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Tag: Europe Day

  • Romania and the Republic of Moldova celebrated Europe Day

    Romania and the Republic of Moldova celebrated Europe Day

    On May 9, Romania celebrated, along with the other European states, Europe Day, dedicated to peace and unity on the continent. This date also has a special historical significance for Romanians, as it marks State Independence Day. In the message conveyed on Europe Day, President Klaus Iohannis said that Europeans want to live in free societies, with a functional rule of law, where rights and freedoms are respected. According to him, “the current challenges show us all the more clearly that we have a responsibility towards people to maintain peace on the continent, and the surest solution is to strengthen the European construction and strengthen the unity between our nations”. In turn, the Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu recalled that, after joining the EU, Romania benefited from over 64 billion Euros from European funds, money it received in addition to the total amount it contributed to the EU budget. In an intervention on Radio Romania, Iulia Matei, ambassador and permanent representative of Romania to the EU, pointed out that unity is the key to a strong Europe.

     

    Iulia Matei: “If we look back a little, and especially in recent years, we can see that together we have achieved a series of results that we probably would have considered much more difficult to achieve, but also impossible. And here I am primarily thinking of the fact that the EU has become a stronger geopolitical actor. We proved that we are a reliable partner for Ukraine, in the context of the current Russian aggression, and we also made these essential historical decisions related to the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.”

     

    The Arch of Triumph in Bucharest was illuminated in blue on the evening of May 9, to mark Europe Day, and the EU Flag was projected on the facade of the Palace of Parliament. In the big cities, Europe Day was celebrated with military parades and artistic events. Both Europe Day and Victory Day were celebrated in Chişinău as well. President Maia Sandu, members of the government and Parliament laid flowers at the Eternitate Memorial, to commemorate those who fell in the Second World War. A special ceremony was also held in the square in the center of Chişinău, in the presence of the president and the European commissioner for budget and administration, Johannes Hahn, who is visiting the Republic of Moldova. May 9, 1945 was the first day of peace in Europe after the Second World War, about which no one can speak triumphantly, especially since we are witnessing a new war in Europe, said Maia Sandu in her speech from the Great National Assembly Square. She emphasized the benefits that integration into the EU will bring, one of the biggest guarantees being peace and national security.

     

    Maia Sandu: “We don’t want to go somewhere, we want to stay at home and let the European Union be at home. Happy anniversary, European Union! Happy anniversary, European Moldova!”

     

    Europe Day is the day when we honor all those who value and defend the European Union, peace, stability and prosperity on our continent, including the citizens of the Republic of Moldova”, said, in turn, the European Commissioner Johannes Hahn. (LS)

  • May 9, 2024

    May 9, 2024

    VOTE On June 9th Romanians are expected to the polls and cast a ballot for their representatives in the European Parliament and in the local administration. The election campaign will kick off on May 10th and is due to end on June 8. Over nine hundreds polling stations are expected to be opened abroad, upon the request of the local Romanian communities who will be using the same ballot papers. We recall that 2024 is the first year when Romania sees three election rounds. In September they are expected to elect the country’s president and in December their MPs.

     

    UKRAINE The situation in Ukraine has been high on the agenda of the talks Romania’s Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr had with his British and Georgian counterparts, Leo Docherty and Irakli Chikovani, respectively. The issue was also high on the agenda of the talks in Washington between Romania’s president Klaus Iohannis and Joe Biden. In Bucharest, the British official has mentioned the strong relations between the two countries, Romania’s steadfast contribution to NATO as well as the joint support for Ukraine. According to Leo Docherty, 2024 is a very important year for the fate of the war started by Russia and said the Europeans have a duty to support Ukraine. In Washington, the Romanian president has recalled the support Romania granted to Ukraine from the very beginning of the conflict and has given assurances this support ”is going to continue as long as necessary, because Romania is aware of the key role it is playing in helping its neighbour to obtain victory and peace, to attain economic success and get integrated into the EU. After the talks he had with Joe Biden, the Romanian president mentioned the possibility that Romania might consider the solution of making a Patriot missile defence system available for Ukraine.

