AGP Executive Report

VAT Protest Threat: Moldovan farmers are threatening street protests over a proposed 50% VAT jump on cereals and oilseed crops, calling it unjust and disastrous amid rising input costs and repeated disaster impacts. School Modernization Tax Relief: A new law puts VAT, excise, customs duties and an environmental pollution fee exemption in place for goods and services used to modernize 15 schools, with incentives estimated at €5.8 million. Danube Delta Sediment Loss: Research highlights how major dams starved the Danube Delta of sediment for decades, accelerating erosion along parts of the Black Sea coast. Transnistria Reintegration Steps: Chisinau says reintegration must be gradual and citizen-focused, pushing direct dialogue and economic, fiscal and educational rapprochement while applying Moldova’s tax regime to left-bank operators. Crisis Preparedness Link to EU: President Maia Sandu met EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, stressing Moldova’s crisis management system and Civil Protection Mechanism support, including help after Dniester pollution from Russian attacks. Local Community Support: The Chisinau Marathon “Not Alone” drive brought thousands together to support children affected by cancer.

Film & Green Industry Links: Romania’s “Come Film in Romania” showcase at TIFF Market (Toronto 2026) pitches local studios, English-speaking crews, and a 30% cash rebate (up to €10m per project) for films and documentaries—an indirect boost for regional creative economies that can also support sustainable production practices. Danube Delta Sediment Loss: New research highlights how giant dams starved the Danube Delta of sediment for decades, accelerating coastal erosion and reshaping one of Europe’s most important wetlands. Moldova–Transnistria Reintegration: Chisinau says the old 5+2 format can’t work now and is pushing direct “1+1” dialogue, aiming for gradual economic, fiscal, and social rapprochement—while VAT changes remain a tension point. Crisis Preparedness & Civil Protection: President Maia Sandu met EU crisis management commissioner Hadja Lahbib, stressing Moldova’s national crisis system and EU Civil Protection Mechanism support, including help after Dniester pollution linked to attacks. Ukraine Winter Risk: A UN official warns Ukraine faces its toughest winter since 2022, with attacks threatening power and water access—a reminder of how regional shocks spill into Moldova’s energy and humanitarian planning. Chisinau Marathon for Children’s Cancer: Over 10,000 runners joined the “Not Alone” Foundation at the Chisinau Marathon, backing children affected by cancer with community support beyond sport.

Danube Delta Sediment Starvation: Research links the Danube Delta’s erosion and reshaping to decades of reduced sediment flow after upstream engineering, especially the Iron Gates dams—an environmental warning for the Black Sea coast. Moldova–Transnistria Reintegration (Economy): Deputy PM Valeriu Chiveri says the national tax regime for left-bank goods has entered a new stage from Sept. 1, aiming for gradual, shock-free integration and stronger social ties. Reintegration Talks (Politics): Chisinau says the old “5+2” format can’t work now and is pushing direct dialogue via “1+1,” alongside fiscal uniformity, Romanian-language school protection, and the Convergence Fund. Dniester Water Stress: Moldova’s environment minister postponed the Dniester Commission emergency meeting to Sept. 14 to review basin status and hydrological forecasts; drought has cut reservoir discharge from 100 to 60 cubic meters per second, raising water-supply risks. Crisis Preparedness: President Maia Sandu met EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, highlighting Moldova’s crisis management system, EU Civil Protection Mechanism support, and help to refugees as winter risks grow. Moldova Aviation Reform: Moldova is preparing its civil aviation sector for Single European Sky requirements, with new rules set to take effect by Dec. 31, 2028.

Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy and civilian economy: UN warns Ukraine faces its “toughest winter” since 2022 as attacks threaten power and water access, with Kyiv and other targets hit by drones and missiles. Moldova–Transnistria reintegration: Deputy PM Valeriu Chiveri says Moldova is moving beyond the stalled “5+2” format toward direct “1+1” dialogue and gradual economic, fiscal and social rapprochement, including bringing left-bank operators under Moldova’s tax regime without “shocks.” Dniester water stress: Moldova’s environment minister postponed the Dniester Commission meeting to Sept. 14 to assess basin status and forecasts after drought cut reservoir discharge and lowered river levels, raising supply risks. EU crisis preparedness ties: President Maia Sandu met EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, highlighting Moldova’s crisis management system and Civil Protection Mechanism support, including help after Dniester pollution from Russian attacks. Aviation policy update: Moldova published rules to prepare its civil aviation for Single European Sky requirements, aiming for more efficient traffic management by 2028. Business deregulation push: PM Vasile Tofan outlined plans to cut bureaucracy and simplify inspections, reviewing dozens of permits and hundreds of procedures. Security spillover: A Russian drone reportedly crossed into Romania before turning back toward Moldova, underscoring the growing drone threat across the region.

Dniester Water Watch: Moldova’s Environment Minister says the Dniester Commission emergency meeting is postponed to Sept 14 to review basin conditions and hydrological forecasts, as drought has cut reservoir discharge from 100 to 60 cubic meters per second—raising risks for river levels, water supply, and the environment. Wildfire Readiness: Romanian firefighters trained alongside Moldovan and other EU teams under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, practicing responses to fast-moving wildfires that are increasingly driven north by climate change. Beekeeping & Sanitation Rules: Local authorities in Moldova’s districts started autumn trainings on new regulations for beekeeping and public sanitation, including how to manage apiary locations on public land and reduce conflicts between farmers and beekeepers. EU Crisis Cooperation: President Maia Sandu met EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, highlighting Moldova’s crisis management system and support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, including help after Dniester pollution tied to Russian attacks. Reintegration, Step by Step: Deputy PM Valeriu Chiveri says reintegration can’t happen via one decision; Chisinau is pushing direct dialogue and gradual rapprochement of the left bank through education, fiscal and legal alignment, and the Convergence Fund. Aviation for Sustainability: Moldova is preparing to implement Single European Sky requirements, aiming for more efficient air traffic management and better connectivity by 2028.

Dniester Water Watch: Moldova’s Environment Minister says the Dniester Commission emergency meeting is moved to Sept 14 to assess basin conditions and hydrological forecasts, as reservoir discharge drops from 100 to 60 cubic meters per second amid drought—raising risks for water supply and the environment. Wildfire Readiness: Romanian, Moldovan and other EU firefighters trained in Greece under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, reflecting how climate change is pushing wildfire seasons northwards. Reintegration, but step by step: Deputy PM Valeriu Chiveri says the old “5+2” format is deadlocked and Moldova is pushing direct dialogue plus gradual economic and educational rapprochement for the left bank, aiming for benefits citizens can feel. EU Civil Protection & Resilience: President Maia Sandu met EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, highlighting Moldova’s crisis management system and full participation in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, including support after Dniester pollution linked to Russian attacks. Local Environment Governance: EcoContact trainings in 11 districts focus on sanitation services, beekeeping rules, and conflict prevention between farmers and beekeepers under new government regulations. Aviation & Sustainability: Moldova is preparing for Single European Sky requirements, aiming for more efficient traffic management and “sustainable development” of civil aviation. Biodiversity-adjacent policy: Moldova’s hunting season calendar for 2026–2027 was approved by the Moldsilva agency. EU-aligned security reality: A Russian drone incident near Chisinau and reports of Zelenskyy’s plane nearly being hit underscore the region’s spillover drone threat.

