Governments in the Western Balkans are overly focused on attracting foreign direct investment, particularly in manufacturing, at the expense of other crucial areas needed to close the income gap with the European Union. The World Bank predicts growth for Western Balkan economies over the next three years, but not enough for significant medium-term convergence with EU income levels. Serbia's economic development, heavily reliant on foreign direct investment, exemplifies this issue.

Romania’s former president Ion Iliescu was questioned at his home in Bucharest regarding the 'Mineriada Case', a significant event in Romanian history where protests against post-communist authorities were violently suppressed in the early 1990s. Prosecutors informed Iliescu of his indictment, and he was interviewed at home due to his age. The investigation also involves former PM Petre Roman, vice-PM Gelu Voican Voiculescu, former intelligence chief Virgil Magureanu, and miners' leader Miron Cozma. The case centers on the brutal repression of demonstrators in Bucharest in June 1990, resulting in deaths, rapes, and illegal detentions.

The Romanian Army is experiencing significant personnel shortages, with 43% of officer positions unfilled. Low salary levels are cited as a primary cause. Defence Minister Angel Tilvar and other officials, including Nicolae Ciuca and General Gheorghita Vlad, have discussed potential solutions, including a new voluntary military service scheme. The Defence Ministry has ruled out compulsory military service but is considering amendments to existing laws to introduce term-based voluntary service. The issue is gaining attention amid increased Russian military activity in the region.

Ilan Shor, a fugitive Moldovan oligarch, launched a new anti-EU political bloc named 'Victory' in Moscow, comprising representatives from several Moldovan parties. Shor, convicted for a major banking theft, aims to steer Moldova closer to Russia and away from the EU. The bloc plans to participate in upcoming elections, despite some parties being banned. Moldovan officials and opposition leaders criticize the bloc as a Russian-backed effort to destabilize Moldova, with significant implications for the country's political landscape and EU integration efforts.

The Constitutional Court of Moldova has approved a referendum on EU accession, set for October 20 alongside the presidential elections. Initiated by President Maia Sandu, the referendum aims to amend the Constitution to include European integration as a strategic objective. The Action and Solidarity party has begun a campaign to inform citizens about the benefits of joining the EU. This will be the first referendum in Moldova to potentially change the Constitution, emphasizing the country's commitment to its European course.

President Klaus Iohannis cited inflation, budgetary difficulties, and the global arms crisis as reasons for Romania's failure to meet its 2023 defence spending target of 2.5% of GDP, achieving only 1.6%. Despite NATO's long-standing recommendation for members to allocate at least 2% of GDP to defence, Romania's spending has declined since 2020. In 2024, the Romanian Defence Ministry has been allocated its largest budget in 30 years, with significant funds earmarked for new equipment. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted that 18 NATO members are expected to meet the 2% target in 2024, a significant increase from 2014.

Journalist Emilia Sercan won a lawsuit granting her access to all doctoral theses from the Romanian Police Academy, continuing her efforts to expose plagiarism among high dignitaries. Sercan has previously won similar cases, including one against the Romanian Intelligence Service. She was threatened with death in 2019 by an officer from the Alexandru Ioan Cuza Police Academy. The High Court of Cassation and Justice sentenced the former rector and vice-rector of the academy to suspended three-year prison terms for attempted blackmail in July 2022.

The proposed referendum on Moldova's EU accession, scheduled to coincide with the presidential elections in November, has sparked significant debate. President Maia Sandu, who announced her candidacy for a second term, is seen by some experts as using the referendum to bolster her re-election chances. Sandu is already popular among Moldovans, and the combined events could further enhance her standing in the presidential poll.

Simona Halep, a Romanian tennis player and former number one in the Women’s Tennis Association ranking, will return to play after her doping suspension was reduced from four years to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Halep had tested positive for the banned substance Roxadustat at the US Open and claimed it was due to contaminated supplements. She has filed a lawsuit against Quantum Nutrition, seeking over $10 million in damages, and has ceased collaboration with the Mouratoglou Academy.