     

    FILM The 28th edition of the European Film Festival begins in Bucharest today on Europe’s Day and will end in Chisinau on June 8. The Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) kicks off the festival with Blaga’s Lessons, a Bulgarian-German co-production directed by Stephan Komandarev, which got the Crystal Globe for Best Film and the Ecumenical Jury Award at the International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary. According to the ICR, the festival this year has a generous schedule of 40 feature films, 34 national premieres and two selections of short-reels.

     

    WIN Romania’s national side clinched a 31-30 home win against the Czech Republic on Wednesday night in the first round of the World Handball Championship playoffs. The return match is due to take place in Brno on May 12. Romania has so far attended 14 editions of the aforementioned competition and its latest participation was in 2011, when it ranked 19th. The World Handball Championship is due over January 14 and February 2 next year in Croatia, Denmark and Norway.

     

    DAY Bucharest and other Romanian cities are today marking Europe Day through a series of concerts, sporting events, rounds of debates, book exhibitions and various workshops. The EU flag will be projected on the Parliament building in Bucharest tonight in an attempt to join other famous institutions and buildings all over Europe, marking this day as well as the final countdown to the EU Parliament elections due on June 9th. Blue lights are going to be projected on the Triumphal Arch in Bucharest also tonight. The Schuman Declaration, a watershed moment in the process of European integration and cooperation, is also marked on May 9th. On this day in 1950, the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community. The proposal has been known as the Schuman Declaration and is believed to have been the foundation of the European Union. Romania joined the EU in 2007 together with Bulgaria.

    (bill)

     

  • May 8, 2024 UPDATE

    May 8, 2024 UPDATE

    VISIT The Romanian President, Klaus Iohannis, was on an official visit to the US on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday he was received at the White House by his American counterpart Joe Biden. The talks focused on the situation in Ukraine and the Black Sea area, as well as on strengthening security in the Euro-Atlantic area. Klaus Iohannis thanked for the substantial contribution of the United States to ensuring the security of Romania and the entire eastern flank of NATO, as well as for the recognition of the strategic role of the Black Sea in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In turn, Joe Biden expressed his special appreciation for the consistent efforts that Romania has been making for the benefit of the allied space and, at the same time, for the continuous support it gives to Ukraine. The issue of Romania’s admission to the Visa Waiver program was also addressed.

     

    EUROPE DAY The National Parliament building in Bucharest is illuminated on Wednesday and Thursday, alongside many other landmarks in over 60 European cities, to mark 9 May, Europe Day, and the one-month countdown for the European Elections (6-9 June), the Romanian Chamber of Deputies announced. Every year, May 9 marks the anniversary of the historic ‘Schuman declaration’ that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe. On May 9th, 1950, the French foreign minister Robert Schuman proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, whose members would pool coal and steel production, to prevent a new war between Europe’s nations. The declaration is regarded as the foundation of the European Union, which Romania joined in 2007.

     

    DEFENCE The Romanian defence minister Angel Tîlvăr Wednesday received his Georgian counterpart Irakli Chikovani, who is on an official visit to Romania. During the talks, the two officials tackled regional security issues, in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the measures taken by Romania to ensure Black Sea traffic security, and the bilateral cooperation in the defence sector. The Romanian defence minister also assured his counterpart of Romania’s support for Georgia’s European accession efforts. In turn, Irakli Chikovani emphasised the importance of the EU’s monitoring mission (EUMM Georgia).

     

    ISRAEL Romania’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies will convene next Tuesday in a special meeting devoted to the Day of Solidarity and Friendship between Romania and the state of Israel. The decision was made on Wednesday by the joint standing bureaus of the two parliamentary chambers. A law has recently taken effect, proclaiming May 14th as the Day of Solidarity and Friendship between Romania and the state of Israel.

     

    CRIMINALITY The Romanian police reports a decrease in the number of crimes registered this year during the Labor Day and Orthodox Easter break. The number of robberies, serious traffic accidents, as well as the number of the victims of such incidents dropped, said the spokeswoman for the Ministry of the Interior, Monica Dajbog. She also announced that law enforcement agencies would continue to focus on ensuring the smooth running of public events on Europe Day and Romania’s Independence Day, on May 9, as well as during the election campaign for the parliamentary and local elections, which starts on May 10.

