AGP Executive Report

Turkey–Moldova ties & Gagauzia: President Maia Sandu met AKP vice-chair Kürşad Zorlu, focusing on free and fair Gagauzia elections, Turkish investment, and protecting Gagauz language and culture. Economic cooperation: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan also met the Turkish delegation, highlighting trade above $1B, 1,200 Turkish-capital companies in Moldova, and new prospects in industry, renewables, tourism (including medical tourism), and telecoms. Education funding & teacher pay: Teachers protested in Chisinau demanding higher wages from Sept. 1, but the government says the public-sector salary law starts Jan. 1, 2027; unions warn of further action. Education 2030 plan: The government approved Education 2030 (2026–2030), aiming at major investment across early childhood, schools, vocational training, and universities. Humanitarian support: Moldova marked World Humanitarian Day with aid from 35 countries and a 10-day summer camp for 260 Ukrainian children, mixing education, culture, and language learning. Culture & faith: Metropolitan Longin led a patronal feast liturgy at Bancheny Monastery’s Transfiguration skete, drawing over a thousand faithful. Arts loss: Composer Tudor Chiriac has died at 77; the culture minister called him an emblematic figure. Heritage & media with the U.S.: Moldova and the U.S. discussed AFCP-backed restorations (including Căușeni’s church) and support for independent media grants. Public sector wages update: The government detailed a 2027 pay reform for public employees, with base salary changes and reduced pay gaps.

Teachers’ Pay Showdown: Hundreds of teachers and education workers protested in Chisinau demanding salary increases from September 1, while Prime Minister Vasile Tofan told them the budget can’t meet their level yet and promised the government will present solutions soon. Culture & Heritage with the US: Moldova and the United States discussed new cooperation in culture and media, including AFCP-backed restoration of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Căușeni and plans to preserve the Beit Kaddishim funeral hall ruins in the Jewish cemetery. Education Protest, Explained: Tofan also urged efficiency reforms in education and said the executive must focus on finding funding sources rather than justifying delays. Anti-SLAPP Protections: Moldova is moving toward anti-SLAPP rules to protect journalists and activists from strategic lawsuits, with fast dismissal of unfounded claims and possible cost penalties for abuse. Famine Memory Law: The 1946–1947 Soviet famine is set to be officially recognized as a crime against humanity, with museums, monuments, and easier access to archival documents. Jewish Community Milestone: Chabad Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod was inaugurated as Chief Rabbi of Moldova in Chișinău. Art & Preservation: Italian police recovered three stolen French masterpieces—Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse—worth over €9 million, with nine Moldovan nationals under investigation. Inclusion Through Art: BDR Associates launched “Moldova in Colors. #35deEmotii,” featuring 35 student works by children with hearing impairments, opening Aug. 24.

Art & Heritage: Italian police recovered three stolen French masterpieces—Cézanne, Renoir and Matisse—worth over €9 million, with nine Moldovan nationals under investigation after the works were found hidden in a Parma apartment. Culture Diplomacy: Moldova’s Culture Minister Dan Suruceanu met the U.S. chargé d’affaires Nick Pietrowicz to expand cooperation on cultural heritage and independent media, including AFCP-backed restorations like the Dormition of the Mother of God Church in Căușeni and work at the Beit Kaddishim ruins in Chișinău. Local Culture: Chisinau has begun renovating the Eugen Doga Cultural Center, set to become a hub for exhibitions, workshops and music lessons. Inclusion in Focus: BDR Associates launched “Moldova in Colors. #35deEmotii,” featuring 35 student artworks from Special School No. 12 for children with hearing impairments, with an exhibition opening Aug. 24 at Carturesti inside the National History Museum. Community & Education: Teachers and education workers plan a Chisinau protest on Aug. 19 over promised salary increases from Sept. 1, while on the left bank youth numbers continue to fall, shaping future schooling needs. Religious Life: Chabad Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod was inaugurated as Chief Rabbi of Moldova in Chișinău’s Glazers’ Synagogue.

