Moldova
EU seeks to accelerate Western Balkans integration as enlargement returns to centre stage
The European Union used a summit in Montenegro to signal that enlargement remains firmly on the bloc's agenda, even as long-standing disputes slow the accession of some Western Balkan countries
Germany and France propose gradual EU integration model for Western Balkans and Moldova ahead of Tivat summit
Germany and France have circulated a non-paper proposing a new approach to the enlargement process that would accelerate the gradual integration of Southeast European countries and Moldova into the EU.
Moldova moves closer to opening EU accession negotiations in June
MEPs praised the Moldovan government's commitment to its European agenda despite what they described as persistent external pressure and interference coordinated by Russia.
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
Bank warns higher energy costs are reigniting inflation, weakening industrial competitiveness and straining already fragile public finances
Moldova's deputy PM says reunification with Romania envisaged if EU accession stalls
Unification with Romania is being discussed as a potential long-term alternative should Moldova's EU accession ambitions fail to advance.
The EU's enlargement dilemma
Europe debates new shape of enlargement as Ukraine and Western Balkan candidates push EU to rethink membership.
Moldova’s trade deficit narrows 2.7% y/y in Q1 on stronger crop exports
Higher exports were partly offset by more expensive imports of natural gas and electricity, with the quarterly trade gap at 8.9% of GDP.
Ukraine overtakes Moldova in income race to the title of Europe's poorest country
For years, Ukraine and Moldova have vied for the dubious honour of being the poorest country in Europe. The contest was close enough to be largely academic and they regularly traded last and second to last places for years. That symmetry is over.
Moldova’s industry grows 6.1% y/y in Q1 but fails to show sustained upward trend
Despite the solid annual growth, the figures continue to reflect a short-term recovery cycle rather than a sustainable medium-term expansion.
Moldova raises inflation forecast amid Middle East tensions and higher energy costs
Upward revision reflects higher expected prices for food, fuels and regulated utility tariffs, as well as the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on international markets.
Moldova's separatist Transnistria faces mounting economic pressures
Officials in Tiraspol accused Chisinau of imposing additional fiscal pressure on companies operating in the region.
Fuel and food prices push Moldova’s inflation up 1pp to 6.8% y/y in April
Acceleration in inflation supports central bank decision to raise its policy rate by 1.5 pp to 6.5%, in a shift toward a more hawkish monetary stance.
EU plans to double military support for Moldova under European Peace Facility
Increased support comes as Moldova faces growing security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine and what Moldovan authorities describe as hybrid attacks and destabilisation attempts by Moscow.
Moldova hikes policy rate amid expected inflationary pressures
National Bank of Moldova cited expected inflationary pressures linked to the increase in international prices for energy resources, food products and raw materials.
Seven out of ten Romanians back unification with Moldova
Reunification issue has returned to public debate in recent months amid regional tensions and Moldova’s efforts to advance towards the European Union.
Iran-linked shock’s impact on Emerging Europe seen milder than 2022 crisis, says wiiw economist
Severity of current shock in Emerging Europe linked to Iran war unlikely to match the 2022 crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Why global population collapse will keep the wars coming
Demographers warned for decades that ageing, declining states grow more dangerous, not less. The wars now spreading from Eastern Europe to the Gulf to East Asia look increasingly like the opening engagements of a long contest over who outlasts whom.
Emerging Europe weathers Iran war shock, but risks mount, wiiw says
Higher energy prices, weaker trade and geopolitical uncertainty weigh on the region’s outlook, according to new forecasts from the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies.
Moldova ready to join Coalition of the Willing to help Ukraine
President Maia Sandu's announcement slammed by pro-Russian politicians in Chisinau.
Moldova’s industrial output up 2.4% y/y in January-February
Expansion supported by strong growth in the energy sector, while a steep contraction in extractive industries weighed on overall performance.