The head of the Moldovan Intelligence and Security Service, Alexandru Musteata, has accused Russia of attempting to interfere in Moldova's electoral processes to obstruct its path towards EU membership. Moscow is allegedly targeting upcoming presidential elections, an EU integration referendum, and parliamentary elections. The interference involves supporting pro-Russian political actors and spreading disinformation through apps like Telegram and TikTok, as well as banned TV channels. The fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor is identified as a key figure in these destabilization efforts, particularly in the pro-Russian regions of Gagauzia and Transnistria.

A study by the Partnership for Development Centre reveals that 70% of Moldovans would not accept LGBT individuals as neighbors, and 50% would not accept people with HIV. The study highlights significant discrimination against these groups in Moldova. Natalia Covrig emphasizes the early stage of combating stereotypes, while Leo Zbanca from Genderdoc-M points to Russian media's role in spreading anti-LGBT narratives. Irina Corobcenco from Promo-LEX notes the prevalence of hate speech, especially during elections, often propagated by public figures.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has warned Moldova of a potential military response if it attempts to resolve the Transnistrian issue by force. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Russia's commitment to defending its citizens in Moldova. The Institute for the Study of War suggests that Russia is preparing a hybrid operation in Moldova to destabilize the region and prevent its EU integration. Transnistrian leader Vadim Krasnoselky and former Moldovan Defence Minister Anatol Salaru echoed concerns about the potential for conflict and Russia's strategic interests in the region.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, many Palestinians have sought asylum in Southeast Europe, particularly in Turkey and Greece. Turkey has seen a significant increase in Palestinian irregular migrants, while Greece has also been a key destination, especially the islands of Kos and Samos. Other countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Poland, and Croatia have also seen varying numbers of Palestinian asylum seekers. The EU Asylum Agency notes that some EU countries may report Palestinian applications under stateless individuals. Bulgaria has not seen an increased presence of Palestinian refugees despite initial concerns.

Around 1,000 people gathered in Comrat, Gagauzia, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of an illegal referendum on the region's independence if Moldova loses its sovereignty. The referendum, held in 2014, saw 98% of participants vote for independence and joining the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union. Gagauzia's Governor, Evghenia Gutul, emphasized the importance of the referendum as a democratic expression. The event highlighted ongoing tensions between the pro-Russian Gagauz community and Moldova's pro-Western government, amid historical fears of Moldova rejoining Romania.

Moldova's Education and Research Ministry condemned a directive in Gagauzia urging teachers and students to march in commemoration of a 2014 illegal referendum supporting Gagauzia's separation from Moldova if it loses sovereignty. The ministry emphasized the prohibition of political propaganda in education. The Gagauz, a pro-Russian ethnic minority, are at odds with Moldova's pro-Western government. Gagauzia's new governor, Evghenia Gutul, is linked to Ilan Shor, a fugitive oligarch accused of destabilizing Moldova. President Maia Sandu warned of potential Russian attempts to destabilize Moldova ahead of the 2024 elections and EU referendum.

Moldova has experienced a 30% increase in citizenship applications since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Mircea Esanu, director of the Public Services Agency. The surge includes applications for recognition or reacquisition of Moldovan citizenship, involving individuals born in Moldova or the former Socialist Republic of Moldova, as well as their descendants. This rise has raised concerns about potential security risks.

Moldova and Ukraine are set to join the natural gas Vertical Corridor of Central and South-Eastern Europe, enhancing their energy security and reducing dependence on Russian gas. The inclusion will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding at the CESEC Ministerial Conference. The Vertical Corridor will connect existing national gas grids and infrastructure, facilitating gas transit from Greece to several European countries. This move aligns with Europe's strategy to diversify gas sources amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Gazprom's influence in Moldova has waned, with Russian gas now only supplied to the Transnistrian region.

Media associations in Moldova, including the Independent Press Association and the Center for Journalistic Investigations, have criticized Russia's ban on seven Moldovan journalists. The ban is seen as evidence of Moscow's continued efforts to influence Moldova, despite hopes that Russia might reduce its interference. The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused Moldova of persecuting Russian media, while Moldova's Foreign Ministry reaffirms its dedication to protecting the country's security and sovereignty. The total number of Moldovans banned by Russia since the invasion of Ukraine has reached 49.

