European leaders split over retaliatory tariffs following Trump's Greenland pivot

European Union leaders failed to reach a consensus during an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Despite a sudden de-escalation from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on eight European nations, Council President António Costa's attempt to coordinate a unified response ended without a formal agreement.

Russia demands territorial concessions ahead of UAE peace negotiations

The United States, Ukraine, and Russia are scheduled to hold high-level security talks in Abu Dhabi this Friday, January 23. The negotiations aim to explore a potential peace framework to end the ongoing conflict.

Environment Minister Hajder targets forest resilience to counter Europe's lowest woodland coverage

The Moldovan Government approved a new set of regulations on January 22 to modernize the administration of the country’s state-owned forests between 2026 and 2030. The policy prioritizes ecological health through planned sanitary felling and scientific management to revitalize the nation's aging woodland areas.

Macron vows zero tolerance as French forces seize sanctioned oil vessel

The French Navy intercepted a suspicious oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday morning, January 22, as part of a crackdown on Russia’s clandestine "shadow fleet." The vessel is suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions.

Moldova neutralizes Gheran-2 suicide drone following Crocmaz crash

Moldovan authorities carried out a controlled detonation of a Gheran-2 kamikaze drone discovered Thursday morning in the village of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu confirmed that the device, found in a local garden, carried a 50-kilogram explosive payload that remained intact after the initial crash.

Defense Minister: Moldova to integrate new radar system amid rising drone threats

Moldova is preparing to acquire a new aerial surveillance radar as its current defense infrastructure fails to fully address emerging security risks. Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi announced the move following intensified regional threats and recent airspace violations.

Aging infrastructure triggers emergency shutdown at Moldova’s main power supplier

Transnistria’s breakaway region suffered a major power outage on Friday after a generation unit at the Cuciurgan (MGRES) power plant failed. De facto authorities in Tiraspol reported that the electrical grid was gradually restored across the territory following the incident.

France pledges continued economic support for Moldova as AFD investments hit €208 million

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and French Minister for Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier announced a major economic mission to Chișinău scheduled for March 2026. The agreement was reached on Thursday, January 22, during a bilateral meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Cyber-fraud alert: Scammers impersonating mobile providers in Cahul

Police in the southern Moldovan city of Cahul documented five major phone scams in a single day, reporting total financial losses of €39,070 (approx. 765,800 MDL).

Moldovan judges keep former power broker Plahotniuc in custody until late February

A Chisinau court extended the preventive detention of former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc for an additional 30 days on Wednesday. The ruling ensures the high-profile defendant will remain in custody until at least February 22, 2026.

Soroca magistrate's return to bench denied amid DUI and conduct allegations

The Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) has rejected an appeal by Judge Ghenadie Tocaiuc to resume his duties at the Soroca Court. The magistrate remains suspended as he faces a criminal investigation for driving under the influence (DUI).

Moldovan authorities evacuate village after armed drone crash

Moldovan police have confirmed that a drone discovered on the morning of January 22 in the village of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district, is armed with a live explosive device. The General Inspectorate of Police has established a security perimeter and ordered the immediate evacuation of nearby residents as experts prepare for a controlled detonation.