External Support Results: Moldova’s 2025 external assistance totaled EUR 1.44 billion, backing energy, economy, education, infrastructure, agriculture, justice and social protection—highlighting 88 digitalized public services, 719 jobs, 58 farm investment projects, and modernization of 125+ km of roads and rail. Dniester Water Stress: The Dniester Commission emergency meeting was moved to Sept 14 as drought and reduced reservoir discharges (down from 100 to 60 m³/s) threaten river levels, water supply, and the environment. Aviation & Sustainability: Moldova is preparing to implement EU Single European Sky rules, aiming for more efficient air traffic management and better connectivity, with the framework entering force Dec 31, 2028. Heating Season Planning: Government approved a 2026–2027 heating action plan with 52 measures to keep energy supplies stable amid volatile gas prices, war risks, and drought impacts. Taraclia & Minorities: Bulgaria reaffirmed support for Moldova’s EU path and said Taraclia’s distinct status is preserved, with municipality-level recognition to protect Bulgarian language and identity. Business Deregulation: PM Vasile Tofan presented deregulation steps to cut bureaucracy and simplify inspections, reviewing about 100 acts, 80 permits, and 172 extra procedures. Child Protection Network: EU-funded Interreg work created a cross-border network of 177 Moldova-Romania specialists to shift children from institutional care toward family- and community-based services. Local Environment Training: EcoContact (with Sweden support) trained local authorities on beekeeping rules and sanitation service organization to reduce conflicts and improve protected-environment management.

Dniester Water Watch: Moldova’s Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder postponed the Dniester Commission emergency meeting to Monday, Sept 14, to reassess basin conditions and hydrological forecasts after drought-linked reservoir discharge dropped from 100 to 60 cubic meters per second—raising water-supply concerns for consumers. Biodiversity & Local Livelihoods: EcoContact and the Environment Ministry, with Sweden support, launched autumn Local Environmental Platforms training in Hîncești on beekeeping rules and sanitation service planning, helping local authorities apply new regulations on apiary location and public sanitation. EU Integration & Aviation: Moldova is preparing its civil aviation sector for Single European Sky requirements, aiming for more efficient air traffic management and sustainable development, with the new rules set to enter into force by Dec 31, 2028. Child Protection Reform: A new EU-funded cross-border programme (Moldova–Romania) will support the shift from institutional care to community- and family-based services, training 177 specialists and targeting children at risk of separation. Energy Resilience: The government approved a 2026–2027 heating season action plan with 52 measures and scenarios to keep electricity, gas, heat and fuel supplies stable during winter amid drought and regional energy volatility. Agriculture Under Pressure: Farmers’ group “Forța Fermierilor” warned it may stage massive protests if VAT on cereals and oilseeds rises under the 2027 fiscal policy, arguing drought and market shocks already strain the sector.

Aviation & EU Integration: Moldova is preparing its civil aviation sector for the Single European Sky rules, with a new Implementing Regulation setting responsibilities for air traffic services, communications, navigation, surveillance, meteorology, aeronautical information, air traffic data and digital services—effective for preparation until the rules enter into force on Dec 31, 2028. Water Security: The Novodnestrovsk Reservoir level has dropped to 111.5 meters amid very low inflows, prompting Moldova to coordinate with Ukraine to protect minimum Dniester flows for drinking water and agriculture. Energy Resilience: Government approved a 2026–2027 heating season action plan with 52 measures and scenarios to keep electricity, gas, thermal energy and fuel supplies stable during winter risks. Biodiversity & Hunting Management: Moldsilva approved the 2026–2027 hunting calendar, setting quotas and strict rules (including limits on methods and hunting dogs) to protect wildlife populations and habitats. Local Environment Governance: EcoContact’s EcoContact programme training local authorities on sanitation services and beekeeping rules, including how to apply the new beekeeping and public sanitation regulations. EU Path & Minority Rights (Taraclia): Bulgaria and Moldova reaffirm support for EU accession while stressing protection of the Bulgarian community in Taraclia; the district keeps distinct status under administrative reform. Transnistria Dialogue: Moldova’s leadership met OSCE’s new mission head to push peaceful reintegration and “rapprochement” between the two Dniester banks through concrete economic and social steps. Child Protection Reform: An EU-funded cross-border network of 177 specialists from Moldova and Romania is set to strengthen community- and family-based care for children at risk. Business Deregulation: PM Vasile Tofan presented plans to cut bureaucracy and simplify inspections for private firms, reviewing about 100 legislative acts and roughly 80 permits for elimination or simplification. Agriculture & Tax Pressure: Farmers’ group “Forța Fermierilor” warns against a proposed VAT increase for cereals and oilseeds, threatening major protests if changes move without consultations.

