ROME (ITALPRESS) – Italy is a “key partner” for Moldova and its EU path. This is the opinion of Oleg Nica, Moldovan Ambassador to Rome, interviewed by Claudio Brachino for Diplomacy Magazine, the geopolitical column of the Italpress agency. According to Nica, bilateral relations “are based on solid political dialogue,” while in the European context, “Italy, as a founding member of the Union, represents a partner of primary importance for us.”

These institutional relations are intertwined with another factor: the human one, as Nica emphasizes. “Our community in Italy plays a very important role. It is the largest we have in a foreign country: approximately 300,000 people. It is a well-integrated, active community, involved in the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the country. It represents a true human, cultural, and economic bridge between our nations. The entry into force of the social security agreement, starting in September 2025, sends a strong signal to protect the rights of our citizens residing here in Italy and significantly contributes to improving their quality of life,” the ambassador specified.

Economically, too, “despite Moldova being a small country, economic relations are very dynamic,” according to the head of the Moldovan mission in Rome. “Moldova has strong growth potential. Bilateral trade reached approximately €700 million in 2025. Italy is Moldova’s fifth-largest trading partner, with a 5.6% share of total trade. In terms of investment, Italy ranks fourth, with approximately 1,100 companies operating in Moldova. Its proximity and European integration path, combined with ongoing reforms, continue to make the country more attractive, particularly in the sectors of green energy, modern agriculture, the agri-food industry, digitalization, and infrastructure,” Nica explained.

“I would also like to highlight the European Union’s approval of a growth plan for Moldova over the next two years, the Moldova Growth Plan, which provides approximately €1.8 billion for economic growth, reforms, and alignment with European standards,” he added.

“We are trying to organize a country presentation here in Rome for May, also involving SIMEST, SACE, the Farnesina, and Unioncamere. We will also bring representatives from Moldova, at the highest possible institutional level, to illustrate the country and the opportunities it currently offers,” the ambassador concluded.

A key focus for Chisinau is Rome’s support for its EU accession process. Italy, the diplomat noted, “is one of the main supporters” in this regard. This process began after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and saw Moldova receive candidate country status in June 2022. Since then, according to Nica, the country has made significant progress in reforms.

“According to the European Commission’s latest report, Moldova is already ready to open three clusters of negotiations. Our goal is ambitious: to complete all the necessary procedures for accession to the European Union by 2028, while consolidating the country’s democratic stability and economic growth, while also contributing to the stability and security of the entire region,” he stated.

In 2028, Italy will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, “and for us it would be a signal of enormous importance, both symbolic and political, to be ready to sign the Accession Treaty that year. Italy is home to a community of nearly 300,000 people, approximately 11% of the country’s population, and for this reason, Moldova’s accession would not only represent an enlargement of the European Union, but also a true reunification within the greater European family,” the diplomat commented.

The accession process takes place against a backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has had and continues to have a direct impact on the security of the entire region. “Our country remains exposed to attempts at external interference, especially through hybrid warfare, as was also evident during the recent referendum on Moldova’s accession to the European Union. One of the most commonly used tools to exert pressure on Moldova has been energy blackmail, accompanied by the illicit financing of pro-Russian political forces and disinformation campaigns, spread especially on social media. During the referendum, a huge flow of false narratives circulated, aimed at generating fear and confusion in our country. These are completely unfounded claims, designed exclusively to hinder our country’s European path,” the ambassador explained.

Closeness to Italy is therefore all the more important in an international context marked by divisions and hybrid threats. In this regard, the closeness between the two populations is also made tangible by cultural activities such as the one that will see the Mihai Eminescu Moldovan National Theater company on tour. “A prime example, and I take this opportunity to invite everyone, is the Mihai Eminescu National Theater’s tour, which will take place in Italy between the end of April and the beginning of May, with three stops in Rome, Bologna, and Venice. It will bring the show Dossier Siberiani, dedicated to the memory of the deportations, a very sad, painful, and dramatic page in our nation’s history. This initiative aims not only to engage the Moldovan community in Italy, but also the Italian public, so that history is not forgotten and we can understand what it meant to live under the Soviet regime,” said Nica. One last thing, but not least, unites the two peoples and two countries: wine, which Nica himself calls “our ambassador” to the world.

“It is our national pride. We have world-famous wineries, some of which are in the Guinness Book of Records. Over the past three years, Moldova has won 1,600 gold medals in various world championships. If we’re talking about the longest winery in the world, with 120 km of underground tunnels, it’s located in Chisinau and is called Cricova. It’s a winery worth visiting: I always recommend everyone to take a trip. We have connections to Italy from almost all regions, and in two or three days you can visit Moldova and its wineries. These are open to the public: you can take guided tours with electric cars underground, and there are restaurants 50 meters underground. It’s truly a sight to behold,” the ambassador concluded.