The Bucharest Court of Appeal overturned a previous court decision to seize assets worth several million dollars from social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan. The assets included luxury cars, and the decision is now sent back for re-examination by a lower court. The Tate brothers, who were indicted in June 2023 for human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal group, have denied the allegations. Romanian authorities had confiscated cars, luxury watches, real estate, and cryptocurrency assets from the brothers. Andrew Tate responded to the court's decision, claiming innocence and criticizing the seizure of assets without evidence. The companies SC Ground Breaking Development SRL, Talisman Enterprises SRL, and The Cannon Run Limited were also involved in the appeal.

Moldova has announced that starting January 1, companies in the breakaway region of Transnistria must pay taxes on goods imported into the region, a move criticized by Transnistrian leader Vadim Krannoselsky. This decision marks a shift from the 1997 legislation that exempted Transnistrian economic agents from customs duties. The Moldovan government aims to integrate Transnistrian companies into Moldova’s single economic space and ensure fair competition. Transnistrian companies must now register in Chisinau to export goods. Investigative reports revealed that in 2020, Transnistria imported cigarettes worth $22 million without paying taxes, resulting in a $60.2 million tax revenue loss for Moldova.

Marin Pavlescu, a former Moldovan soldier, was awarded 120,000 lei in compensation after being subjected to harassment for being gay by the Moldovan Defence Ministry and a military unit. The Chisinau Court ruled that the 2nd Motorized Infantry Brigade 'Stefan Cel Mare' and the Defence Ministry must pay for moral damages and trial expenses. Pavlescu recounted enduring systematic violence and discrimination during his service and plans to appeal for further justice. The Defence Ministry has not commented on the ruling.

The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), a nationalistic right-wing party, is campaigning to unite smaller nationalist and far-right parties ahead of Romania's 2024 elections. AUR promotes a nationalist, Euro-skeptic, and anti-NATO agenda, which has been criticized as aligning with Russian propaganda. The party, led by George Simion and Senator Claudiu Tarziu, aims to challenge the 'so-called democratic bloc' of PSD, PNL, and UDMR. AUR has been described as extremist and anti-Semitic, but it has recently included businessmen of Israeli and Lebanese origin to demonstrate inclusivity. Despite past accusations of anti-Semitism against Simion, AUR insists it is based on the pillars of the Romanian nation, family, freedom, and Christian faith. Opinion polls suggest AUR and another nationalist party could win seats in the European Parliament elections.

Authorities in Chisinau and Athens are taking steps to implement the Istanbul Convention to prevent violence against women and domestic violence, but more action is needed. Reports by the Council of Europe’s GREVIO highlight progress and shortcomings in both countries. Moldova has shown significant commitment, opening its first specialized service for victims of sexual violence, but needs to address other forms of violence and improve rural support. Greece has established specialized police units and legal reforms but faces issues with judicial biases and media reporting. GREVIO recommends further resources, training, and support services in both countries.

Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, stated in June that Moldova could potentially join the EU without resolving the issue of Transnistria, a breakaway region. This comes as the EU considers accelerating expansion to include countries like Moldova, Georgia, the Balkan states, and Ukraine, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moldova, along with Ukraine, received candidate status four months post-invasion, despite not having full control over their internationally recognized territories.

In early October, Moldova's pro-Russian former president, Igor Dodon, visited Hungary with his Socialist Party's mayoral candidate for Chisinau, Adrian Albu, to discuss the implementation of policies similar to those in Hungary. The visit highlighted the opposition Socialist Party's intentions to create a Ministry of Family to promote traditional male-female family values and to ban 'LGBT propaganda' in schools, mirroring Hungarian policies.

In an interview with Euronews, Maia Sandu, a pro-European former World Bank adviser and Moldova's ex-prime minister, discusses her vision for Moldova's future and her candidacy in the upcoming presidential election against the incumbent, pro-Russian President Igor Dodon. Sandu emphasizes the need for a 'cleansing of the political class' to address issues like migration, corruption, and weak state institutions. She advocates for closer ties with the European Union and Romania, contrasting her stance with Dodon's pro-Russian orientation. Sandu also comments on the situation in Belarus, seeing it as a warning for Moldova regarding the tolerance for election fraud. The article also touches on Moldova's geopolitical position, its relationship with NATO, and the potential for change in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The Moldovan Constitutional Court's decision on October 3 to allow the pro-Russian Ilan Shor Party to participate in upcoming local elections has sparked controversy due to previous rulings that annulled this right and outlawed the party for fraudulent activities. The court's earlier decision on June 19 and subsequent parliamentary vote on July 11 to ban Shor Party members from elections for three years have added to the debate over constitutional rights and the party's alleged criminal affiliations.

