Retrospective of the week 13-19 July. The most important news from the IPN feed
The EU has opened negotiations on Cluster 6
The Republic of Moldova and the European Union have opened accession negotiations for Cluster 6—“External Relations”—at the third intergovernmental conference. According to authorities in Chisinau, the decision marks a new stage in the accession process and confirms the progress of the negotiations based on the achievements made. At the same time, the authorities note that by opening this cluster, Moldova is set to align its policies in areas such as foreign policy, security, defense and foreign trade with those of the EU.
Moldova makes its debut at the Coalition of Will meeting
The Republic of Moldova participated for the first time in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, an international forum for political and diplomatic coordination dedicated to supporting Ukraine. During the meeting, President Maia Sandu called for strengthening support for Ukraine and intensifying economic pressure on Russia, noting that these measures will help bring about a just peace.
Prime Minister-designate in consultations
Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan held consultations with the 16 interim ministers to draft the government’s program, discussing priorities for the next 12 months and the necessary measures in key areas. Separately, he met with opposition parliamentary factions ahead of the confidence vote in Parliament, scheduled for July 21. The new government’s agenda and composition are set to be presented to lawmakers for approval next week.
The President on a visit to Kyiv
President Maia Sandu paid a visit to Kyiv at the invitation of her Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky. The head of state participated in events marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day and the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit, where she reaffirmed the Republic of Moldova’s support for Ukraine. At the same time, Maia Sandu signed the “Kyiv Declaration” alongside European leaders, a document that reaffirms support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the expansion of the European Union.
Drone detected and detonated in Copanca
A drone crashed near the village of Copanca, Causeni district, and a fire broke out at the scene. No casualties were reported. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the violation of Moldova’s airspace, stating that the Gheran-2 drone had an explosive charge of approximately 40 kilograms attached, which was detonated under control by military sappers.
Russian ambassador summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Russian Ambassador to Chisinau, Oleg Ozerov, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the drone crash in Copanca. The institution handed him a note of protest, describing the incident as a serious violation of national sovereignty. In turn, the Russian diplomat stated that additional investigations are necessary before drawing any conclusions.
Four candidates admitted to the race for TRM leadership
Four out of the five candidates were admitted to the second stage of the competition for the position of general director of „Teleradio-Moldova”. Their CVs reflect different experiences in media management, television and public administration, as well as connections, to varying degrees, with the current management of the public broadcaster. Later, the Supervisory Council announced that it had identified a sixth file submitted on time, that of Dumitru Vieru. However, he was not admitted to the competition, because he did not meet all the requirements of the regulation.
Searches with arrests at the Chisinau Courthouse
Officers of the National Anticorruption Center conducted searches in a case of influence peddling at the Chisinau Court, Centru headquarters. Following the searches, a court employee and a lawyer were detained. In this context, the court announced that it is providing all necessary support to the investigation and that the criminal prosecution actions do not affect judicial activity.
Ion Creanga appeared in court
After several months of absence, the former head of the Parliament’s Legal Department, Ion Creanga, appeared at the court hearing in the case in which he is accused of treason. Prosecutors requested an extension of the judicial review and requested that, in the event of failure to appear at the court hearings, the court may order the defendant to be brought forcibly.
Repeated expertise in the Vartic case – completed
The repeated forensic examination in the case of teacher Ludmila Vartic largely confirms the conclusions of the first examination, according to which the death occurred as a result of trauma caused by a fall from a height. The prosecutor’s office specified that the report also contains answers to additional questions of the investigation, but the conclusions of the experts remain confidential. At the same time, law enforcement officers are investigating the involvement of several people and verifying both the circumstances of the death and the events that preceded it.
Moldovans accused by FSB of alleged drone attack plan
Two citizens of the Republic of Moldova have been accused by the Russian Federal Security Service of being involved in an alleged drone attack plan on a strategic enterprise in the Moscow region. The FSB claims that they acted in the interests of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The MFA stated that it has taken the necessary steps with the competent authorities of the Russian Federation to clarify the situation.
Chisinau’s budget for 2026, voted on
The Chisinau municipal council approved the municipal budget for 2026 in two readings, with the vote of 27 councilors. Members of the Action and Solidarity Party faction abstained from voting. The largest allocations are foreseen for education – 5.1 billion lei, and for housing and communal services – 2.6 billion lei.
The government accepted the resignation of the APP head
Roman Cojuhari has been dismissed from the position of Director General of the Public Property Agency. The current government has accepted his resignation. Until a new Director General is appointed, the institution will be led by the Deputy Director of the Public Property Agency, Ion Ciumac.
Remuneration of 300 thousand lei annually, at the Ministry of Culture
The Ministry of Culture has terminated its collaboration with Bogdan Zgherea, after information about his service contract worth 300 thousand lei per year was revealed in the public space. The case generated controversy, as Zgherea, 21, vice-president of the PAS Youth Organization, did not complete his university studies. Acting Minister of Culture, Cristian Jardan, stated that his remuneration should have been reevaluated in relation to his level of education.