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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.