     

    OLYMPIC GAMES After several days of sea travel on board a boat from Greece, the Olympic flame Wednesday arrived in Marseille, in the south of France, where it was welcomed by approximately 150,000 people. The former Romanian fencer Ana-Maria Brânza, an Olympic champion in the team event and twice silver medalist in the individual event, is to carry the Olympic flame together with other athletes from the 27 EU countries. Lit on April 16 in the ancient Greek site of Olympia, the flame – a symbol of the Olympic Games – will cross all of France, passing through the Antilles and French Polynesia, to reach Paris on the day of the opening ceremony, July 26. The Summer Olympics will run until August 11.

     

    RED CROSS Every year, around the world, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Day is marked on May 8 with local and international events and activities. They recognise the significant contribution of the movement to the provision of humanitarian aid, medical assistance and protection for those in need around the world. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was founded at the initiative of Henry Dunant (1828-1910), a Swiss businessman, after one of the bloodiest battles of the century, that of Solferino (Italy), where the Austrian and French armies clashed causing 40,000 victims. He understood the urgent need to organise medical services to provide neutral humanitarian assistance during wars. As such, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement aims to protect life and health, to prevent and alleviate human suffering without any discrimination based on nationality, race, religion, social class or political opinion. Currently, it provides vital assistance in armed conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics.

     

    UKRAINE Russia Wednesday launched a new large-scale air attack against energy infrastructure in several parts of Ukraine, military and energy officials from Kyiv have announced. The Ukrainian army said that its air defence systems were involved in countering the attacks and intercepted the missiles launched towards Kyiv. Blasts were reported in the cities of Lviv and Zaporizhzhia. In another move, preparations are being made for the Global Peace Summit aimed at finding a solution to the war that has been going on for more than two years. The summit, to which Russia was not invited, will take place in Switzerland on June 15-16, and Ukraine hopes to garner broad support to persuade Moscow to agree to terms that Kyiv deems acceptable.

     

    GAZA The Israeli army strengthened its air attacks on Gaza Strip, after taking control of the strategic crossing point to Egypt, Rafah. Meanwhile, mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the United States convened in Cairo, in the presence of Israeli officials, to discuss a ceasefire agreement in exchange for the release of the hostages captured by Hamas. An official for the Palestinian group told France Presse that it could be the last chance for Israel to recover the captives alive. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the recent proposals by Hamas to agree on a ceasefire do not come close to meeting Israeli demands, but Israel is participating in the negotiations. Tuesday marked seven months since Hamas attacked Israel. 1,200 Israelis died then and 250 were taken hostage, of which about 100 were released later. In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive that practically destroyed Gaza and killed around 35,000 Palestinians. (AMP)

  • May 9, 2023 UPDATE

    May 9, 2023 UPDATE

    Europe Day. In his message on Europe Day, Romanias President, Klaus Iohannis stressed that in 2023, the celebration was marked by profound changes at global level. The consequences of the war waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine have multiplied, and the principles, values ​​and multilateral system that have been the foundation of peace after the Second World War are under threat, while at global level we see a tendency of fragmentation and geopolitical resettlement, Klaus Iohannis said in his message. In this global context, with so many challenges, Europe, a symbol of the values ​​of peace, freedom, democracy, and human rights, has an even more important role today. Defending these values ​​is a responsibility that will shape the world in which the future generations will grow. Romania, Klaus Iohannis, also said, is an active part of the European efforts and initiatives to implement common strategic priorities, for the benefit of our citizens. Unity and solidarity remain our main asset, and the last years have been clear proof that we are stronger only united and in solidarity, Klaus Iohannis concluded.



    Visit. The European Commissioner for Transport, the Romanian Adina Vălean, is paying formal visits to the Republic of Moldova and Romania, between May 9 and 11. In Chisinau, Adina Valean and the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Lilia Dabija, signed on Tuesday, in the presence of Prime Minister Dorin Recean, an agreement that affiliates Moldova to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEE). It will facilitate access to European funds for major infrastructure projects, in order to improve the countrys connectivity both with Europe and internally. Also in Chisinau, the agreements between the Republic of Moldova and Romania on the modernization of three bridges over the Prut River were signed. On May 10 and 11, the European Commissioner will be in Romania, to visit the Port of Constanţa, on the Black Sea coast, where she will hand over to Romanian beneficiaries two CEE grants for the funding of military mobility actions. One of the projects is about the modernization of the railway infrastructure in the Port of Constanţa – an essential crossing point within the EU-Ukraine solidarity corridors.