PAS Youth Hiring Controversy: Moldova Curată reports another PAS Youth Organization vice-president, Selinia Cojocaru, was hired while still a first-year student and later moved through multiple public institutions and ministry contracts without open competitions or public procurement. Education & Culture Tensions: Teachers and education staff will protest in Chisinau on Aug. 19, demanding salary increases from Sept. 1. Church & Property Claims: The Metropolis of Bessarabia says it may reclaim Moldova’s government building (and claims about 30 other properties), while the Metropolis head also acknowledges Romania pays clergy transferred to its jurisdiction. Local Environment Upgrade: Braniște commune (Râșcani) rehabilitated 24 wells, improved springs, and reorganized waste management with residents, supported by Sweden-funded “Green Justice.” Independence in the Spotlight: President Maia Sandu invites children to share summer reading ahead of a meeting at the Presidency, and the new school year starts with an Independence-themed lesson. Russian Hybrid Pressure: The NYT describes a GRU-linked Moldova disruption effort using camps, vote-buying, cyberattacks, and religious figures. EU Integration & Reform: Moldova is preparing a large deregulation package for business, with amendments across labor, cultural heritage, environment, and permits.

Diplomacy & Language: Deputy PM Mihai Popșoi says Moldova is “turning the page” on the CIS and moving toward Europe, while Russia’s Maria Zakharova warns Chisinau over Romanian-language policy and a draft law on audiovisual media rules. Education & Kids: UNICEF and Moldova’s Education Ministry trained teachers to roll out an Accelerated Education Program for children catching up, with focus on literacy, math, Romanian, and psychosocial support; President Maia Sandu also invites children to share their summer reading ahead of a September meeting at the Presidency. Local Life & Culture: The 2026–2027 school year opens with an Independence-themed lesson, “Independence that unites us,” and around 500 town halls have completed voluntary amalgamation decisions. Business & Heritage: Moldova is consulting a large deregulation package affecting 71 laws and 29 government resolutions, including cultural heritage protection and rural tourism; meanwhile, Chisinau’s City Hall restoration is postponed as the tender process faces low interest. Church & Payments: The Metropolis of Bessarabia confirms Romania pays monthly salaries to clergy who transferred jurisdictions, with amounts tied to Romanian citizenship. Art & Security (Moldova-linked): Italy recovered three stolen French masterpieces (Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse) worth about $10.5m; police detained suspects including Moldovan citizens, underscoring how cultural theft keeps crossing borders. Jobs: Moldova’s National Employment Agency says it placed over 15,000 people in jobs since the start of 2026.

EU Integration & Agriculture: Moldova’s National Programme for EU Accession 2025–2029 frames reforms in six negotiating clusters, with Cluster 5 spotlighting agriculture, rural development, food security and fisheries as a key EU-harmonisation test. Presidential Reading Culture: President Maia Sandu is inviting children to share their summer reading stories and characters, with the most avid readers set to meet at the Presidency in early September. Independence in Schools: The 2026–2027 school year opens on Sept 1 with “Independence that unites us,” a nationwide lesson for grades I–XII linking 35 years of independence to symbols, values and civic responsibility. Local Governance Reform: Around 500 Moldovan town halls have completed voluntary amalgamation decisions, pushing for stronger local authorities and bigger development projects. Innovation Worry: Moldova ranks last in Europe on innovation, with its score at 18.6% of the EU average and a decline since 2019. Sports & Community: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan attended Nisporeni’s “Sport Across Generations” festival, tied to the city’s 2026 Sports Capital title. European Child Guarantee: Moldova is drafting a national action plan to implement the European Child Guarantee, aiming to improve access to education, healthcare, nutrition, protection and living conditions for vulnerable children. Jobs Update: The National Employment Agency has placed over 15,000 people into jobs since the start of 2026, with about 12,000 vacancies currently listed.

