● MONDAY, November 25
NAER rejects Tofilat's bill: It is unjustified and goes against EU directives
The draft law proposed by Sergiu Tofilat is not justified as the existing legal framework guarantees the efficient management of corporate governance situations, without affecting the functioning of the energy market and without endangering the stability of the sector, said the National Agency for Energy Regulation (NAER), according to which such an initiative violates EU directives.
Three persons face jail terms for putting counterfeit money into circulation
Two men aged 26 and 30 and a 27-year-old woman from Chisinau are suspected of putting counterfeit money into circulation and risk imprisonment.
Republic of Moldova will gradually introduce mandatory storage of petroleum products
The Republic of Moldova plans to gradually introduce the obligation to stockpile petroleum products by 2030. The State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Constantin Borosan, who took part in a simulation exercise organized by the International Energy Agency in Paris, announced about this. The event in the French capital showed that the Republic of Moldova is vulnerable to a potential disruption of oil product deliveries. Commercial stocks usually provide up to 20 days of domestic consumption.
World Bank encourages Moldova to urgently transition to a new growth model
Despite some progress, the Republic of Moldova faces challenges such as low productivity in non-agricultural sectors, over-reliance on declining remittances, and demographic changes characterized by a shrinking and ageing population. In this context, the country urgently needs to transition to a new growth model. The conclusions are contained in the World Bank's new Country Report on the Economy of the Republic of Moldova, which outlines the main reforms needed to accelerate economic growth and align with EU standards.
European Commission asks Chisinau to submit plans before gas transit through Ukraine is stopped
The European Commission has asked Chisinau to prepare all necessary plans ahead of the expected halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine to the Transnistrian region and said it is ready to provide support, if needed, to guarantee Moldova's energy security.
Smuggling of 100 tons of ethyl alcohol. Group exposed
Law enforcers have uncovered the illegal activity of a group smuggling ethyl alcohol into Moldova and Ukraine. The suspects are facing 4 to 10 years in prison.
● TUESDAY, November 26
NBM governor says inflation will stay at 5%, details risks for 2025
The National Bank of Moldova (NBM) forecasts that inflation will stay at around 5% in the next eight quarters, plus-minus 1.5 percentage points, but risks are also anticipated. "There are external risks related to geopolitics, military conflicts, the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, as well as aspects directly related to the economy, to how the economy develops in the major countries, in the states that are for us the main trading partners," the central bank’s governor Anca Dragu stated in the podcast "Give sense to money".
EU in dialogue with Chisinau on natural gas supply to the Transnistrian region
The European Union is maintaining ongoing discussions with the Government of the Republic of Moldova regarding the supply of natural gas to the Transnistrian region, stated Janis Mazeiks, the EU Ambassador to Chisinau, during the Forum on European Integration of the Republic of Moldova.
Moldovans spent over half a billion euros on vacations this year
The total amount spent by Moldovans on vacations this year exceeds 540 million euro. This includes all types of trips abroad, including those on their own and additional expenses. The findings are made by economist Veaceslav Ionita, who says that by the end of the year the number of people going on vacation through travel agencies will exceed 400 thousand.
On the verge of winter, Moldovagaz is asking for a 40% increase in gas tariffs
Moldovagaz has submitted to the National Agency for Energy Regulation a request to increase the natural gas tariff by almost 40%, about 4 lei more for a cubic meter, starting December 1.
● WEDNESDAY, November 27
Gazprom's plan for 2025 assumes no more transit via Ukraine to Europe, sources
Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom is making the assumption that no more gas will flow to Europe via Ukraine after December 31 in its internal planning for 2025, said Reuters, with reference to sources familiar with the plans.
NAER puts off meeting where it was to consider increasing natural gas charge
The National Agency for Energy Regulation (NAER) postponed Wednesday’s meeting at which it was supposed to examine Moldovagaz's request to increase the natural gas charge by 40%.
NBM: International reserves are a buffer from external shocks for economy
International reserves are external assets controlled by the country's monetary authority, the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova, and are available to cover the needs of financing the balance of payments, to honor the state's external commitments, to make foreign exchange interventions in order to mitigate excessive fluctuations of the official exchange rate. The external objectives include maintaining confidence in the national currency and the economy. The explanations were provided by the central bank, in partnership with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup", within the National Financial Education Campaign.
