EU Accession Talks: Chisinau has been invited under the Irish EU Council Presidency to present its negotiating position for Cluster 6 “External Relations,” with officials stressing the need to keep reforms moving. Interim Government: President Maia Sandu appointed Eugeniu Osmochescu as acting prime minister from July 8 after Alexandru Munteanu’s resignation, as consultations with parliamentary factions begin. State-Owned Enterprise Scrutiny: The National Anticorruption Center opened a criminal case into alleged abuse of office at MoldATSA, following searches tied to controversial hiring and pay. Aviation Debt Risk: Chisinau International Airport says it may not recover over 90 million lei owed by bankrupt Air Moldova, citing material uncertainty in insolvency recoveries. Urban Planning & Local Economy: Mayor Ion Ceban says Chisinau’s General Urban Plan is progressing and will enter public consultations in July, after sector studies were completed. Free Zones & Exports: Free Zone “Balti” confirmed it remains Moldova’s main investment and industrial platform, citing its share of total free-zone investments and export output. Transnistria Tax Changes: Moldova plans phased VAT and excise duties from Aug 1 on goods including caviar, alcohol, tobacco, and natural gas for Transnistrian-based economic operators. Jobs & Compliance: Moldova identified 7,100 undeclared workers since the start of 2026, with inspectors warning about lost labor protections and fines for employers. Business Diplomacy: Moldova–India business forum is set for July 20 in Chisinau, targeting deals in infrastructure, IT, renewables, pharma, and agri-food.