Prime Minister Nominations: President Maia Sandu has nominated businessman Vasile Tofan for Moldova’s prime minister, after PAS consultations that the opposition boycotted; parliament now has the vote of confidence timeline as Tofan promises continuity on EU integration plus economic recovery and a government reshuffle. EU Accession Talks: Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi heads to Brussels (July 14–16) to officially launch EU accession negotiations for Ukraine’s Cluster 6 “External Relations,” with meetings across EU leadership and the EP’s security and defence committee. Ukraine Support Diplomacy: Sandu attends the “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris for the first time, with leaders focusing on Ukraine’s air defence, missile defence cooperation, and security guarantees—while Moldova frames its role as compatible with neutrality. Security Incident: Moldova’s foreign ministry condemned a suspected Russian drone incursion after a Geran-2 (Shahed-136) crashed and exploded near Copanca in Căușeni district, stressing sovereignty risks and urging public caution. Regional Energy Integration: The Vertical Gas Corridor gains momentum as capacity bookings rise and new countries join technical preparations, with Moldova included in the corridor’s expansion plans. Governance & Identity Debate: Fresh reactions continue around German ambassador Hubert Knirsch’s remarks on language and religion in Moldova-Romania relations, with local experts calling for a clearer diplomatic position from Chisinau.