-Photo Italpress-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – The United Nations provided details of the discussions held in Washington earlier this week regarding Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan for the Sahara. More information is now available on the new round of negotiations on the Sahara held in Washington. During a press briefing yesterday in New York, UN Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson, noted that the discussions took place on Monday, February 23rd, and Tuesday, February 24th, “in close cooperation with the United States.”

Describing the resumption of talks as “encouraging,” the UN spokesperson noted that “the negotiations have given rise to in-depth discussions, based on Morocco’s autonomy proposal, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2797.” He emphasized, however, that “much work remains to be done,” particularly “on the key issue of the self-determination of the Saharawi people, in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict.”

The Washington negotiations are co-chaired by the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, and the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Waltz, with the participation of US President Donald Trump’s Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos.

Conducted with the utmost discretion, the negotiations are based on Resolution 2797, adopted by the Security Council on October 31, 2025, at the initiative of the United States. This text provides, for the first time at the highest UN level, explicit support for the Moroccan autonomy plan as the basis for a negotiated solution to the Sahara dispute.

Prior to the Washington round, the parties involved in the Sahara issue met on February 8 and 9 at the United States Embassy in Madrid. The discussions, co-sponsored by the United States and the United Nations, brought together Foreign Ministers Nasser Bourita of Morocco, Ahmed Attaf of Algeria, and Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug of Mauritania, as well as the representative of the Polisario Front (Mohamed Yeslem Beissat).

According to sources, the Moroccan foreign minister presented a 40-page document in Madrid outlining a broader vision for developing Morocco’s autonomy proposal for the Sahara. It is recalled that King Mohammed VI announced, following the adoption of Resolution 2797, the preparation of an updated and detailed version of the autonomy initiative to be submitted to the United Nations. To this end, consultations with political parties were held on November 10, 2025, under the supervision of royal advisors and members of the government.

In a recent interview with France 24, Massad Boulos stated that the United States attaches “great importance” to resolving the Sahara conflict, while stressing that ongoing negotiations “will not continue indefinitely.”

The American envoy also indicated that President Trump “pays particular attention to this conflict that has lasted more than half a century,” believing that the time has come to move toward a solution. In this sense, the United States and the United Nations have a responsibility to work with the parties concerned, within the framework of the Security Council resolution, to facilitate a lasting political solution, he added.

Regarding the United States’ position, Boulos reiterated that Washington remains “firm” in its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, describing this position as “superior to the framework of the UN resolution,” while emphasizing that current diplomatic efforts are consistent with the UN process.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid are in a complicated situation. The French striker, during training before the second leg of the playoffs against Benfica (yesterday’s 2-1 win secured Real Madrid’s qualification for the round of 16), was forced to sit out due to a knock to his knee. This has been a source of discomfort since the match against Celta Vigo on December 7, particularly following a sprain. In recent months, the former PSG player has managed to play through the pain, evaluating his condition periodically, but a knock forced him to sit out training on Tuesday.

Following this layoff, the Frenchman intends, according to a report in Madrid’s AS newspaper, to consult with experts to determine the best solution, certainly avoiding any type of surgery that could seriously jeopardize his chances for this summer’s World Cup, and therefore favoring conservative treatment.

After 33 appearances this season, 38 goals and 6 assists, Kylian Mbappé must temporarily take a break from a stratospheric season, to try to preserve his physical integrity and his participation in the American World Cup.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Jurgen Kloop’s future is reportedly close to a turning point. According to Marca, citing the Austrian newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten, the former coach of Dortmund and Liverpool could soon leave his role as Global Director of Football at Red Bull. Having arrived in Austria just a year ago, Kloop has taken on the role of guiding the sporting development of the group’s clubs, with the aim of making them internationally competitive, without particular success so far. Real Madrid has reportedly been interested in the German for some time now, seeing him as the ideal choice for a long-term future. Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, however, denied this alleged interest from Los Blancos, labeling it all as “unfounded nonsense” and stressing that his company is very satisfied with the work of Kloop, a real asset for Red Bull, which is banking a lot on him.

According to the Salzburger Nachrichten, however, a potential future away from Austria would not be hindered by the energy drink giant, leaving the door open to the highest bidders, despite his contract running until 2029. In Red Bull’s plans, a perfect replacement would be Oliver Glasner, current manager of Crystal Palace, who will leave London at the end of the season.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NYON (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – European club football’s revenues are poised to surpass the €30 billion mark for the first time – but increased costs mean record finances do not automatically translate to profitability.

These are two of the headlines from the latest edition of the UEFA European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report, which anticipates that 2025 revenues will exceed 2024’s record-breaking €28.6 billion, continuing a decade-long trend of financial growth across the game.