    Ordinance. The Romanian Finance Ministry published on its website, on Monday evening, the draft emergency ordinance by means of which the Government hopes to save over 5 billion lei (1 billion Euros) to the budget. The measures proposed include a 10% reduction in goods and service spending in public institutions, as well as a hiring freeze, with certain exceptions. Also, the number of positions in the offices and chancelleries of the central public administration is to be reduced by half. The government is expected to adopt the document this week.



    Cybersecurity. The new European Cybersecurity Competence Center was inaugurated, on Tuesday, in Bucharest, with the participation of Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă and of several senior European officials, a press release from the European Commission Representation in Romania reads. This center aims to support innovation and industrial policy in the field of cyber security, as well as to develop and coordinate EU projects in the field. According to the prime minister, the presence in this part of Europe of an essential component for strengthening the EUs cyber resilience reconfirms the attention given to our common efforts to protect the economy, the citizens and the public institutions. The decision to select Bucharest as the host city of the Center also took into account the very attractive local ecosystem, the Romanians knowledge, skills, innovation and talent in the field of cyber security, Ciuca stressed. Attending the inauguration event, Roberto Viola, Director-General of the European Commissions Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) said that Bucharest competed with five other European cities to host such a center and won thanks to its vibrant system of researchers that promote innovation and thanks to the skills they have in the field of cyber security. “Europe is becoming increasingly digitized and there are risks and benefits during this process. The risk is that opponents of democracy will attack the foundations of democracy and the way of life of the citizens and of Europe” , the European official added.



    Milk. In Romania, the negotiations between the big milk retailers and processors have ended, so the price of milk has already dropped, on average by 20% in most stores. According to the Competition Council, in the case of some assortments, the decrease will even reach 34%. The president of the institution says that the measure should not affect farmers, on the contrary, by stimulating domestic consumption, demand will increase, and local producers will sell more. The voluntary agreement for cheaper milk between retailers and processors is valid 6 months, starting May 1st, and the Competition Council will monitor its application.



    Gaudeamus. The Gaudeamus Book Fair, organized by Radio Romania, opens its doors on Wednesday in Oradea (north-west). Over 50 brands, among which the most prestigious publishing houses and Romanian and foreign book distribution agencies, will present their offer in 45 stands. Visitors can choose from thousands of titles from various fields, for all ages and tastes, a large part of which are recent releases. According to the organizers, the editorial offer will be completed by a generous selection of educational games and quality music. (MI)

  • May 9, 2023

    May 9, 2023

    Message — Romania’s President, Klaus Iohannis, sent a message on Tuesday, May 9, on the occasion of Europe Day, in which he emphasizes that May 9 occurs at a time of profound change at the global level. The consequences of the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine have multiplied, and the principles, values ​​and multilateral system that underlay world peace after the Second World War are still threatened, while at the global level we see a tendency of fragmentation and geopolitical resettlement, said Klaus Iohannis. In this global context with many challenges, Europe, a symbol of the values ​​of peace, freedom, democracy, and human rights, has an even more important role today. Defending these values ​​is a responsibility that will shape the world in which future generations will develop. Romania, Klaus Iohannis went on to say, is an active part of European efforts and initiatives to implement common strategic priorities, to the benefit of our citizens. Unity and solidarity remain our main asset, and the last years have been clear proof that we are stronger only united and in solidarity, Klaus Iohannis concluded.



    Ordinance — The Romanian Finance Ministry published on its website, on Monday evening, the draft emergency ordinance through which the Government hopes to save over 5 billion lei (1 billion Euros) to the budget. Among the measures proposed are: the 10% reduction in spending on goods and services in public institutions and a hiring freeze in state owned institutions, with certain exceptions. Also, the number of positions in the offices and chancelleries of public officials in the central public administration is to be reduced by half. The government is expected to adopt the document this week.