Grosu about Parlicov's visit to Gazprom and uncertainty after January 1, 2025
After January 1, 2025, it is not clear whether the transit of gas through Ukraine from Russia will be allowed for the left bank of the Nistru, where about 300,000 citizens live, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said in a TV show on TVR Moldova.
Over 1,000 families bought homes through "First Home Plus"
More than 1,000 families managed to buy new homes during three months, since the launch of the "First Home Plus" program in August. The new program implemented by the Government attracted a significant number of young beneficiaries, with an average age of 35 years. They raised mortgages to buy homes that cost 400,000 to 2.5 million lei.
Dorin Junghietu and Eduard Calancea to be considered again for posts at Moldovagaz
The nomination of Dorin Junghietu to the position of president of Moldovagaz and of Eduard Calancea for member of the company’s Board of Directors will be put to the vote again. Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov told about the consensus reached with Gazprom at a news conference centering on the results of his visit to St. Petersburg, where the two candidates also went.
International report on women in Moldova: More roles, but lower salaries
In the Republic of Moldova, the number of employed women is higher than that of men in the labor force. However, men continue to earn higher salaries due to their preference for technical professions. These findings, supported by statistical and comparative analysis, are highlighted in a report by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Penalties of 4 million lei for illegal business. Warning from the tax office
The State Tax Service reports, for the first10 months of this year, 2,284 cases of conducting economic activities without complying with legal regulations, an increase of 18.28% compared to the same period last year. As a result, fines totaling 3.9 million lei were imposed.
Public service obligation for Energocom extended until March 31, 2025
The public service obligation for JSC "Energocom" has been extended until March 31, 2025, - is the decision approved on Wednesday by the Government. According to the Ministry of Energy, the measure is necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply to Moldovan consumers.
ANRE explains the urgent adjustment of gas prices
The National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) has provided explanations for initiating the urgent adjustment of natural gas prices. Key reasons include the significant rise in natural gas procurement costs on international markets and the need to ensure the supplier’s viability while avoiding financial risks.
Public service obligation for Energocom extended until March 31, 2025
The public service obligation for JSC "Energocom" has been extended until March 31, 2025, - is the decision approved on Wednesday by the Government. According to the Ministry of Energy, the measure is necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply to Moldovan consumers.
For every four kilograms of Moldovan grapes exported, three go to the European market
The value of table grape exports from Moldova to EU countries reached 627 million lei in the first 10 months of the year, almost twice as much as in the same period last year. Romania and Poland top the list of Moldovan grape imports. The EU dominates the market, and new destinations include countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, government spokesman Daniel Voda told a press conference.
● THURSDAY, November 28
Cryptocurrencies: Trends, advantages, and risks - A note by Vitalie Rapcea, Expert-Grup
Cryptocurrencies, digital currencies that use cryptography to secure transactions, have gained immense popularity in recent years, transforming perceptions of traditional financial systems. They are primarily traded as investment instruments. Despite outperforming the well-established S&P 500 stock index over the past decade, cryptocurrency investments remain highly volatile and risky, notes Vitalie Rapcea, Program Director at Expert-Grup, in an informational note.
Moldova's power system was not affected by the air strike in Ukraine, Moldelectrica
State Enterprise "Moldelectrica" announces that the national electro-energetic system is working stably and has not registered any disconnections after the night attack on the power system in Ukraine. In case of any changes, Moldelectrica promises to come back with information.
"Hilton" Hotel Chain expands to Moldova with an initial €5 million investment
The international Hilton brand is entering the Moldovan market, with the first Hilton Garden Inn set to open in Chisinau in 2026. The project involves the reconstruction of the historic Hotel Dacia, located in the historic center of the capital.
Competition announced for the position of ANRE General Director
The Parliamentary Committee for Economy, Budget, and Finance has announced a competition to select a new General Director for the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE).
Moldova to participate in CEB capital increase
The Republic of Moldova will participate in the CEB capital increase, following the approval of a resolution by the Governing Board of the Council of Europe Development Bank. A draft law in this regard was given a first reading by Parliament.