Iulian Rusu, the director of Moldova’s National Anticorruption Centre (CNA), has resigned, as announced by the speaker of parliament, Igor Grosu. Rusu, who took office in February 2022, previously worked at the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE). His resignation comes ahead of local elections and amidst concerns of election fraud linked to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor. Rusu had conflicts with Veronica Dragalin, head of the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office (PA), over collaboration issues and evidence handling in corruption cases. A special undercover operation against Shor also caused misunderstandings between the CNA and PA. Moldova is awaiting a report from the European Commission on its fulfillment of conditions for justice reform and anti-corruption, which will influence the European Council's decision in December on whether Moldova can start EU accession negotiations.

The Romanian Football Federation condemned far-right fans for chanting political slogans during a match between Romania and Kosovo, while praising the majority of fans who opposed the ultras. The match was halted due to the chants, which included messages claiming Kosovo and Moldova as parts of Serbia and Romania, respectively. The ultras, known for their nationalist views and violent behavior, had previously caused disturbances at other matches. Romania's National Council for Combating Discrimination emphasized that sports should be free from geopolitical messages, and the Romanian team now faces the possibility of playing without spectators due to UEFA's pending decision after a previous incident involving xenophobic chants.

Following two fatal explosions at an LNG station in Crevedia, Romania, which resulted in two deaths and dozens of injuries, Bucharest authorities have ordered inspections of all fuel stations in the city. The explosions, one of which occurred during firefighter intervention, have led to 41 hospitalizations, with six individuals intubated. Romania has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism for victim transfer, and some patients are being sent to hospitals in Austria and Germany. The National Agency for Environmental Protection revealed that the LNG station's environmental license expired in October 2020 and was not renewed. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has promised that those responsible will face consequences and has pledged government support for the damages.

Moldovan authorities denied entry to Bosnian-born musician Goran Bregovic and his band due to alleged support for Russia's annexation of Crimea. The Border Police, acting on risk analysis and information exchanges, prevented Bregovic from performing at the Gustar festival. Bregovic expressed disappointment on social media, noting his successful tours across Europe. Moldova's former pro-Russian president, Igor Dodon, commented on the ban, while the Serbian Foreign Ministry sought an explanation, citing traditionally friendly relations. The article was updated to clarify Bregovic's Bosnian origin.

Human rights NGOs in Moldova are urging authorities to investigate the murder of Oleg Khorzhan, leader of the opposition Communist Party in Transnistria, who was killed in his home. Khorzhan, known for his activism against the pro-Russian regime in the breakaway region, had recently signed a cooperation declaration with the Moldovan Civil Congress. The ruling Obnovlenie Party in Transnistria, supported by Sheriff Holding, is implicated in maintaining control over the region. Promo-LEX, a prominent human rights NGO, suspects Khorzhan's murder was politically motivated, despite local authorities suggesting it was a robbery.

Romanian MEPs assert that Austria is facing significant pressure to approve Romania and Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area, following a European Parliament resolution criticizing Austria's veto. The resolution, which passed with substantial support, highlights the economic and environmental harm caused by the veto, and calls for an assessment of potential financial compensation for Romania and Bulgaria. Despite Romania being technically ready for Schengen for over 12 years, political decisions have prevented its accession, fueling euroscepticism and playing into Russian propaganda.

Romania will establish a pilot training facility for F-16 aircraft, including for Ukrainian pilots, as part of a new transatlantic military project. The training centre will make Romania a regional leader in F-16 pilot training, with support from allies, NATO partner states, and Lockheed Martin. The Romanian Air Force, which currently has 17 F-16s, will upgrade its fleet and has also signed a contract with Norway to purchase 32 additional F-16s. Several NATO countries, including Denmark and the Netherlands, are leading efforts to provide Ukraine with F-16 jets and training, with Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and the UK also participating.

