Energy Digitalization: Moldova is rolling out smart electricity meters tied to a new digital backbone (HES + MDMS) to enable remote reading, monitoring, and automated data handling for operators and billing, funded via Italian support through UNDP and expected to go live within 12 months. Defense & Tech Cooperation: Moldova and Turkey advanced defense-industry and security-technology ties in Ankara/Istanbul, discussing joint projects and visits to Turkish defense firms, while also pushing broader trade and investment. EU Integration & Partnerships: Bavaria’s Markus Söder reaffirmed support for Moldova’s EU path and backed faster, fair reforms; Chisinau and Bavaria agreed to set up an intergovernmental economic cooperation commission focused on innovation and advanced technology industries. Education & Research Mobility: Moldova plans a new EU-funded European Affairs master’s programme (INTEGRA) starting 2027–2028, with semesters split between Moldova and partner universities in Strasbourg/Padua/Tartu. Governance & Public Services: Chisinau’s education leadership fight escalated as Mayor Ion Ceban criticized a proposed shift of school control toward the ministry, warning of political centralization. Regional Education Access: About 4,000 students from Transnistria/Bender are enrolled in Moldova’s national education system, supported through state-funded places across schools, vocational tracks, and universities. Agriculture Modernization: Moldova secured a €150m EIB financing programme for agri-food modernization under “Fruit Garden of Moldova II,” including support for SMEs, digitalization, irrigation, and research.