Mayor of Causeni, detained for a bribe of 89 thousand lei

Alexandru Donțu, the mayor of Căușeni, was detained on March 18th by anti-corruption officers for allegedly soliciting a bribe of 89,300 lei, equivalent to nearly 4,500 euros, in exchange for awarding a contract.

“Our identity and language strengthened”: Ireland as EU accession model

Ireland serves as a strong example of how EU membership can significantly change a country. The Republic of Moldova could follow a similar trajectory with the help of member states, including Ireland. According to Thomas Byrne, Ireland's Minister for European Affairs and Defence, EU membership has greatly influenced the country's economic, social, and cultural development. His experience demonstrates how transformative this process can be for a candidate state.

Four men from Hâncești and Strășeni sold EU-stolen cars in Moldova; face up to 10 years

Cars stolen from European Union countries are smuggled into the Republic of Moldova and sold through specialized online platforms. This scheme was operated by a group of four men originally from the Hâncești and Strășeni districts.

Files on educator Ludmila Vartic’s death merged into one case

The cases concerning the death of Ludmila Vartic, a teacher from Hâncești found dead in early March after allegedly falling from a height, have been merged into a single trial. The case is being examined under the charge of domestic violence with the intent to commit suicide. Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the head of the General Inspectorate of Police (IGP), announced that the investigation is being conducted by the Hâncești investigation unit.

New border overflights: A Shahed military drone spotted over the Republic of Moldova

Moldovan airspace was again invaded by a drone on the night of March 18, near the Palanca border crossing. This marks the second consecutive day of such incidents.

IN CONTEXT | Experts: Technical talks signal Brussels’ confidence

The Republic of Moldova could benefit from European investment and economic support prior to becoming a member state of the European Union (EU) through a gradual integration mechanism. This model would strengthen the country's candidate status, and according to Watchdog expert Andrei Curăraru on the Moldova 1 show, "the situation must be leveraged to the country's advantage."

Soroca without tap water: residents carry well water; authorities bring tankers

Many residents of Soroca are still without tap water, and by Wednesday, March 18, several neighborhoods in the city may have their water supply completely cut off. Authorities are exploring alternative water supply solutions, and the municipal enterprise "Apa-Canal" is working to restart the artesian wells in the village of Egoreni.

Cernăuțeanu: Tudora drone posed higher explosion risk

A drone discovered in Tudora, located in the Stefan Voda district, was found to contain extremely dangerous cargo. In light of this, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the head of the General Inspectorate of Police (IGP), is urging citizens to avoid approaching such objects and to contact the authorities immediately if they encounter one. This warning follows an incident in which a man filmed the drone he found near his home and approached it, unaware of the potential risks.

Brussels talks on Transnistrian conflict settlement

A foreign country exerts significant influence over the separatist administration in Tiraspol, even though it may not directly control it. Chisinau aims to change this situation by establishing an impartial international civilian mission that promotes a neutral policy in the reintegration process. These statements were made by Valeriu Chiveri, the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, in response to press questions about the document he presented to European partners during his visit to Brussels last week.

European Council chief: EU enlargement is top priority

The European Union (EU) considers the enlargement to include the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova to be a top priority. However, numerous reforms must be implemented to meet all the Copenhagen criteria, as enlargement is merit-based. This was stated by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, according to Tanjug's report on March 17, as quoted by Agerpres.

Moldova requests additional intervention measures on the Nistru from Ukraine

The source of pollution in the Nistru has been stopped, according to Ukrainian authorities, the Embassy of Ukraine in Moldova reports, following a meeting between Ambassador Paun Rohovei and Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder. Chișinău has called for the urgent establishment of an effective mechanism for continuous coordination and information-sharing between the competent institutions of both countries.

“Better conditions nationwide”: Projects to be funded with €189 million from the EU

The new €189 million tranche from the Growth Plan, disbursed by the European Commission on March 17, will fund the construction of the Bălți Regional Hospital, expand access to drinking water in several localities, and develop childcare services, announced Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.