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Thanks to Adam Reichardt for inviting me on New Eastern Europe's "Talk Eastern Europe" podcast to discuss the latest updates from Moldova. Check it out to hear about EU accession, my take on talk of union with Romania and updates on Transnistria. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hup...

youtube.com

Moldova’s Race to Join the EU | David Smith

YouTube video by Talk Eastern Europe

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Drones overhead. Water running low. Gas prices up 81% in two months. Moldova heads into winter with all three crises at once. This week's Moldova Matters has the full rundown open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Moldova's National Wine Day turns 25 this weekend! Oct 3-4 in Chișinău: 110+ wineries, a world-record human grapevine attempt, and Zdob și Zdub live. Plus City Day, opera, theater and more. Your October guide: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

16 drone crashes with explosions or fires in Moldova in August and September alone. One hit just outside Chișinău. Also - Prime Minister Tofan calls for a 60-day energy emergency as Moldova faces a “perfect storm.” This week's Moldova Matters: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The NYT's Moldova photo essay called an elected official "a teacher," styled a fashion designer and a film student to look like Soviet factory workers, and opened with "gray" to describe the sunniest month Chisinau had all year. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Russian drones just struck a Moldova-Ukraine border crossing. 2 dead, more injured - including a Moldovan bus driver. Hours earlier, a missile drone flew over Moldova into Romania and back before crashing. www.moldovamatters.md/p/deadly-dro...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Next time we meet up remind me to tell you about how I pulled former mayor Chirtoacă out of a sinking mud pit once. It was caught on TV and my team and the restaurant did not easily forgive me.

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

A major increase of Russian drone incursions, Mayor Ceban injured himself somewhere and somehow but isn’t sharing more - and Gagauzia will finally elect a new Bashkan. All this and more in the Weekly Roundup. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Part 2: A new report puctures the myth. I checked the math and while Cobasna is dangerous - it isn't and never was Hiroshima. Stories about leveled towns and cities are not and never were credible. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Part 1: the history. How a Soviet Cold War arsenal became the most feared, least understood site in Moldova - and the 20-year chain of myths that grew around it. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

For 20 years, people have said the Cobasna ammunition depot in Transnistria could explode with the force of the Hiroshima bomb. Today, Moldova's government released a new report challenging that claim directly. I spent weeks checking it myself. Thread 🧵

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

A Russian jet-powered "missile-drone" just crashed on Moldovan soil for the first time. Also in the roundup: a fugitive Polish ex-minister possibly hiding in Transnistria, falling Dniester water levels and a military parade for Independence Day . open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

A Moldovan state news agency ran 10 uncritical "reports" on China this summer - funded by a Chinese Foreign Ministry-linked group, undisclosed to readers. One of them found a "lesson for the whole world" in one of Tibet's most heavily policed regions. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

As Romania struggles to keep their nuclear power plants running - even sinking vessels to divert the Danube, Moldova worries about a water shortage in Chisinau. ...and the Taliban are in Chisinau?! All this and more in the Weekly Roundup. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

A month ago, Moldova's government program was 15 pages of bullet points. Today, PM Tofan's is 147 pages - with quantifiable targets and delivery dates for every ministry. Same ministers (mostly). Same policies. Totally different genre. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

open.substack.com

"The Most Business Friendly Country in Europe"

A Deep Dive into the Government Program

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

The privately funded Congressional Delegation to Moldova, organized by USMI, was supposed to arrive this week. It never came. No cancellation notice. No explanation. Here's what we know - and what we may never find out: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Moldova’s new PM has told the cabinet to tighten their belts, though - one minister didn’t have time as he was out after 3 days. Also, Moldova’s self styled “Chief Rabbi” is implicated in a plot to smuggle rocket launchers. This Week's Roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Moldova has a new prime Minister. Vasile Tofan received a vote of confidence for his largely unchanged cabinet and program focused on 5 priorities: economic growth, EU accession by 2028, a leaner/digital state, security and quality of life. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Half the organizations listed as "partners" by the USMI say they have no relationship with the group. Not one has confirmed a partnership. USMI is bringing a Congressional Delegation to Moldova this week on the strength of that claimed network. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Vasile Tofan will seek a parliamentary mandate next Thursday, President Sandu attends the Coalition of the Willing, another drone crashes in Moldova, and the scandals rumble on. All this and more in the Weekly Roundup. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Who's actually paying for a privately funded CODEL to Moldova this month? The founder of the organizing non-profit personally paid $45k to fund a Shor-linked politician's DC lobbying efforts. And this isn't his first CODEL. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Vasile Tofan has been nominated as Moldova’s next prime minister. Who is he, what does his selection tell us about PAS’s direction, and can a private-sector reformer succeed in Moldova’s political system? My take in Moldova Matters open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Two interim prime ministers in less than a week. MoldATSA allegations keep expanding. PAS is expelling members, promising reforms and trying to regain control of the narrative - while new scandals keep breaking. This week's roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

If you have a bad experience with a plumber, you don’t call an HVAC specialist the next time your toilet clogs. You call a better plumber. It's time to put the myth of the technocrat behind us and focus on the best politician for each political job. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Moldova’s government has fallen after Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu abruptly resigned this morning. He cited his “principles and beliefs.” President Sandu denied any major conflict - and publicly criticized his leadership. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

open.substack.com

Prime Minister Munteanu Resigns, Bringing Down Moldova’s Government

Quick Hit: The unexpected departure follows weeks of controversy over tax reforms, MoldATSA and the management of state-owned companies

