Romania’s Political Crisis: Fitch warns Romania could be downgraded to “junk” amid the deadlock around President Nicușor Dan’s PM pick, Siegfried Mureșan, as PSD and AUR signal opposition to the cabinet. Carpathian Eight Push: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy launched the “Carpathian Eight” with Romania, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, Hungary and the EU, pitching a single investment portfolio worth about €40bn and preparing 50+ deals over €1bn, with energy and logistics at the core. Ukraine War Spillover to Borders: Russian drone strikes hit the Ukraine–Moldova Starokozachye crossing, killing two and disrupting arms and trade flows; the pattern follows strikes on the Romania-linked Orlovka–Isaccea route. Identity Row with Serbia: PNL MP Daniel Gheorghe escalated criticism of Serbia over the “Vlach” identity dispute, urging Bucharest to demand stronger protections for Romanians abroad. EU Security & Hybrid Threats: Coverage highlights Europe’s growing concern about Russian hybrid tactics and the pressure on air defenses and logistics across the region. Regional Diplomacy: Zelenskyy met Serbia’s Vučić during the Carpathian talks, while Hungary signals it aims to phase out Russian gas by October 2027.