    Cybersecurity – The new European Cybersecurity Competence Center was inaugurated, on Tuesday, in Bucharest, with the participation of the Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă and of several senior European officials, shows a press release from the European Commission Representation in Romania. This center aims to support innovation and industrial policy in the field of cyber security, as well as to develop and coordinate EU projects in the field. According to the prime minister, the presence in this part of Europe of an essential component for strengthening the EU’s cyber resilience reconfirms the attention given to our common efforts to protect the economy, the citizens and the public institutions. The decision to select Bucharest as the host city of the Center, Nicolae Ciuca adds, also took into account the very attractive existing ecosystem, the Romanians’ knowledge, skills, innovation and talent in the field of cyber security. Attending the inauguration event, Roberto Viola, Director-General of the European Commissions department for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT), said that Bucharest competed with five other European cities to host such a center and won thanks to its vibrant system of researchers that promote innovation and thanks to the skills they have in the field of cyber security. “Europe is becoming more and more digitized and during this process there emerge risks and obviously advantages. The risk is that the opponents of democracy may attack the foundations of democracy and the way of life of the citizens and of Europe” – the European official added.



    Transports – The European Commissioner for Transport, the Romanian Adina Vălean, is on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova and Romania, between May 9 and 11 – the Representation of the European Commission in Romania reports. In Chisinau, Adina Valean and the Moldovan Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Lilia Dabija, signed on Tuesday, in the presence of the Prime Minister Dorin Recean, an agreement that affiliates Chisinau to the European Interconnection Mechanism (EIM). This new agreement will facilitate the Republic of Moldovas access to European funds for major infrastructure projects, in order to improve its connectivity both with Europe and inside the country. Adina Vălean will also meet with the president of the Republic of Moldova, the pro-Western Maia Sandu. On May 10 and 11, the European Commissioner will be in Romania, to visit the Port of Constanţa, on the Black Sea Coast, where she will hand over to the Romanian beneficiaries two EIM grants for financing military mobility actions. One of the projects refers to the modernization of the railway infrastructure in the Port of Constanţa, an essential crossing point within the EU-Ukraine solidarity corridors.



    Ukraine – Ukraine announces that it has intercepted a missile attack by the Russian forces on the capital Kyiv. The head of the Ukrainian military administration, Serhii Popko, said that the anti-aircraft defense systems shot down all the 15 cruise missiles launched by the enemy. In recent weeks, a series of explosions, drone attacks and sabotage attempts have also hit Russia. Last week, the Kremlin itself was attacked, and the authorities blamed Ukraine for an alleged drone attack, an accusation denied by Kyiv. On the other hand, additional security measures were taken in Moscow for the annual Victory Day parade, which marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. During the parade, President Vladimir Putin said that the world is at a “turning point”, with a “real war” being waged against Russia by the Western countries, before urging the Russians to victory, France press reports. Victory Day events in several Russian cities have been canceled due to fears of possible attacks.



    Gaudeamus – The Gaudeamus Book Fair, organized by Radio Romania, opens its doors on Wednesday in Oradea (north-west). Over 50 brands, among which the most prestigious publishing houses and Romanian and foreign book distribution agencies, gathered in 45 stands. Visitors can choose from thousands of titles from various fields, for all ages and tastes, a large part of which are recent releases. According to the organizers, the editorial offer will be completed by a generous selection of educational games and quality music. (LS)

  • Ziua Europei 2023. UE sărbătorește unitatea europeană

    Ziua Europei 2023. UE sărbătorește unitatea europeană

    În fiecare an, pe 9 mai, sărbătorim Ziua Europei. Această dată marchează aniversarea unui discurs susținut de ministrul francez de externe, Robert Schuman, în anul 1950. Textul prevedea crearea unei Comunităţi a cărbunelui şi oţelului, ai cărei membri urmau să-şi gestioneze împreună aceste două resurse. Schuman a avut în vedere o Europă liberă, pacifistă, bazată pe idealurile de cooperare și partajare a resurselor. Europa nu se va construi dintr-o dată sau ca urmare a unui plan unic, ci prin realizări concrete care vor genera în primul rând o solidaritate de fapt, arăta Robert Schuman în declarația considerată piatra de temelie a Uniunii Europene.
    Anul acesta Ziua Europei are ca motto Sărbătorim unitatea europeană.

