Drought Watch: Moldova’s rivers are running low again. The Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Authority warns that during Aug 29–Sep 4 flows on the Dniester, Prut and many smaller rivers stay far below normal, with several watercourses under Code Orange or even Code Red (some down to ~10–15% of the usual monthly average), urging people and businesses to use water more rationally. Water Sharing: Moldova and Ukraine agreed to keep Dniester flow at 60 m³/s for the next two weeks after an initial Ukrainian proposal to cut it to 50 m³/s; the deal is tied to drought pressure, reservoir levels, and even electricity imports. Agri-Climate Policy: New Agriculture Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu says smart farming and irrigation must be priorities as drought reshapes how Moldova should farm, with EU alignment and a stronger agri-food value chain also on the agenda. Circular Economy: ABS 2000 opened a glass recycling plant in Romania, expanding recycling capacity and turning used glass into secondary raw materials—supported by the Romanian Environmental Fund and maib. Transnistria Tax Shift: Moldova started implementing the law ending benefits for economic agents from the Transnistrian region, applying VAT and excise taxes from Sep 1, 2026 for selected goods (with more categories phased in later). OSCE Leadership: Christopher W. Smith took office as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, also serving as mediator in the Transnistrian settlement process, with a focus on confidence-building between both banks of the Dniester.