Art & Heritage: Italy’s Carabinieri recovered three stolen masterpieces—Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse—worth over €9m from a Parma-area apartment, with nine Moldovan citizens under investigation, after a break-in at the Fondazione Magnani Rocca. New Theft in Sicily: Separate from that case, four Antonello da Messina Renaissance panels were stolen from a museum in Messina during major religious festivities, prompting an urgent recovery push. Moldova’s EU Kids Plan: Moldova is developing a national action plan to implement the EU’s European Child Guarantee, aiming to improve access to education, healthcare, nutrition, protection, and housing for vulnerable children. Independence in Schools: From September 1, a thematic lesson—“Independence that unites us”—will mark Moldova’s 35th anniversary across grades I–XII. Local Life & Reform: A CALM vice president criticizes the way municipal reform is being rushed and poorly coordinated, warning of legal confusion in social assistance and education. Security & Influence: A New York Times investigation describes Russia’s hybrid destabilization campaign targeting Moldova, including training camps in the Balkans and large-scale political inducements. Charity in Chisinau: A charity exhibition supporting children with hearing impairments opens in late August at the National Museum of Moldova.

Education & Identity: Moldova’s new school year opens with a September 1 thematic lesson, “Independence that unites us,” for grades I–XII, linking 35 years of independence to symbols, values, and civic responsibility. Children’s Rights: The government is building a national action plan to implement the EU European Child Guarantee, with UNICEF, focusing on access to education, healthcare, nutrition, protection, and living conditions for vulnerable children. Local Governance: Nearly 500 Moldovan town halls have adopted final decisions on voluntary amalgamation, with incentives and infrastructure projects expected to follow. Security & Culture in the Region: Romania says NATO jets shot down a drone after it entered Romanian airspace, with radars detecting it from neighboring Moldova—another reminder of the region’s tense airspace. Art & Heritage: Italy recovered three stolen masterpieces by Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse; nine Moldovan citizens are under investigation, underscoring how cross-border crime can hit cultural treasures. Community & Faith: Moldova’s Jewish community has a new Chief Rabbi, sworn in after a 12-year vacancy, with hopes for stronger interfaith dialogue. EU-Forward Youth Culture: The “EU & My Grandparents” contest in Stăuceni brought grandparents and grandchildren together through games and lessons on Europe’s past and Moldova’s European path.

Moldova & EU Integration: Moldova’s European path stays in focus as the government pushes reforms and expands its role as a transit route for Ukrainian exports, while EU enlargement debates keep Chișinău’s agenda moving. Local Governance: Around 500 town halls have adopted final decisions on voluntary amalgamation, with incentives and infrastructure planning now set to follow. Culture & Community: The EU & My Grandparents contest brought grandparents and grandchildren together in Stăuceni, celebrating European history and values through games, music, dance, and dialogue. Education: Moldova opened an additional admission round for remaining state-funded university spots, with education, engineering, agriculture, and security among the available fields. Children’s Rights: Moldova is moving to implement the European Child Guarantee, with UNICEF-backed coordination on access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and social protection for vulnerable children. Health & Lifestyle: Ungheni hospital will receive a modern ophthalmic surgical microscope with Japan’s support, aiming for safer, higher-precision eye care closer to home. Arts & Identity: Parliament hosted exhibitions by Moldovan artists living abroad, including illustrator Olga Chilat and visual artist Snejana Teclia, exploring roots, identity, traditions, and memory. Security & Influence: A New York Times investigation alleges Russia is running long-term destabilization efforts targeting Moldova, including training and political manipulation networks. Russian Language: A Russian-language writing contest, “Russky Glagol,” opened submissions and is framed as a way to build cultural bridges beyond borders. Art Crime (Moldovan link): Italian police recovered three stolen French masterpieces by Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse; nine Moldovan citizens are under investigation.

Local Governance: Nearly 500 Moldovan town halls (about 60%) have adopted final decisions on voluntary amalgamation, with officials urging mayors to complete the process by end of August and move to development planning. Culture & Film: The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival will feature a Special Award for Promoting Gender Equality, spotlighting 14 debut films and a prize of €7,500. EU Integration & Youth: Moldova is set to implement the European Child Guarantee, while a new education reform proposal would start in Chișinău, Bălți and Gagauzia in 2028. Community & Heritage: The “EU & My Grandparents” contest returned with teams of grandparents and grandchildren exploring European history and Moldova’s European path. Security & Diplomacy: Moldova faces renewed concerns over Russian hybrid interference, including claims of training and destabilization efforts targeting the country. Trade & Transnistria: From September 1, Transnistria will end tax exemptions for imports like caviar, furs, pearls, jewelry, phones and computers. Arts Abroad: Italian police recovered three stolen French masterpieces by Cézanne, Renoir and Matisse, with nine Moldovan nationals reportedly under investigation.