    Pe parcursul întregii săptămâni, instituțiile UE vor găzdui activități interactive în cele 27 de state membre și în orașe din întreaga lume.

    Instituțiile europene din Bruxelles, Luxemburg și Strasbourg vor fi deschise pentru vizitatori, astfel incât cetățenii să se poată familiariza cu activitatea lor.

    Mâine, doritorii vor putea vizita Curtea Europeană de Justiție și satul european din orașul Luxemburg. Sâmbătă, 13 mai, cetățenii au posibilitatea să vadă împrejurimile Parlamentului European de la Strasbourg și vor putea vedea sediul celui mai mare organism democratic din Europa.

    În România, Biroul Parlamentului European și Reprezentanța Comisiei Europene în România organizează în perioada 5 – 9 mai o serie de acțiuni pentru a marca Ziua Europei în București și în alte orașe din țară.

    Astăzi, Casa Europa din București găzduiește o piesă de teatru-forum despre importanța participării la alegerile pentru Parlamentul European de anul viitor. Mâine, 9 mai, la Fântâna de la Universitate, între orele 12:00 și 15:00 are loc evenimentul Hai să facem viitorul verde!, iar Centrul de Studii Europene SNSPA va organiza un pop quiz online, cu întrebări legate de Uniunea Europeană – 9 mai, 9 întrebări, 9 premii.

    Și o ultimă informație: pe site-ul dedicate Zilei Europei, EuropeDay, găsiți o hartă interactivă cu evenimentele de Ziua Europei din apropierea localității unde vă aflați.


  • May 9, 2022 UPDATE

    May 9, 2022 UPDATE

    EUROPE DAY – Military
    ceremonies, laying of flowers, exhibitions and film screenings were held around
    the country on Monday to mark Romania’s National Independence Day, the Victory
    of the United Nations Coalition in WWII and Europe Day, all three of which are
    celebrated every year on May 9. The European Commission representation in
    Romania launched a communication campaign entitled Faces of European
    Solidarity and consisting in an exhibition of photographs documenting
    Romanians’ solidarity with the people who fled Ukraine following the Russian
    invasion and the care and warmth with which they were received by the Romanians
    near the border areas, at refugee centers and in their homes. Europe must
    become stronger, more vocal, more capable and better prepared, said Romania’s
    president Klaus Iohannis in a Europe Day statement.


    VICTORY DAY -
    Russian president Vladimir Putin on Monday said his army is fighting in Ukraine
    to defend the fatherland against an unacceptable threat posed by the
    neighboring country supported by the West. Putin told the crowds attending the
    military parade in Moscow that he ordered the special operation in Ukraine
    because the Ukrainian authorities were preparing an attack against pro-Russian
    separatists in the east, because they wanted to develop nuclear weapons and
    bring NATO to Russia’s doorstep. No foreign leader attended the festivities in
    Moscow, which marked the victory of the Soviet Union against Nazi Germany in
    WWII. In Kyiv, president Volodymyr Zelensky said that evil has returned to
    Europe, in a different form, under different slogans, but for the same
    purpose, comparing the Russian invasion to the 1941 Nazi invasion.


    REFUGEES – The
    way in which Romania received refugees from Ukraine is a strong argument
    proving our country is already acting as a member of Schengen, Foreign Minister
    Bogdan Aurescu said on Monday in the opening of the debate 15 years since
    Romania’s EU accession – Romania’s contribution to the EU and its role in
    consolidating the Union. Minister Aurescu said citizens’ involvement in
    helping the refugees is a clear expression of Romanians’ genuine European
    spirit. Since the start of the conflict, Romania has provided direct support
    to over 927 thousand Ukrainian refugees, of whom over 89,000 chose to stay in
    Romania. On Monday, the Border Police announced that nearly 7,700 Ukrainian
    citizens entered the country in the last 24 hours, down by 15% compared to the
    previous day.


