Healthcare Strike: Romania’s caretaker government approved hiring procedures for 6,850+ public healthcare posts as an indefinite strike by staff at nearly 500 hospitals continues over a unified pay bill and fears of lower incomes. Defence & Energy Policy: The Chamber of Deputies advanced the EU’s nearly €17bn SAFE loan for defence and strategic infrastructure, while also passing a temporary three-month diesel excise cut to ease pump prices. EU Legal Pressure on Renewables: The European Commission opened an in-depth probe into whether a €42.2m arbitration award against Romania over solar subsidy changes violates EU state-aid rules. Moldova-Romania Ties: Moldova’s PM Vasile Tofan’s first official Bucharest visit is framed as a priority signal for the relationship, with focus on energy and infrastructure cooperation. Transnistria Control: A report says Russia expanded “passportation” in Transnistria, targeting orphans and those without parental care and raising fears of militarized recruitment. Water & Power: Record-low Danube levels forced Hungary to shut down Paks Unit 3, underlining drought’s knock-on effects for regional energy. Local Governance: Chisinau mayor Ion Ceban faces a possible one-year ban after alleged misuse of a diplomatic service passport during a trip to Italy. National Identity: Romania marks National Anthem Day, recalling the 1848 first official performance of “Wake up, Romanian!” Digital Security: Vodafone plans a new Global Cyber Centre in Lisbon, linking existing hubs including Romania, to strengthen worldwide network protection.