Russian Influence & Security: A New York Times investigation says Russian operatives ran training programmes aimed at Moldova, with leaked documents and interviews pointing to long-term destabilization plans. Geopolitics & Strategy: The same reporting claims Russia’s priority is Ukraine, while Moldova is positioned as a second target, including a push for a land corridor. Cultural Heritage: Italy’s Carabinieri recovered three stolen masterpieces by Cézanne, Renoir and Matisse worth over €9m, with nine Moldovan nationals reportedly under investigation after a heist near Parma. Community & Faith: Moldova’s Jewish community has a new Chief Rabbi, sworn in after a 12-year vacancy, with hopes for stronger interfaith dialogue. Education & Youth: Moldova will implement the European Child Guarantee, while “Restart in Education” may be delayed in Chișinău, Bălți and Gagauzia until 2028. EU Integration Through Culture: The “EU & My Grandparents” contest returned for its second edition, bringing grandparents and grandchildren together to learn Europe’s history and Moldova’s European path. Local Life: A Local Product exhibition opens 28 August at Moldexpo, featuring 300+ producers, tastings, and family-friendly cultural activities.

Child Exploitation Case: The U.S. Justice Department stripped citizenship from Moldovan Tatiana Power, convicted for running a child “modeling” operation that produced millions of sexual images and videos. Jewish Community: Rabbi Menahem Mendel Axelrod was sworn in as Moldova’s new Chief Rabbi after a 12-year vacancy, with hopes for stronger interfaith dialogue. Diaspora Culture: Moldova’s Parliament hosted art exhibitions by Moldovan artists living abroad, spotlighting themes of roots, identity, and memory. Education Reform: The “Restart in Education” reform may be delayed for Chișinău, Bălți, and Gagauzia until 2028, while the rest of the country moves in 2027. EU-Funded Development: Moldova secured €150 million from the EIB for Livada Moldovei II to boost horticulture, irrigation, and rural competitiveness. Health & Access: Japan granted over $65,000 to equip Ungheni hospital with a modern ophthalmic surgical microscope. Local Food & Culture: Moldexpo’s Local Product exhibition returns Aug 28–30 with 300+ producers, tastings, and record attempts. Safety Reminder: Border Police urged people not to touch drone debris and to call 112 after a recent crash near Crocmaz.

EU-backed agriculture boost: Moldova is accessing €150 million from the European Investment Bank for Livada Moldovei II, extending support to horticulture, viticulture, livestock and aquaculture, plus research and education infrastructure. Health & care: Ungheni hospital will receive a modern ophthalmic surgical microscope via a Japan grant (over $65,000), aiming to bring higher-precision eye surgery closer to patients. School life on the left bank: Five schools in the Nistru region will get upgraded canteens and safer food services, funded by Romania through RoAid. Youth & community tech: A Kahul hackathon gathered young people from six communities to build bilingual and civic-focused digital tools, including anti-scam and anti-disinformation learning. European funding know-how: ANCD will host an online session on accessing European programs and Horizon Europe, with special focus on smart, climate-neutral cities. Education reform timeline: “Restart in Education” may be delayed by one year for Chișinău, Bălți and Gagauzia, with the MEC citing overcrowding, inclusion issues and informal payments. Local culture & tradition: Moldexpo’s Local Product exhibition (28–30 August) returns with 300+ producers, tastings, performances, and two national record attempts. Religious life: Romania continues church investment in Moldova, including funding for multiple Orthodox projects across Taraclia, Bălți, Cahul and Ungheni. Safety reminder: Border Police urge people to avoid drones or debris and call 112 after recent incidents, including a drone crash near Crocmaz. Diaspora & memory: Harry Heber, a Holocaust-era refugee and long-time volunteer who helped people in Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova with glasses, has died at 95.