Rustam Ashurov, a Tajik national wanted for kidnapping, died after being wounded by special forces at Chisinau International Airport, Moldova. He had killed two Moldovan officers, Serghei Muntean and Igor Ciofu, when denied entry. Ashurov, a former Tajik policeman, was not listed as a suspect internationally or as a terrorist. He was linked to a recent kidnapping of a banker from Orienbank. Moldovan President Maia Sandu posthumously awarded medals to the slain officers, and national mourning was declared.

The Constitutional Court of Moldova's decision on June 19 to declare the Shor Party unconstitutional has led to controversy. While some support the ban due to the party's illegal activities, including paid protests, vote buying, and ties with Russia, others are concerned about potential government suppression of opposition. The Shor Party, led by Ilan Shor, is accused of undermining Moldova's rule of law, sovereignty, and independence, with alleged financing from external sources and support from Russian secret services.

Andrew and Tristan Tate have been charged by Romanian organized crime prosecutors with organizing a criminal group, aggravated human trafficking, aggravated rape, and other related crimes. They allegedly exploited seven people, using physical violence and mental coercion, and forced them to perform in pornographic productions. The prosecutors have seized assets from the Tates, including land, luxury cars, watches, and various currencies. The Tates, known for their social media influence and luxurious lifestyle advice, had previously faced issues with British police for similar activities.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Romania violates the right to respect for private and family life by not recognizing same-sex unions. The ACCEPT association brought the case on behalf of 21 couples. Romanian law currently only recognizes opposite-sex marriages. Attempts to legislate civil partnerships have failed. The National Council for Combating Discrimination's president, Csaba Asztalos, suggests a civil partnership law should be adopted. A 2018 Constitutional Court ruling on residency rights for same-sex couples has not been acted upon, risking sanctions from the Council of Europe.

The article investigates the cryptocurrency business in the breakaway region of Transnistria, highlighting the involvement of the Sheriff holding and a former employee of the Russian Interior Ministry. Tehnopark OJSC, a state-owned company, controls the cryptocurrency business in Transnistria, offering investors cheap energy for mining, facilitated by the Moldovan Thermoelectric Power Plant and Sheriff Power Plant, which operate on Russian gas supplied by SA Moldovagaz and Gazprom. The article details the process of mining, the legal and economic framework in Transnistria, and the involvement of various companies and individuals, including the oligarch Victor Gusan and former Russian official Nikita Morozov. It also touches on the theft of a billion dollars from the Moldovan banking system and the use of cryptocurrency in Russian subversive activities, as indicated by a US Department of Justice indictment.

The article discusses the rise of agrotourism in Moldova over the past 15 years, highlighting the country's appeal to tourists seeking unspoiled nature and a peaceful rural atmosphere. It mentions efforts in small Moldovan villages to revive traditions and attract more foreign tourists, indicating a focus on sustainable and cultural tourism development in the region.

The article discusses the increase in domestic violence in Moldova during the COVID-19 lockdown. It highlights the challenges faced by NGOs like La Strada and the Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims in providing support to victims due to social attitudes, resource constraints, and limited government support. The article presents statistics on domestic violence cases and the societal beliefs that perpetuate the issue. It also covers the efforts of NGOs to provide services during the lockdown, the need for more shelters as per the Council of Europe Convention, and the political debate surrounding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in Moldova. The opposition from conservative groups and the church, as well as the political dynamics involving President Igor Dodon and the parliament, are also discussed.

Moldova's President Igor Dodon, whose popularity has suffered due to his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, is seeking votes in the separatist region of Transnistria for the upcoming presidential election. Dodon, who is pro-Russian and bidding for a second term, is challenged by pro-European opposition leader Maia Sandu. Sandu is gaining support due to dissatisfaction with the ruling Socialists' response to the pandemic. Dodon's recent meeting with Transnistria's separatist leader Vadim Krasnoselsky, and referring to him as the 'president of Transnistria', has sparked concerns that he may be willing to make concessions to secure votes from the region, which remains internationally unrecognised.