Water & Drought Watch: Moldova says the Novodnestrovsk Reservoir has dropped to 111.5 meters as inflow stays very low, with only 16 cubic meters per second entering while releases continue at 60—prompting talks with Ukraine to protect drinking water and farming needs. Local Environment Governance: EcoContact’s EcoContact programme starts training for local authorities in 11 districts on sanitation services and beekeeping rules, including how to apply the new beekeeping model regulation and public sanitation framework. Biodiversity & Hunting Management: Moldsilva approved the 2026–2027 hunting calendar, setting species-by-species quotas and restrictions, including limits on hunting methods and rules for using hunting dogs. Business Deregulation: The PM unveiled deregulation plans to cut bureaucracy and overhaul private-sector inspections, reviewing about 100 legislative acts, with around 80 permits targeted for elimination or simplification. Energy Resilience: Government approved a 2026–2027 heating season action plan with 52 measures and scenarios to keep electricity, gas, heat and fuel supplies stable during winter risks. Child Protection Reform: A new EU-funded cross-border programme will strengthen community-based child protection services, aiming to move children from residential care into family settings.

Water Crisis: Moldova says the Novodnestrovsk Reservoir has dropped to 111.5 meters as inflow stays far below releases, with drought risks pushing authorities to coordinate with Ukraine to protect Dniester water supply and agriculture. Biodiversity & Land Use: Moldsilva approved the 2026–2027 hunting calendar, setting quotas and strict rules (including limits on hunting methods and firearm controls) aimed at keeping wildlife populations stable. Transnistria & Environment-Linked Stability: Moldova’s PM met the new OSCE Mission head, Christopher Smith, stressing peaceful reintegration and “concrete measures” to bring the two Dniester banks closer—an approach tied to trust and everyday living conditions. EU & Governance: Moldova’s EU path is also being advanced through talks on opening remaining accession negotiation clusters, with Lithuania urging faster progress. Global Climate Conflict Watch: A new analysis warns climate-driven pressure on food, water, and farmland could fuel future instability where institutions are weak. Fisheries: FAO marked the 10th anniversary of the Port State Measures Agreement and welcomed Moldova’s accession, targeting illegal fishing through port controls.

Water Stress in the Dniester Basin: Moldova says the Novodnestrovsk Reservoir has fallen to about 111.5 meters as inflows stay very low, with Ukraine releases still around 60 m³/s—prompting calls to conserve water while talks continue to secure a minimum flow. Transnistria Reintegration via OSCE: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan met new OSCE Mission head Christopher Smith, stressing peaceful reintegration and “concrete measures” to bring the two banks of the Dniester closer; President Maia Sandu also met Smith on stability, dialogue with Tiraspol, and human rights including Romanian-language education. Fiscal Policy for 2027: The government approved changes expected to raise about 5.1 billion lei, including higher excise duties (especially “vices” and gambling), a higher personal exemption (to 40,020 lei), dividend/capital gains adjustments, VAT changes, and new taxes (including on parcels from abroad and electric cars). Biodiversity & Hunting Rules: Moldsilva approved the 2026–2027 hunting calendar with strict quotas and bans (including limits on certain methods and rules for registered hunting dogs). EU Support for Child Protection: A €2.1mn EU-funded programme aims to shift about 500 vulnerable children toward stronger community-based services and move some children with severe disabilities out of residential institutions.

Dniester Water Crisis: The Dniester Reservoir level has fallen to historic lows (about 111.70 m), with inflows far below the agreed discharge, pushing calls to revise reservoir operating rules as the Dniester Commission weighs next steps. Transnistria Reintegration & Rights: President Maia Sandu met the new OSCE Mission head, Christopher Smith, focusing on peaceful reintegration, stability amid hybrid threats, and protecting rights including Romanian-language education; Deputy PM Valeriu Chiveri also discussed sectoral reintegration and harmonizing customs, taxes, and services. EU Accession Momentum: Lithuania says Moldova is ready to open remaining EU accession negotiation clusters, backing acceleration with a target of completing by Jan 1, 2027. Children Online Safety: Moldova and Romania’s First Lady joined an international conference in Chisinau on online safety and mental health, stressing practical support for parents, schools, and rapid help for children. Fisheries Governance: Moldova joined the FAO Port State Measures Agreement push against illegal fishing, as COFI37 opened in Rome. Investment Framework: Parliament advanced a new Law on Investments to create a clearer regime for strategic projects, including “green technologies” and modern infrastructure.