NAER proposes lower gas charge than that requested by Moldovagaz
The National Agency for Energy Regulatory (NAER) suggested a charge of 15.5 lei (16.74 lei with VAT) per cubic meter of gas, according to a draft decision published on the Agency’s website. The meeting at which the new charge is to be approved will take place on Friday, November 29, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Companies will pay lower fines if they admit anticompetitive behavior
Companies in the Republic of Moldova can benefit from a 10% to 30% reduction in the fine if they admit to committing an anticompetitive practice. The draft law was approved on Thursday by the Competition Council.
Average monthly salary for next year will be 16,100 lei
The average monthly salary in 2025 will be 16,100 lei, according to a draft decision presented for public consultations.
● FRIDAY, November 29
Moldovan leu at its 31st anniversary. National currency continues to make history
The national currency, the Moldovan leu, is the witness to the transformations that the Republic of Moldova has gone through, from gaining independence to its path towards European integration, the governor of the National Bank of Moldova Anca Dragu says in a message dedicated to the 31st anniversary of the introduction of the Moldovan leu.
Gas charge will be 16.74 lei per cubic meter from December 1
The National Agency for Energy Regulatory accepted an increase of 3.4 lei in the natural gas charge to 15.5 lei per cubic meter. With VAT, the charge is 16.74 lei. The adjusted rates will enter into force on December 1.
On leu’s day, NBM launches commemorative coins "Anniversary of national currency"
The National Bank of Moldova (NBM) has put into circulation commemorative coins called "Anniversary of the national currency", thus celebrating the Moldovan leu that was introduced as a national currency on November 29, 1993.
Sale and purchase of vehicles goes online
The citizens of the Republic of Moldova will be able to sell or buy a car without going to the subdivisions of the Public Services Agency (PSA). This can be done online. Thus, the vehicle sale-purchase contract will be automatically generated, in electronic format and will be available from MCabinet. At the same time, the provisional registration certificate, in electronic format, in the name of the new owner, can be obtained immediately after the transaction is validated by the PSA.
After natural gas, heat charge will also be raised
After the natural gas charge was raised, the heat charge will also be increased. The National Agency for Energy Regulation’s director Alexei Taran confirmed the information at a press conference. He noted that discussions between the Agency and thermal energy operators will be initiated in the near future.
Average gross monthly wage in the third quarter reached 14 117 lei
14 117 lei - was the average gross monthly wage in the third quarter of 2024. The figure is up by more than 14% compared to the third quarter of 2023 and by 0.3% compared to the second quarter of this year, show the data of the National Bureau of Statistics.
More than 140 million euro loan for Chisinau from BERD
The government is borrowing €143.5 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (BERD) to optimize the centralized heat supply system. According to the project, 2,510 individual thermal points will be installed and horizontal distribution of heat will be implemented in 1,665 residential blocks, so that consumers can regulate their own heat and (de)connect themselves individually from the grid.
● SATURDAY, November 30
Domestic owners asked to provide animals with appropriate conditions in winter
The National Food Safety Agency reminds the owners of animals and birds that the cold season of the year is difficult for animals and fowl and that they need special care is winter.
Traveler declaration mandatory at customs posts in particular conditions
The State Customs Service warns that during the winter period when the citizens of the Republic of Moldova intend to vacation or return from abroad, it is necessary to fill in the traveler declaration in order to cross the border. The declaration of the goods transported in personal luggage will ensure quick and smooth passage of customs posts, noted the Customs Service.
Energocom pays back 1bn lei into state budget
The energy company Energocom announced that in recent days it has returned 1 billion lei into the state budget in two tranches, following the reduction of its share capital.
Trade unions seek pay raise and capping of prices of food products and services
Trade unions in Moldova demand to call an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Dorin Recean to examine measures to increase salaries and social benefits for the population. Without them, the citizens will not be able to support themselves and pay for public utilities as a result of the increase in gas charges, warned the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova.
Citizens urged to be careful when using decorative lights during winter holidays
All electrical lighting installations, especially those that are to be used in particularly dangerous conditions, must be set up only by authorized electrotechnical personnel, who possess knowledge in the field and who must take into account the normative requirements. The clarification was made by the National Agency for Energy Regulation in connection with the use by citizens of decorative lighting during the winter holidays.
Moldovagaz chief urges to combine forces to overcome crisis
"This is not the time for scandals. The people want their problems solved. All risks are taken into account and all those responsible are fully involved in the anti-crisis plan," MoldovaGaz interim president Vadim Ceban posted on social media on Saturday morning.
