Sanctions & Trade Controls: Moldova’s SIS and prosecutors dismantled an alleged scheme exporting dual-use military components to sanctioned Russian defense firms, with shipments worth over 21 million lei hidden behind false customs declarations; investigators say the goods were control/measurement systems used in Yak-130 and Su-27 aircraft engines and that a Russia-based firm was used to obscure the final recipient. Public Finance: Moldova’s budget deficit hit 7.7 billion lei in May, driven by faster spending growth (up 4.4%) versus slower revenue growth (up 2.8%) and a sharp drop in foreign grants. EU-Linked Reforms & Markets: Parliament ratified a €218.2 million IBRD loan to cover the deficit and fund reforms; separately, the capital market regulator (CNPF) says 2025 brought major expansion of instruments and steps toward crowdfunding and crypto-asset regulation. Anti–Money Laundering Overhaul: Lawmakers adopted in first reading reforms to modernize the Service for Prevention and Combatting of Money Laundering, including a new financial intelligence officer status and mandatory certification. Digital Economy: Moldova launched EVO 2.0 and signed a digital partnership with Mastercard focused on digital identity and payments, while the government approved digital transformation plans for key services for entrepreneurs. Energy Security: Moldova says 60% of EU energy-market integration actions are already implemented; Parliament approved emergency petroleum product stocks (61 days of consumption/90 days of imports). Cross-Border Infrastructure: Moldelectrica signed the €17.5 million contract for the 400 kV Balti–Suceava line linking to Romania, with EBRD grant support for Phase II interconnection. EU Accession Incentives: The European Commission is preparing “membership-lite” economic benefits for candidates like Moldova, offering partial single-market access and selected funding tied to reforms. Transport Costs for Hauliers: From 1 July, Dutch distance-based road tolls replace Eurovignette for Moldovan trucks, requiring an on-board unit and bringing new fines for noncompliance.