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Guest post by Iulian Groza: Moldova is no longer a problem to be managed. It is a partner - and an emerging security provider. After a week of meetings in Washington, Groza makes the case for why supporting Moldova is a strategic investment. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Moldova’s government had a rough week. • Tax reform is rapidly unraveling • The MoldATSA scandal claims another resignation Plus a new disinformation campaign confuses the story on union. This week's roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Pilot for Air Canada? more like "Microsoft Flight Simulator enthusiast." An investigation by ZdG into a forged CV has turned into the biggest scandal in corporate governance or public appointments so far this year. Here are the latest updates: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

A fake pilot. A communications director earning 120,000 lei/month. A state company where salaries exploded. What started as a ZdG investigation into MoldATSA’s director has become one of Moldova’s strangest governance scandals of the year. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Yesterday I explained what Moldova’s proposed tax reform does. Today: what I think. There are some genuinely excellent ideas in this package. There are also some serious mistakes - in timing, process and execution. My perspective: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Simplification or tax increase? Moldova’s massive proposed tax reform would touch nearly every household and business in the country. Here’s a guide to what is changing - and why. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Really interesting - thanks for sharing!!

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Reposted by David Smith

Paula Erizanu @paulaerizanu.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Bombshell investigation from @ZiarulDe: the head of Moldova’s air regulator fabricated his CV, falsely claiming he studied aviation at a prestigious Canadian institution and worked as a pilot for AirCanada. His missions were secret, he says 1/3 www.zdg.md/investigatii...

zdg.md

Zborul spre șefia Moldatsa, pe aripile unui CV cu informații false: „misiunile secrete” și controversele din jurul lui Dumitru Vangheli

Dumitru Vangheli, șeful Întreprinderii de Stat „Moldatsa”, cu un salariu de circa 110 mii de lei lunar, a inclus informații false în CV-ul cu care a câștigat funcția în urma unui concurs organizat de ...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

How did Ilan Shor go from being banned from entering Russia to becoming a key figure in the country’s financial architecture? Three major investigations this week offer new insights. Plus: new EU sanctions and Moldova’s other top stories of the week. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Moldova’s EU accession process has moved from theory to practice. The opening of Cluster 1 is a major milestone, but the real question is whether the other 5 clusters follow quickly enough to keep the 2030 target alive. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

After months of delays, Moldova and Ukraine could begin formal EU accession negotiations as early as this month. Also this week: Trump nominates a new ambassador to Moldova after a two-year vacancy. The latest Moldova Matters roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Russian drones struck a residential apartment building in Romania overnight, injuring civilians. Also, polls suggest that a majority of Transnistrians would support reintegration with Moldova. This week's roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Moldova says it wants to join the EU by 2030. Much of Europe quietly thinks that’s unrealistic. The gap isn’t really about reforms or procedure - it’s about radically different assumptions regarding Europe’s future, security and time itself. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A drone flew the length of Moldova. Russia escalated messaging around Transnistria. Kremlin-linked hybrid campaigns spread across Europe. And Moldova somehow found itself in a Eurovision meltdown. This week’s Moldova Matters roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Former Deputy Mayor Irina Gutnic is accusing Mayor Ceban of political abuse, illegal practices, propaganda networks funded through municipal enterprises and more. I unpack the growing scandal and why this matters politically for Ceban and MAN. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Romania’s government collapsed after PSD joined AUR in a no confidence vote. Also in this week’s roundup part 2 : the EPC summit, new parliamentary rules, inflation, fuel prices, and Moldova’s debut at the Venice Biennale. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

A newly formed US nonprofit is organizing a privately funded congressional delegation (CODEL) to Moldova. The organization has little visible operating history, unclear funding sources, and links to past Moldova lobbying efforts. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Press freedom is collapsing globally, but Moldova is moving up. Ranked 31st in the world - ahead of the US and all EU candidates - Moldova is a rare success story in a very bad year. But the system behind that success is fragile. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Moldova pardons and swaps a convicted ex-intelligence chief to bring home two detained SIS officers. Also in this week’s roundup: storms, security tensions, and escalating drone risk in Romania and Moldova. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Vladimir Plahotniuc has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in the “Theft of the Billion.” This isn’t just another corruption case - it’s the first time Moldova has held the man who captured the state legally accountable. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Picnics in the graveyard. Fractures in parliament. Moldova’s unique “Easter of the Dead” marks a moment of reflection - but underneath, political alliances are breaking apart and energy pressures persist. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Over Easter, Moldova had a busy week. From energy instability and regional tensions to ambitious (and controversial) plans to overhaul local government, plus big moves in foreign policy - there’s a lot to unpack. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

New on Moldova Matters: a guest post by Cristina Panaguta. A powerful personal reflection on April 2009 - memory, identity, and Moldova’s unresolved past. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

New report: how the Shor network uses crypto, A7, and a ruble-backed stablecoin (A7A5) to move money across borders and fund political operations. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Guest post on Moldova Matters: The 2009 pro-European revolution was real - but it was also a stolen opportunity. Daniel Vodă on why 2028 is Moldova’s make-or-break moment for EU accession. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...

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