Energy & Water Security: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan says Chișinău will not run out of drinking water despite the Dniester’s drop, after talks with Ukraine to keep flows higher, while President Maia Sandu warns drought and heat could worsen both energy and water supply and urges conservation. Renewables Push: Moldova approved a 30 MW photovoltaic plant near Vadul lui Vodă, with storage planned next year, aiming to cut import dependence. Defense Modernization: The government approved the 2026–2030 National Defense Strategy implementation program, targeting over 10 billion lei for army modernization, including anti-aircraft and cyber defense. Rail Tech & Trade Costs: Ukrzaliznytsia is negotiating with CFM for a 50% discount on transit tariffs for Ukrainian goods through Moldova, with locomotive availability also on the table. Digital Finance Expansion: Moldcell completed a 67% stake acquisition in OCN Prime Capital to grow digital financial services. STEM & Education: USMF hosted EPSA Summer University for pharmacy students, while APEX Maths Chișinău brought together young math talents; Moldova also reported school readiness gaps tied to rural access and migration. Environment & Health: Employers criticize Moldova’s wastewater regulation draft as technically unfeasible without longer timelines and funding, and locals protest a planned waste center in Anenii Noi over health and water risks. Climate Pressure in the Region: Serbia battles wildfires amid Europe’s heatwave, underscoring how extreme weather is stressing infrastructure and emergency response across the Balkans.