Climate & Biodiversity Funding: Moldova’s Environment Minister Gheorghe Hazder met the World Bank to advance the “Moldova Green Shield,” focused on restoring forests and degraded lands in the south to protect biodiversity and help communities hit by drought and land degradation. EU Accession & Policy Watch: The European Parliament opened a plenary in Strasbourg with debates on EU security, the next long-term budget, enlargement, and accession talks for Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia—plus votes on air passenger rights and disaster-related financial aid. Governance Shock: A MoldATSA scandal tied to alleged irregularities triggered resignations and the collapse of the government after PM Alexandru Munteanu stepped down; President Maia Sandu is set to consult factions on a new prime minister. Energy & Infrastructure (World Bank): Moldova signed a $1.7 million grant agreement with the World Bank to prepare modernization of Chișinău’s heating system, alongside broader cooperation on environmental protection. Wildfire Readiness: Greece will host 245 European firefighters under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, including teams from Moldova and Romania, during the 2026 wildfire season. Food Safety: Moldova reported a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to events at a Chisinau hotel, while Malta investigated a separate workplace-related foodborne illness cluster. Water & Heat Context: Multiple reports highlight extreme heat and water stress pressures across Europe and globally, underscoring the climate risk backdrop for Moldova’s drought and land challenges.