News about EU

A resolution adopted by the European Parliament calls for a single definition of rape across the EU. This means that any non-consensual sexual act should be considered rape. The European Commission must now propose legislation, which must then be approved by EU member states.

The Republic of Moldova now has a roadmap, a GIS database and a set of technical tools to bring the Emerald Network in line with Natura 2000 standards, developed under the first LIFE project implemented in the country.

In November 2025, Radu Vrabie, a specialist with 20 years of management experience in structural reforms and public policy analysis, took over as head of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova. About his goals in his new position and his vision for the future of Moldovan customs – in an exclusive interview with the economic portal Logos Press.

In summer, cities are much hotter than rural areas. Scientists attribute this to the effect of “heat islands” that appear in areas of dense urban development. Because of them, cities heat up faster and cool down slower. In general, the heat island effect increases global climate change.

Milk producers in Ukraine are in a difficult situation due to rising prices for energy and other inputs, as well as “war challenges” and new EU requirements.

The implementation of projects within the framework of European Territorial Cooperation Groups (ETCGs) will be possible only with the approval of the government. Local authorities will not be able to make such decisions on their own. This was stated by the vice-chairman of the parliamentary commission for public administration and regional development, Larisa Volokh.

On April 28, the Moldovan Customs Service hosted an offline discussion on the implementation of the Single Customs Window, as well as the development of the necessary measures for the transposition of Regulation (EU) 2022/2399 on environmental protection related to the European Union Single Window for Customs.

From April 28, 2014 to April 20, 2026, more than 2.7 million Moldovans took advantage of the visa-free regime for short-term travel to the Schengen area, making almost 21 million trips to the EU in these 12 years.

Moldova is willing to share its experience of European integration with Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the implementation of institutional reforms, reiterating the course of deepening cooperation with the states from the region that aspire to join the European Union.

The financial thresholds for classifying an enterprise as micro, small, medium and large will increase from January 1, 2027. They will be adjusted by 25% and rounded up for inflation.

It is proposed that enterprises with an annual turnover of up to EUR 50 million should be categorized as SMEs. Currently, the threshold is 25 million euros in Moldovan lei. It is proposed to increase the volume of total assets of a company twice as much as the current one – up to 43 million euros in MDL.

Moldova intends to establish a new regime of support for the so-called “small enterprises with medium capitalization”. This will provide them with access to European funds in the process of Moldova’s accession to the EU and increase their competitiveness.

Moldova will have a national program in the field of artificial intelligence and data management for 2026-2030. The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization announced the launch of the development of the relevant draft government decree.

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gerasimov is on a visit to Brussels to discuss with European officials the course of the negotiation process and the European agenda in general.

Conservative MPs in Germany’s Bundstag are preparing to give European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen a tough ultimatum: either limit Brussels’ control and cut bureaucracy, or face new attempts to limit the Commission’s powers.

European parliamentarians are actively working on the European Union budget for 2027, which is the final year of the current seven-year planning period (2021-2027). Following the approval of a €90 billion funding package for Ukraine for 2026-2027 to cover budgetary and military needs, there are concerns that additional funding will be needed as early as 2027 due to the deficit.

The Moldovan authorities plan to implement a system of job exchange with the European Union countries, which will allow citizens to get access to job offers abroad, and European employers – to candidates and vacancies on the Moldovan market.

Transnistrian industrialists intend to convey to the EU delegation in Moldova their opinion on the introduction of VAT and excise taxes for enterprises on the left bank of the Nistru River, which are valid on the right bank of the Nistru River. They are concerned about the possible consequences of this step and are ready to develop a common position.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu will pay a working visit to Dubrovnik, Croatia, where he will participate in the 11th summit of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI). In parallel with the official program, closed sessions will be held with the participation of a limited number of investors and key decision makers from the region and beyond.

American entrepreneur Ilon Musk on April 27 once again sharply criticized the European Union. In social network X, he said that the European Commission should be dissolved and replaced by a democratically elected body.