    PRESIDENCY – On
    Europe Day, president Klaus Iohannis selected two projects which will take
    place this year under the high patronage of the Romanian Presidency, designed
    to strengthen the unity of history, language, culture and European aspirations
    between Romania and the Republic of Moldova -a the Bookfest International Fair
    and the Meeting of Romanian Theatres. In 2022, Bookfest will take place over
    August 31 – September 4, and is meant to promote reading and Romanian
    literature in the Republic of Moldova. In turn, the Meeting of Romanian
    Theatres will take place over September 15-25. The two events are also held
    under the high patronage of the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.


    DNA – The National Anticorruption
    Directorate (DNA) announced 39 final sentences were passed in March against 86
    defendants in corruption cases, including giving and taking bribe, peddling in
    influence and fraud involving European funds. Sentences vary between 7 years
    and 8 months in prison and fines amounting to the equivalent in lei of 3,000 Euro.


    WTA – Poland’s Iga Swiatek comfortably leads the WTA ranking published on
    Monday, followed by Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic and Spain’s Paula
    Badosa. Former world no. 1 Simona Halep remains the highest-ranked Romanian
    tennis player, at no. 20. Romania has five other players in the top 100: Sorana
    Cîrstea, at no. 26, Gabriela Ruse at no. 57, Irina Begu at no. 63, Jaqueline
    Cristian at no. 70 and Ana Bogdan at no. 95. In the women’s doubles ranking,
    Monica Niculescu is the highest-ranked Romanian, at no. 42, as Raluca Olaru
    drops six places to no. 49. Irina Begu is at no. 47, Irina Bara at no. 62 and Gabriela
    Ruse at no. 93. (CM & VP)



  • May 7, 2022

    May 7, 2022

    Visit – Jill Biden, the wife of U.S. President Joe Biden, continues her visit to Romania today. In Bucharest, she met with Carmen Iohannis, the wife of Romanias President Klaus Iohannis, and she will pay a visit to a school that hosts Ukrainian refugee students. Also today, Jill Biden is to meet with Government members, with the staff of the American Embassy, as well as with humanitarian aid workers. On Friday, the first day of her visit, Jill Biden met with the U.S. and NATO soldiers at Mihail Kogalniceanu base (southeast). The American presidents wife is on a tour which will also include Slovakia, to show the US’s commitment to Ukrainian refugees. She is accompanied by the Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Karen Donfried. The delegation also includes former U.S. Ambassador to Bucharest between 2009 and 2012 Mark Gitenstein, currently U.S. Ambassador to the EU and his wife Elizabeth Gitenstein.



    Refugees — Ukrainian children refugees in Romania will be able to be registered in a computer application, regardless of whether they are with their family or not. The platform will be developed and adapted by the Ministry of Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities in collaboration with UNICEF Romania and the non-governmental organization “Save the children”. Since the beginning of the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine, almost 40,000 children from the neighboring country have arrived in Romania, who have crossed the border with their parents or unaccompanied. The application, which has been successfully used in the case of other states amid the influx of refugees caused by the war, provides that the authorities should know about the location of the Ukrainian children left in Romania, even if they are with their parents or relatives. At least 80,700 people, including more than 8,000 Ukrainian citizens (up by 4.3% compared to the previous day), entered Romania through the border crossings on Friday. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, over 860 thousand Ukrainians have crossed the Romanian border, most of them transiting to other countries.



    Grants – The Romanian Government has decided to grant non-reimbursable loans worth 300 million Euros to companies operating in agriculture and the food industry. The authorities pre-notified the European Commission about the state aid scheme, and the relevant minister Marcel Boloş is convinced that the community forum will approve the request without any problems. Companies will receive non-reimbursable loans for working capital, in order to buy raw materials or fuels. The measure will support seasonal works in agriculture and will combat the rise in fuel and chemical fertilizer prices.



