Moldova

Opposition parties critical of President Maia Sandu's pro-European stance have joined forces in Moscow, forming a pre-election bloc with ambitions to contest upcoming presidential elections and a pivotal referendum on EU membership.

Moldova has announced plans to expel a staff member from the Russian embassy following allegations of election interference in the breakaway Transnistrian region, according to reports by Reuters.

A high-ranking official from Moldova has accused Russia of violating the law by printing ballots in the separatist region of Transnistria ahead of Russia's upcoming presidential election, as reported by Reuters via BTA.

They are added to the 167,925 post-calls already approved for 2023 and 2024 – Kairidis: Our country will sign bilateral agreements in the spring with India, Armenia, Moldova, Georgia, the Philippines and Vietnam

Amid tensions in Moldova, French diplomacy has raised concerns over what it perceives as Moscow's involvement in "attempts to destabilize" the country. Pro-Russian separatists from Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, have reportedly sought assistance from Moscow, prompting speculation about Russia's role in the unfolding situation, AFP reported.

The tradition of exchanging amulets in white and red for health dates back thousands of years and is popular in several neighboring to Bulgaria countries. In all countries with this tradition, the arrival of spring is celebrated, and wishes for health, luck, and fertility are exchanged.

Amidst an alleged "economic blockade imposed by Moldova", the parliament of Transnistria, a self-proclaimed republic unrecognized by the international community, has issued an appeal to Russia for assistance. The resolution, adopted yesterday, urges the Russian parliament to take measures to protect Transnistria in the face of increased pressure from Moldova.

TIRANA - Tirana is hosting the first Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit, to also be attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Albanian PM Edi Rama and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine and its consequences.

There is still no agreement on the text of a declaration to be adopted at the end of the summit, Tanjug learns.

Amidst escalating tensions in the region, Transnistria, the self-proclaimed state bordering Moldova, is considering convening a new "referendum" on potential annexation by Russia. The possibility of such a move has raised concerns about the destabilization of the region and its implications for international relations.

Last week European leaders focused on EU enlargement, from the Western Balkans to Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. While the EU wants closer ties with these countries, it has also made it clear that it expects reforms, particularly when it comes to issues related to the rule of law and justice.