The National Bank of Moldova (NBM) has presented an updated macroeconomic forecast, revising the inflation trajectory upwards. The regulator cites rising fuel prices and a more significant increase in regulated energy tariffs as the main drivers of consumer price growth.
The budget deficit of approximately 6 per cent of GDP is “absolutely huge” and “colossal”, and the authorities must reduce it by cutting public spending, not by raising taxes and duties. This is the view of Claudiu Năsui, Minister for Economic Development and Digitalisation, who warns that the loans taken out to cover the deficit will ultimately have to be repaid using taxpayers’ money.
Romania may face a second year of budgetary austerity in 2027, which is likely to be even more painful than the current one. To reduce the deficit, the government will likely have to freeze wages and pensions, raise excise duties and review tax breaks. This was stated by economic adviser Adrian Negrescu following warnings from President Nicușor Dan about the dire state of public finances.
WASHINGTON, DC—Twenty years. Thirty years. Eighty years, and even 90. Some of the positions Democratic candidates won in Tuesday’s midterm elections, from Senate seats to attorneys-general, have not had a blue occupant in decades.
Around 80,000 women aged between 25 and 45 in the Republic of Moldova are not active in the labour market because they are caring for children, older people or those with disabilities. The authorities aim to encourage them to return to work by expanding nursery services and developing care services.
Annual inflation in Moldova accelerated to 10.8 per cent in October from 8.6 per cent in September (6.96 per cent in August), reaching its highest level since June 2023. The latest figures have been released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which notes a peak in consumer price growth across all categories of goods and services.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made support for the EU’s next seven-year budget for 2028–2034 contingent on all member states’ willingness to contribute to the funding of Ukraine. It is estimated that Kyiv will require an additional €70 billion in 2027, of which the EU could provide around €45 billion.
PARIS—I was born in Germany, I studied in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and I served as a reserve officer in the French Navy. Today, I am a French citizen leading a French company that operates in more than 50 countries. I am, above all, a European.
Companies and authorities are as yet unsure how to prepare for the next stage in the development of artificial intelligence (AI), which could transform established business models and revenue streams. Businesses will have to do more than simply adopt new technologies; they will need to rethink the very principles underpinning their operations. This was stated by the renowned Chinese futurist Chen Qiufan.
WASHINGTON, DC—The grandiose claim that “Britannia rules the waves” inspired the wry quip that, in fact, Britannia waives the rules. While the pun was meant as a putdown, waiving rules can be a prudent decision.
