NEWSLETTER Deputies in the plenary session of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. Photo source: Parliament January 2026 Between Challenges and Opportunities: What Lies Ahead in 2026? Topics of the edition: 1- Marcel Spatari, PAS MP: Economic growth is possible if state institutions function properly and the private sector feels secure 2 ­Joint inteview: Deep and rapid reforms are essential for maintaining a credible pace of European integration 3 ­Madalin Necsutu, journalist with TVR Moldova: Between Obstacles and Achievements: Key Milestones for the Republic of Moldova in 2026 4 ­Natalia Stercul, executive director APE: Continued Geopolitical Turmoil Around Ukraine: Will 2026 Be a Turning Point? M oldova’s European journey continues to unfold in a context marked by regional uncertainty, security pressures, and high expectations regarding the pace of internal reforms. The current edition of the Foreign Policy Bulletin examines the key challenges and opportunities facing Chișinău at this stage of the European integration process, against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and ongoing geopolitical transformations. The contributions brought together in this issue address the implications of the war in Ukraine for the security of the Republic of Moldova, developments related to the Transnistrian settlement process and the situation in Gagauzia, as well as their impact on internal stability and relations with the European Union. The analysis also looks at risks stemming from economic vulnerabilities and the difficulties of attracting investment in an unstable regional environment. A strong focus is placed on the reform agenda, including justice reform, the vetting process, administrative-territorial reform, and the state’s institutional capacity to manage European funds and development projects. At the same time, foreign policy priorities, relations with EU Member States, parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospects for opening accession negotiations are explored. Through interviews and in­depth analyses, this edition offers an overview of how the authorities in Chișinău seek to maintain Moldova’s European course in a year shaped by complex challenges, but also by strategic decisions with long-term implications. Foreign Policy Association together with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung offer you a newsletter on foreign policy and European integration issues of the Republic of Moldova. The newsletter is part of the“Foreign Policy Dialogue” joint Project. Monthly newsletter, No.1(239), January 2026 1