Dniester Water Crisis: The Dniester Reservoir level has fallen to 111.70 meters, with inflows far below the agreed discharge (23 m³/s vs 60 m³/s), and an ecologist warns the situation has “no precedent in historical times,” pushing calls to revise reservoir operating rules. Local Environment Governance: In Anenii Noi, mayors’ offices oppose a planned regional waste management center in Serpeni, asking for transparent site comparisons and community consultations due to existing local environmental pressure. Children, Health & Digital Safety: In Chisinau, President Maia Sandu and Romania’s First Lady Mirabela Gradinaru backed stronger online safety and mental health protections for children and teens, stressing joint action by families, schools, health services, civil society and platforms. EU Funding for Cleaner Mobility: The European Commission opened a €1.1bn CEF Transport call for TEN-T projects with a focus on more sustainable and resilient transport across EU and Moldova/Ukraine. Biodiversity & Fisheries: FAO marked the 10th anniversary of the Port State Measures Agreement, welcoming Moldova as it joins efforts to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Transnistria & Rights: OSCE Mission chief Christopher Smith met Maia Sandu to discuss peaceful reintegration and human rights, including access to education in Romanian.

Dniester Water Stress: Moldova’s Dniester Reservoir level has fallen to historic lows (about 111.70 m), with inflows far below discharge, pushing calls to revise reservoir operating rules as the Dniester Commission weighs next steps. Waste Fight in Anenii Noi: Local mayors oppose a planned regional waste management center in Serpeni, demanding transparent site assessments and community consultations over environmental and local impacts. EU Transport Funding: The European Commission opened a €1.1bn CEF Transport call for TEN-T projects linking Moldova and Ukraine, targeting rail, inland waterways, ports, alternative fuels, border infrastructure and military mobility. Online Safety & Youth Mental Health: In Chisinau, President Maia Sandu and Romania’s First Lady Mirabela Gradinaru backed stronger protections for children online, stressing balanced tech use, reporting pathways, and support for families and schools. Strategic Investment Rules: Moldova’s parliament advanced a new law creating a clearer regime for strategic investments aligned with EU standards, including incentives for green technologies and modern infrastructure. Transnistria Reintegration Talks: Moldova’s reintegration leadership met the new OSCE mission head, focusing on settlement progress, unified public services, and gradual harmonization of customs and taxes. EU Accession Push: Lithuania reiterated support for accelerating Moldova’s EU path, aiming to finish by Jan 1, 2027.

Dniester Water Crisis: The Dniester Reservoir level has fallen to about 111.70 m, with inflows far below the agreed discharge (23 m³/s in vs 60 m³/s out), raising alarms that the situation has “no precedent” and may force new decisions by the Dniester Commission. EU Funding for Green Transport: The European Commission opened a €1.1bn CEF Transport call for TEN-T projects in EU and associated countries, including rail, inland waterways, port charging for alternative fuels, border infrastructure adaptation, and digitalisation—covering Moldova and Ukraine. Waste Fight in Anenii Noi: Local mayors in Anenii Noi oppose a planned Regional Waste Management Center in Serpeni, demanding transparent site comparisons and community consultations due to existing environmental pressure. Online Safety & Youth Mental Health: In Chisinau, President Maia Sandu and Romania’s First Lady Mirabela Gradinaru pushed for practical protections for children online, stressing balanced, responsible tech use and support for parents and schools. Moldova-EU Accession Push: Lithuania says Moldova is ready to open remaining EU accession negotiation clusters and urges acceleration, aiming to finish by Jan 1, 2027. EU Drug Monitoring Boost: Moldova signed an agreement with the EU Drug Agency to speed up alerts on new psychoactive substances and strengthen prevention, early warning, and youth-focused risk response.