Moldova
EU ministers discuss multi-speed Europe to prepare for enlargement
To enable enlargement of the bloc from the current 27 members, changes to decision-making processes, agricultural policies and regional aid budgets are being considered.
Romania in talks to take over Moldova’s Giurgiulesti port ahead of Ukraine reconstruction
Romania seeks to take over Moldova’s only port, Giurgiulesti, from the EBRD as it prepares to play a key role in the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.
EBRD projects slowdown in Central Europe, robust growth in Eurasia
High gas prices, China slowdown and shifts in industrial production contribute to slower growth in Central Europe.
Moldova’s GDP down 2.2% y/y in Q2 as consumption plunges
High energy prices dragged down growth, which remained negative for the fifth consecutive quarter.
European Commission president calls to ‘complete' the EU through enlargement
Ursula von der Leyen says “history is calling” to expand the EU, but reforms are needed.
Prices stabilise in Moldova
Annual inflation dropped below 10% y/y for the first time since November 2021, to 9.7% y/y in August.
PM Dorin Recean says Moldova won’t pay Gazprom's $709mn demand
Independent audit finds only $8.6mn of Gazprom's $709mn claims for historic debts are justified.
Moldovan P2P lending platform Fagura to expand to Romania
Moldovan fintech breaks into the EU market with expansion into neighbouring Romania.
CENUSA: Three scenarios for the Transnistrian conflict settlement
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, conflict resolution in Moldova’s separatist Transnistria region appears more realistic, but Chisinau still depends on the Transnistrian region in terms of security and energy.
BALKAN BLOG: How realistic is a 2030 accession target?
When European Council President Charles Michel said the EU and aspiring members should prepare for enlargement by 2030, the response from the Western Balkans was underwhelming.
European Council president says Western Balkans and EU should prepare for enlargement by 2030
Charles Michel says a clear goal must be set to enlarge the EU by the end of this decade.
Serbian president seeks confirmation Ukraine won't recognise Kosovo at Zelenskiy meeting
Presidents affirm support for each other’s territorial integrity at informal Balkan summit despite Aleksandar Vucic’s refusal to sever ties with Russia.
Moldova’s central bank says inflation no longer inhibits growth
Moldova is among the countries worst hit by the war in Ukraine, and inflation soared above 30% y/y for the entire second half of last year.
INTERVIEW: The Austrian troubleshooter cleaning up the Moldovan ‘laundromat’ bank
CEO Alexander Picker says Moldindconbank has made significant progress cleaning up its act but admits there is more to be done.
Moldova’s cherry exports to EU surge 12.5 times in 2023
Lower production in key competitors allowed Moldovan producers to step in to meet the demand for cherries on the EU market.
Romanian route for Ukrainian grain under increasing pressure
Constanta Port is already preparing to handle more Ukrainian grain, but the investments made so far in expanding the port’s capacity might not be sufficient.
Transnistria’s trade gap soars to $974mn in H1
Separatist republic's trade deficit now close to its annual GDP, estimated at around $1bn.
Moldova to summon Russian ambassador over “espionage antennas” scandal
Local investigative journalists said they counted 28 antenna systems installed on the roofs of Russian diplomatic buildings in central Chisinau.
Nearshoring drives hike in demand for industrial space in Southeast Europe
Demand for industrial and logistics space is increasing in Southeast Europe, spurred on by the region’s growing importance as a nearshoring destination serving Western and Central Europe.
Balkans lift otherwise gloomy Emerging Europe outlook for 2023
wiiw forecasts economic slowdown caused by a combination of declining real incomes, the recession in Germany and elevated energy prices.