cut to the gas transit tariff on the route to Ukraine from Oct 1, 2026. Agri & Export Skills: Development partners are running “field schools” for Moldovan vegetable growers, and CCI is selecting 30 SMEs from both banks of the Dniester for export-capacity training aimed at Romanian and EU markets. Finance Sector Watch: The National Bank’s rising sanctions trend is in focus, with record-sized fines raising questions about a shift toward stricter enforcement standards. Legal & Business Risk: The ECHR ordered Moldova to pay €560,000 to Seksimp Group SRL in an agribusiness enforcement dispute tied to an auction sale of assets. Apple Market Snapshot: Moldova’s apple exports show a stable end-of-season picture, with Russia, Romania and Belarus remaining the biggest buyers.

EU Accession Momentum: Hungary signaled it will drop its veto, and the EU agreed to move Ukraine and Moldova to the next stage of membership bids, with talks on the first negotiating cluster expected soon. Gas & Energy Security: Moldova will cut the natural gas transit tariff on the route to Ukraine by 90% from Oct 1, 2026, aiming to make the corridor more economically feasible; meanwhile, the Energy Community says gas security in the region is improving as storage rules advance, with Moldova highlighted for building emergency stocks. Road & Infrastructure Finance: The EBRD approved an extra €150m for rehabilitating the Chișinău–Leușeni road and the Chișinău bypass, bringing the total to €300m and pushing updates to meet European standards. Agriculture Support & Digitalization: AIPA authorized May subsidies worth 178.49m lei for farmers, while a Moldovan firm developed a mobile platform to digitize services for farmers. Energy Efficiency Rules: Moldova adopted stricter ecodesign standards for household appliances to curb “phantom” standby consumption. US Embassy Land Move: Chisinau completed clearing land for the new US Embassy headquarters, with next steps tied to the transfer process. Trade & Russia Tensions: A Russian envoy said trade turnover with Moldova could reach $1bn, while also claiming Moldova is moving toward shutting economic relations with Moscow.

Energy & Infrastructure: Moldova will cut the natural gas transit tariff on the route to Ukraine by 90% from Oct 1, 2026, aiming to make the corridor more economically feasible amid volatile prices. Road & Transport Investment: The EBRD approved an extra €150m loan (total €300m) to rehabilitate the Chișinău–Leușeni road and the Chișinău bypass, with added money for updated designs and a more digital road asset management system. Agriculture Support: The government backed a 2026–2030 agricultural policy program with rising multi-year subsidies (from 2.3bn lei in 2026 to 5.3bn in 2030), while AIPA authorized 178.49m lei in May subsidies across post-investment support, advance payments, LEADER, and insurance premiums. Energy Security: The Energy Community says gas security in the region is improving as storage rules advance; Moldova is highlighted for building emergency security stocks and access to gas stored abroad. Business & Investment Climate: Invest Moldova launched the Investor’s Guide 2026, spotlighting sectors like ICT, renewable energy, logistics, and value-added agriculture, plus state support and regional market access. EU Integration & Politics: Reports say Hungary may lift its veto, letting EU membership talks for both Ukraine and Moldova move forward with the first negotiating cluster planned for June 15. Diplomatic/Urban Projects: Moldova cleared land for the new US Embassy headquarters and is moving to transfer the former Republican Stadium site to the US. Household Energy Rules: Moldova adopted stricter EU-aligned ecodesign standards for household appliances to curb “phantom” standby electricity use. Economy Watch: The EBRD downgraded Moldova’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.8% and warns of vulnerability to energy shocks and renewed inflation pressure.

EU Accession Momentum: Hungary signaled it’s ready to lift its veto on Ukraine’s EU bid, with Moldova and Ukraine tracks moving together toward opening the first negotiating “cluster” in Luxembourg on June 15. Farm Support: Moldova authorized 178.49 million lei in May subsidies via AIPA, backing post-investment projects (livestock, irrigation, wine infrastructure), advance payments, LEADER local action groups, and agricultural insurance premiums. Road & Construction Finance: The government sent parliament an EBRD loan amendment doubling the amount to finish key TEN-T road works—Chisinau–Leuseni and the Chisinau bypass—plus upgrades to road asset management. Investment & Business Climate: Invest Moldova launched the Investor’s Guide 2026, highlighting EU-aligned market access, manufacturing support (up to 75% for eligible costs), and priority sectors like logistics, renewable energy, and value-added agriculture. Energy Security: Moldova approved a plan to raise strategic natural gas reserves to 56.3 million m³ for the 2026–2027 heating season, to be built by Energocom by Oct 1. Wages & Jobs: NBS data shows average gross salary at 15,987.1 lei in Q1 2026 (+9.7% y/y), with agriculture still among the lowest-paid sectors. Fuel Prices: ANRE reported further drops—diesel down to 27.72 lei and gasoline to 30.03 lei—linked to lower international oil quotations. Agri-Food Development: ADMA’s MAME 2 project budget was set at about 750 million lei, with financing starting in early 2027 to modernize machinery access, soil management, and the wine sector.

EU Accession Momentum: Moldova is moving closer to opening formal EU membership talks as Hungary signals it may lift its veto, with the first negotiating “cluster” planned for June 15 in Luxembourg. Energy Security: Moldova approved a plan to raise strategic natural gas reserves to 56.3 million m³ for the 2026–2027 heating season, with Energocom tasked to build the extra volume by Oct 1. Agri-Food Modernization: The MAME 2 project budget was agreed at 750 million lei, aiming to boost farmers’ access to machinery and support soil management and the wine sector; AGGRI grant results from the fifth stage also show major funding for livestock and irrigation-related investments. Farm Support: AIPA reported May farmers’ subsidies totaling 102.15 million lei for post-investment support, plus 43.54 million lei in advance payments and 32.78 million lei under LEADER. Renewables & Grid Flexibility: Moldova plans a 30 MW photovoltaic plant in Vadul lui Vodă paired with 60 MWh battery storage, alongside incentives for energy storage and wind investments. Food & Exports: Moldova’s walnut sector remains export-focused, with about US$41.5 million shipped annually, while cherry growers face added rainfall risk after frost damage. Local Governance: A Citizens’ Assembly on local administration reform delivered 15 recommendations after two weekends of debates. Telecom Market: Number portability stayed stable in 2025, with 67,751 numbers ported overall.