This was discussed during public-private consultations aimed at improving the investment screening mechanism as part of the legislative package on the digitalization of the economy. Specifically, representatives of government agencies, business associations, and companies from relevant industries gathered on August 21 for a working meeting organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization and the Secretariat of the Economic Council under the Prime Minister. The discussions focused on coordinating positions and resolving objections raised during the approval process for amendments to the Law on the Mechanism for Reviewing Investments Significant to National Security, which were initiated as part of the legislative package on the digitalization of the economy. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Research, the Public Services Agency, the Anti-Money Laundering Service, the Information and Security Service, the Investment Agency, FIA Moldova, ATIC, as well as business entities from the relevant sectors. Participants reviewed proposals aimed at making the investment screening mechanism more transparent, proportionate, and focused on actual risks to national security. The proposed changes are not intended to weaken oversight of sensitive investments, but rather to focus institutional resources on transactions that could have a real impact on national and economic security. During the discussions, participants addressed the need to clarify the sectors and types of activities subject to review, including those related to critical infrastructure and technologies; the elimination of mandatory prior approval for the simple registration of a new enterprise, while retaining the possibility of subsequent review; establishing a more effective exchange of information between government agencies and the Investment Review Board; introducing differentiated timeframes for low-risk investments; and clarifying issues related to sanctions, the consequences of decisions, and guarantees for appeals. During the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of having a clear and proportionate investment review mechanism that takes into account actual risks to national security and is aligned with European standards in this area. It is expected that clearer rules and predictable procedures will reduce compliance costs, facilitate the launch and implementation of legitimate investment projects, and strengthen investor confidence in Moldova's institutions. The Secretariat of the Economic Council under the Prime Minister stated that it will continue to support the process of consultation and coordination of positions in order to develop clear and practical provisions. // 21.08.2026 — InfoMarket