News about Macroeconomics
The eurozone economy unexpectedly slowed at the start of 2026, with soaring energy prices driven by the war in Iran threatening stagflation in the coming months. Data for the first month of fighting in the Middle East, released Thursday, do not fully capture the extent of Europe’s economic slowdown, but give a sense of the scale of the losses.
Moldova’s security is closely linked to the country’s ability to build a sustainable economy and a functioning labor market, says Soros Moldova’s management. The Fund supports the development of a new national employment program for 2027-2031.
Emigration and reduction of the able-bodied population in Moldova are inherited demographic phenomena. This was stated by Labor and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru at the National Forum of Labor Market and Social Dialogue. The authorities intend to make up for this deficit through active policy measures and increased investment in the employment sector.
“We are working in brainstorming mode,” Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said at the National Labor Market and Social Dialogue Forum, discussing the search for solutions to improve the efficiency of the country’s economy.
Military spending by NATO’s European member states grew faster last year than at any time since 1953. They increased by 14% compared to 2024, reaching 739 billion euros.
Swiss bank UBS revised silver price forecasts downward at all key horizons, citing deteriorating supply and demand in the market.
The dollar strengthened after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, signaling a mood for policy tightening. The latest Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting showed the central bank’s increasingly hawkish stance. The trend has put pressure on most Asian currencies, including emerging market currencies.
Oil prices hit a military high on Thursday following a report that the U.S. military will brief President Donald Trump on possible action against Iran. Prices rose after the Wall Street Journal quoted U.S. officials as saying that Donald Trump had instructed his aides to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran.
Moldovan scientists have outlined the main trends in Moldova’s economy. Despite the growth of certain sectors, Moldova’s economy faces serious external imbalances, which led to a record trade deficit of $7.1 billion in 2025.
Moldova will attract $400 million in financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a member of the World Bank Group. The funds will be provided within the framework of the program to support sustainable growth, designed for 2026-2027. The first stage of the program envisages a $250m loan this year, with the remaining $150m to be agreed and received next year.
The Republic of Moldova ranks 27th among 83 countries in the rating of debtors of the International Monetary Fund in nominal terms and 16th in terms of debt-to-GDP ratio.
The German government is preparing to adopt a draft budget for 2027. In addition to a tobacco tax, the authorities want to introduce a tax on sugary drinks.
EU expands subsidies for businesses affected by rising fuel prices. The European Commission has allowed EU countries to increase state subsidies for businesses to cover part of the additional costs of fuel and fertilizers.
The minimum wage threshold for foreign workers will be set at no less than 50% of the projected average monthly wage in the economy. The measure is aimed at ensuring a guaranteed minimum income and a more stable integration of foreign workers in the labor market of the Republic of Moldova.
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.
Chaotic changes in U.S. tariff policy could increase the federal budget deficit by $1.1 trillion over the next decade.
The official presentation of the Board Leadership Program International took place today. The program is presented in Moldova by the Chisinau Business School in partnership with the Bucharest Business School, the Association of Independent Directors of Romania and with the support of ecoDa. “School students” will be representatives of the financial and banking and other business sectors.
The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday, April 28. its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+, dealing a major blow to groups of oil-exporting countries and Saudi Arabia amid an ongoing war with Iran.
In a fresh global ranking of the largest coal consumers, the leading tandem is China and India. These two countries together account for almost 70% of global coal consumption. The Chinese share is 55.8%
According to a survey, energy prices have reduced consumer sentiment in Germany to a three-year low and will apparently decline further. The consumer sentiment index was presented earlier this week by the Nuremberg Institute for Market Solutions (NIM) together with the research institute GfK.
