News about EU
On June 11, 2026, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova passed, in its final reading, a law on geographical indications, guaranteed traditional specialties, and voluntary quality labels.
At its meeting on June 11, 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) raised its three key interest rates by 25 basis points. This decision marked the first rate hike since September 2023 and was a response to inflationary pressures caused by the geopolitical crisis and the war in the Middle East. The ECB downgraded its forecast, expecting average inflation in 2026 to reach 3.0%. The baseline forecast for eurozone GDP growth in 2026 has been lowered to 0.8%.
Starting in January 2027, Brussels will completely phase out electric scooter rentals, continuing the Europe-wide trend toward stricter regulations on micromobility. The decision was made amid a growing number of accidents, complaints about haphazard parking, and concerns about the criminal use of these services.
Moldova and Belgium have initiated negotiations on a draft protocol amending the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Income and Capital.
The Republic of Moldova has made progress in combating human trafficking; however, persistent risks remain related to labor exploitation, the vulnerability of migrants, and the use of digital technologies by criminals.
The “Republic of Moldova – Benelux” Forum, held in Maastricht (Netherlands), brought together more than 120 participants and 30 Moldovan companies representing economic sectors with export and investment potential: agriculture and processing, logistics and transportation, information technology, energy, and business services.
The government has decided to undertake a “major reorganization of the Ministry of the Environment, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity in the context of the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union and the implementation of national strategic policies.”
The results of the “Moldova–European Union” investment conference, at which the attraction of over one billion euros in investments was announced, have sparked a mixed reaction among the public. Some skeptics questioned the significance of the signed agreements, calling them “mere intentions,” but Alexandru Munteanu gave a decisive response to the critics: “Investments don’t just fall from the sky!”
Moldova presented its strategic development priorities and key sectors for investment at the “Republic of Moldova – Benelux” forum, which took place in Maastricht. At the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Eugen Osmocescu identified the sectors in which the government seeks to attract capital from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The minister emphasized the country’s economic integration into the Single European Market.
Parliament is debating a media bill that would establish a Registry of Media Service Providers under the Ministry of Culture. The bill’s authors insist on the need for transparency and modernization of the media sector. The opposition fears that linking state subsidies to registration in the Registry will become a tool for controlling the press.
The Republic of Moldova has officially joined WorldSkills Europe—the European platform for the development of vocational skills and technical and vocational education.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED) expects to provisionally conclude negotiations on Chapter 10, “Information Society and Media,” by the end of 2026 as part of the Republic of Moldova’s accession process to the European Union.
The security of the Neptun Deep project, which is set to become the largest natural gas production facility in Romania’s Black Sea sector, was discussed at a meeting of NATO representatives on June 10. Romanian President Nicușor Dan wrote on X that “allies expressed solidarity with Romania regarding the recent drone incidents.” He confirmed that “an agreement was reached to accelerate NATO projects addressing drone threats” to protect the gas project.
There is growing interest in non-standard tractor wheels among European farmers. These are all-metal designs that are gradually making a comeback as an alternative to rubber tires in challenging field conditions.
Major EU countries are discussing options for a major overhaul of the diplomatic service. In essence, this amounts to the de facto dismantling of Kaia Kallas’s department—she may be stripped of her authority and control over 140 diplomatic missions.
Local and central public authorities in the Republic of Moldova will be able to participate in European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs)—legal entities designed to facilitate the implementation of cross-border projects and the attraction of external funding.
Romanian Prime Minister-designate Eugen Tomac stated that Romania and the Republic of Moldova must move away from the mindset “we know each other, we respect each other, but we each have our own affairs” and develop “much bolder” projects, noting that the two countries should have “an integrated, practically identical education system.”
A package of amendments to the Competition Law No. 183/2012, designed to bring the law into line with EU regulations (including the ECN+ Directive), introduces fundamental changes to the rules of the game in the Moldovan market. First and foremost, these changes will involve stricter fines and increased liability for businesses. The maximum fines for violations of fair competition rules have been increased from 5% to 10% of the company’s total turnover for the previous year.
A delegation of 15 representatives from the Moldova Fruct association, the OPTIM project, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry, and Forestry (MAIA) is studying European methods for consolidating farmers and integrating them into the global fruit market as part of a study tour to France, June 8–12, 2026.
Starting July 1 of this year, new European Union regulations will take effect requiring the payment of a customs duty of €3 per item for shipments originating from non-EU countries.
