Customs Crackdown: Moldova’s Customs Service says it stopped dozens of tobacco smuggling attempts, including over 5.5 million cigarettes and a joint Romania operation that seized 550,000 packs, with research suggesting Moldova-made shares on Romania’s illicit market keep falling. Business & Tech Links: Moldova and India are set to meet at a July 20 business forum in Chișinău, targeting cooperation in IT, pharma, green energy, infrastructure and agri-processing, after modest 2025 export figures. Rail Modernization: A Moldovan delegation in Tokyo discussed Japanese JICA support for railway rehabilitation and modernization, plus expanding the Kusanone small-grants program for local needs. Digital Identity in Europe: The EU is advancing the eIDAS Dashboard for digital ID trust, with updates aimed at the EUDI Wallet ecosystem and cross-border validation starting with Moldova and Ukraine. AI in Schools: UNICEF-backed training for Moldovan students highlights safe AI use, including risks like deepfakes and AI “hallucinations.” Smart Transport in Chisinau: Izmail Street’s transport hub is getting “smart” traffic lights tied into a unified traffic management system to improve flow across the city. Russian Cultural Centers Closed: Moldova’s “Russian House” in Chisinau has ended operations, with functions shifting to the Russian embassy’s cultural section. Cyber & Security: EU and NATO initiatives are expanding cybersecurity drills and defenses, including scenarios targeting rail and maritime systems.