EU Growth Plan Cash: The European Commission released a new €157m tranche to Moldova after Chișinău completed 18 reforms, bringing total Growth Plan support to about €661m, with talks also reaffirming EU backing for Moldova’s EU path and condemning Russian drone violations. Accession Talks Momentum: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Moldova and Ukraine could see two more negotiating clusters opened soon, with Brussels pushing for continued rule-of-law progress. IMF Tax Overhaul: An IMF technical mission is in Moldova to modernize and automate tax administration, including VAT refund processes, using risk-based controls and improving taxpayer services. Energy & Power Links: Moldova advanced energy security work via a Straseni–Gutinas power line working group with U.S. support, while officials discussed winter energy compensation and drought-hit water supply. Governance Pressure: A parliamentary inquiry flagged pay at Moldovan state firms—some executives earn over 8x average salaries—while judges threatened a “Japanese strike” over public-sector salary rules. Border Corruption Probe: Searches at the ANSA Leușeni–Albița station alleged inspectors took €500–€800 for superficial checks, allowing non-compliant goods to enter. Business Climate: StartupBlink ranked Moldova 82nd globally in 2026, citing a sharp ecosystem score jump and expanded early-stage funding.