The report explores the key trends of an industry that continues to grow; examining how clubs are adapting, where new opportunities are emerging, and what challenges lie ahead as the game continues to grow on an increasingly global stage.

Since 2015, European club football revenues have risen by more than €13 billion, driven by increased rewards from UEFA competitions, broadcast rights, commercial partnerships and gate receipts. Over the same period, transfer earnings have grown 211%, underlining the sport’s continued global reach and commercial appeal.

“This edition of the UEFA European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report is quite special. Not only does it give a clear picture of current European club football finances, but it also takes a step back to reflect on how the game has developed over the last ten years,” said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. “What the report shows is encouraging. After a decade that included one of the toughest periods our sport and society have faced, European football has come through in a strong position.

“Despite the noise, despite the pressure, despite the doubts of some, European football’s future remains bright. The decade ahead will bring new pressures, but also real opportunities. With good insights, such as those provided by this report, European football can prepare more effectively – and work together to support a healthy, successful future.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has outlined Malta’s diplomatic priorities for the year ahead during the annual meeting with the country’s Overseas Ambassadors.

Addressing the gathering, Abela said the yearly appointment serves to establish a clear diplomatic agenda while reflecting on the previous year’s achievements on the international stage.

He noted that an important cycle in Malta’s overseas policy concluded last year, particularly within the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe.

The Prime Minister described this year as an opportunity to reassess how Malta’s foreign service can continue working in the national interest under the theme “Niżguraw l-Iskop Tagħna” (We Assure Our Scope).

He linked diplomatic efforts to Viżjoni Malta (Vision Malta) 2050, stressing that ambassadors are essential to achieving the long-term national vision, particularly in the pillars of commerce and tourism.

For the first time, Honorary Consuls joined the meeting, tasked with conveying the message that Malta remains open to global collaboration and determined to seize opportunities in strategic sectors.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% stake in Almeria, a Spanish second division club currently ranked third in the league. The 41-year-old, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is beginning to expand his horizons beyond the pitch. The Portuguese’s investment, as stated in a statement, is being made through its subsidiary CR7 Sports Investments. This deal is part of the club’s international expansion, spearheaded by president Mohamed Al Khereiji through his corporate conglomerate, SMC Group.

“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in,” said Mohamed Al Khereiji, president of UD Almería. “He is considered the best player in history, he knows Spanish football very well, and he understands the potential of what we are building here, both in terms of the first team and the youth academy.”

For his part, Cristiano Ronaldo stated: “For a long time, my ambition has been to contribute to football beyond the pitch. UD Almería is a club with solid foundations and clear growth potential. I look forward to working alongside the management team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NYON (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Gianluca Prestianni will not play against Real Madrid. In an official statement, UEFA confirmed the one-match suspension for the Benfica player, following the incident during the first leg, when the Argentine was accused of hurling racist insults at Vinicius Jr. Following the decision, the Portuguese club appealed, which was officially rejected, also protesting the failure to sanction Valverde for slapping Dahl.

Prestianni, therefore, will not be present this evening in the Champions League play-off second leg, which will take place in a packed Bernabeu, ready to show its full support for Vinicius through anti-racism mosaics developed by organized fans. The match, following the 1-0 win in the first leg, promises to be particularly heated, both on and off the pitch. The Portuguese team will not have their former star, José Mourinho, on the bench. He is also suspended after his sending off in the first leg, which ended 1-0 for the Blancos.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RAGUSA (ITALPRESS) – The State Police in Ragusa have executed a European Arrest Warrant against a 51-year-old man from Ragusa, issued by the Maltese judicial authorities for drug trafficking and weapons possession offenses.

The Central Directorate of Criminal Police of the Department of Public Security alerted the Ragusa Mobile Squad to the possible presence in the Hyblaean area of the suspect, who was subject to the restrictive measure. Subsequent investigative activities led officers to locate the man in Ragusa after a period of residence in Malta, during which he allegedly committed the crimes in question.

The 51-year-old was taken to police headquarters for the required formal procedures and was later transferred to the local prison facility, where he is to serve a nine-year sentence.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – For the second leg of the Champions League play-offs between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Bernabeu Stadium, Merengues fans are ready to display, through mosaics created by organized groups, messages in support of the fight against racism.

“No to racism” and “respect,” according to Marca, were the words of support from Madrid fans for Vinicius Jr., who, during the first leg, was allegedly subjected to a racist insult by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, who is accused of tagging him with the word “monkey.”

For the Bernabeu match, 4,000 fans are expected to be in the away section, with the match taking place in a packed stadium. The match is rated as “high risk,” a standard practice for every Champions League match in the Spanish capital.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews