EU Budget & Energy Security: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev met EU Council President Antonio Costa in Sofia to discuss the 2028-2034 EU budget, “industrial cohesion,” and energy connectivity, with Costa stressing affordable energy as key to Europe’s resilience. Moldova-Russia Tensions: Moldova’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s designated ambassador and issued a protest over Moscow’s plan to open 16 polling stations in Transnistria for the State Duma elections, calling it unauthorized and “unfriendly.” Education Reform: Parliament approved in second reading the creation of Territorial Education Agencies to manage schools under the Education Ministry, aiming for a unified system and tighter oversight. Public Finance: Speaker Igor Grosu said Moldova’s 2026 budget deficit (revised to about 23.07 bln lei) is “manageable,” with a different approach promised for the 2027 budget. Energy Storage Update: Moldova’s gas regulator ANRE raised the mandatory storage volume for Transnistria for 2026-2027 winter to 135.972 mln cubic metres, with stockpiling due by 1 November. Digital Safety & Youth Health: Moldova and Romania’s First Lady joined an international conference in Chisinau on children’s online safety and mental health. Governance & Oversight: Parliament extended by 30 days the inquiry commission’s mandate on certain state-owned enterprises to deliver both findings and legislative fixes. Investment Rules: Deputies advanced a draft law creating a clearer regime for strategic investments, aligned with EU standards. Business & Trade: Moldova may temporarily license imports of cereal and oilseed crops until Oct 31, 2026, to protect domestic producers while keeping trade manageable.