Education Reform: Moldova’s “Restart in Education” reform may be delayed until 2028 for Chisinau, Balti, and Gagauzia, with the rest of the country still targeted for 2027, as the ministry points to overcrowding, special-needs integration gaps, informal payments, and uneven use of education funds. Community & Culture: The 2nd Local Product exhibition opens 28–30 August at Moldexpo with 300+ producers, family programming, tastings, and two national record attempts (largest woven carpet; largest sour cherry pie). Safety & Daily Life: Border Police urge caution after drone debris incidents, warning people not to touch or dismantle anything and to call 112; Defense officials say the Crocmaz explosion involved a Russian propulsion drone. Language & Identity Politics: The Liberal Party accuses Igor Dodon of reviving the “Moldovan language” debate to serve Kremlin interests, arguing Romanian should remain the only official language. Youth & Demographics: New statistics show Moldova’s young people (14–34) fell by 13,500 last year, with only about four in ten employed and many outside study/work. National Recognition: Government approved the 2026 National Prize commission, chaired by Culture Minister Dan Suruceanu, to select nominees and winners ahead of Independence Day. Water & Sanitation: A 2026–2030 national program (598 million lei) aims to expand water and sewerage access and improve services, including in schools. Transnistria Education: From September 1, Transnistrian schools will start each week with the raising of an unrecognized regional flag and anthem. Local Services Online: Lost or stolen identity documents can now be reported online via evo.gov.md/evo app using an electronic signature.

National Culture & Awards: Moldova approved the commission that will nominate and select 2026 National Prize laureates, chaired by Culture Minister Dan Suruceanu, with leaders from education, science, museums, theater, film, writers’ unions, and a gender NGO among the members. Youth & Demographics: A new snapshot for International Youth Day shows young people (14–34) fell by 13.5k in 2025, and only about four in ten are employed—fueling debate on wages, housing, and education-to-jobs gaps. Language & Community Events: Registration is open for the KoneKtor 2026 forum in Chișinău (Oct 14–16) focused on countering authoritarianism, plus plans for the Great National Dictation on Romanian Language Day (Aug 31). Transnistria Education: From Sept 1, Transnistrian schools will start each week with the raising of an unrecognized regional flag and anthem, a move Moldova’s constitutional authorities do not recognize. Public Services & Lifestyle: The government approved a 2026–2030 water and sanitation development program (598 million lei) to expand access to safer services, including for schools. Identity Access: Moldovans can now report lost or stolen identity documents online via evo.gov.md using an electronic signature. Regional Heritage & Learning: Moldovan students joined archaeological excavations at Cape Sveti Atanas near Byala, continuing long-running cooperation with Bulgarian institutions.

Transnistria Education Policy: Starting Sept. 1, schools in the separatist region will open each week with an unrecognized “state” flag and anthem, a move Moldova’s constitutional authorities do not recognize. Youth Snapshot: Moldova’s young people (14–34) fell by 13.5 thousand in 2025, and only about four in ten are employed, with young women more likely to be out of work or study. Reintegration & Education Access: Government State Secretary for Reintegration Roman Roșca met Norway’s delegation, focusing on left-bank public services, ferry operations in Dubăsari, and access to Romanian-language education in Transnistrian lyceums. Chisinau Mobility Upgrade: Chisinau joined the CIVITAS European mobility network, aiming to bring cleaner, safer transport planning and city-to-city know-how. Identity Services Online: Moldova’s Public Services Agency lets people report lost or stolen identity documents online via evo.gov.md (with an electronic signature), automatically marking documents in the register. Independence Day Culture & Community: Preparations continue for the Aug. 27 Independence Day parade with 2,000+ service members, plus a Great National Dictation on Aug. 31 for Romanian Language Day. Tourism Grants: A state-funded program will support new sustainable, cultural, and digital tourism products across Moldova. Diaspora Youth Ties: PM Vasile Tofan met 120 diaspora children and young people in the DOR program, urging them to keep “roots” and adapt to change.