    Ukraine — The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously approved a declaration giving ‘strong support’ to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ‘in working out a peaceful solution’ to the war between Russia and Ukraine. In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine that will provide additional ammunition consisting in artillery, radars and other equipment, but he warned that the funds earmarked for weapons destined for Kyiv are now ‘virtually depleted.’ On Sunday, the G7 leaders will have a virtual meeting to discuss the war in Ukraine, which will also be attended by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Germany, the country holding the organizations presidency this year, announced. On the ground, Kyiv is still making diplomatic efforts to rescue the remaining fighters in the Azovstal steelworks, the last Ukrainian forces’ stronghold in the port city of Mariupol, after fifty civilians were evacuated on Friday by a new humanitarian convoy. Also on Friday, the Russian troops continued to launch rocket attacks on regions in southern Ukraine. On the other hand, about two and a half months after being recognized by Russia, the self-proclaimed peoples republics of the East, Donetsk and Luhansk, have appointed ambassadors to Moscow. After the failure to conquer Kyiv, Russias war effort is currently focused on supporting and expanding Russian separatist areas in eastern Ukraine.



    Campaign – The Representation of the European Commission in Romania has launched the communication campaign “Faces of European solidarity”, in the context of the anniversary of Europe Day on May 9th, when the signing of the Schuman Declaration of 1950 is marked. It is a photo exhibition by photojournalists documenting the solidarity of Romanians with people who left Ukraine following the Russian invasion. The campaign will run for a month, and the photos will be exhibited in Bucharest in different spaces, at the metro stations, the Henri Coanda Airport, and also in the online environment.



    Paris – Emmanuel Macron was sworn-in on Saturday at the Elysee Palace as President of France for a new five-year term, AFP reports. In a short speech, he called for continued action to make France a more independent and powerful nation. We remind you that Macron won the second round of the presidential elections, on April 24, in front of the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, with 58.55% of the votes. On Sunday, he will take part in the festivities marking the anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945. On Monday, Europe Day, he is expected in Strasbourg to address the European Parliament. Emmanuel Macron will then travel to Berlin on the same day to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, this being his first trip abroad after being re-elected.



    SPP — On the Day of the Protection and Guard Service (SPP), the Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae-Ionel Ciucă conveyed a message showing his appreciation and respect for the professionalism of the specialists of this essential structure in the national security system. 32 years after its establishment, SPP successfully manages all the missions entrusted to it, benefiting from the trust of the Romanian institutions, as well as of the institutions within NATO and the EU member states. The modernization process and the permanent adaptation to the challenges they have to manage, together with the devotion of the SPP professionals, prepares the ground for strengthening this elite structure of the Romanian state, the prime minister said. SPP ensures the protection of Romanian and foreign dignitaries during their stay in Romania, and also the security of their work offices and residences. (LS)

  • May 9 and 10, celebrated under lockdown

    May 9 and 10, celebrated under lockdown

    May 9, a day
    rich in significance, this year was not celebrated by special ceremonies
    devoted to the proclamation of independence of 1877, the end of the Second
    World War or Europe Day. This year marking 70 years since the signing of Robert
    Schuman’s Declaration, which laid the foundations of the European Union, May 9
    was marked by means of messages calling for unity and solidarity in these
    difficult times. The European Union must emerge stronger from the COVID-19
    crisis, the leaders of the European Parliament, the European Council and the
    European Commission have said in a joint letter. European officials have warned
    that after the pandemic Europe will longer return to its previous state, nor
    should it.

    Only a strong Europe will be able to protect the common legacy and
    the economies of Member States. Solidarity and cohesion are key to the future
    of the European project, underlying the connection to the citizens’ needs and
    expectations, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in a public message
    marking Europe Day. The President pointed out we are experiencing the most
    difficult period after the end of the Second World War, which is testing our
    resilience, unity and humanity. Political leaders in Bucharest and MEPs have
    conveyed similar messages. May 10, also known as Royalty Day, celebrated as the
    National Day of Romania over 1866-1947, could not be celebrated this year
    either due to the state of emergency. On this day in 1866, Prince Carol I
    entered Bucharest, starting his 48-year-old rule. A year later, the Romanian
    Senate proclaimed Romania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.

    May 10 is
    also a day that hosted important events that led up to the creation of the
    Romanian modern state. This year the Royal House of Romania cancelled events
    devoted to this day due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Custodian of the Royal Crown,
    Margareta, said the Royal family is grateful to everyone celebrating the Royal
    House, our common history and our strive for liberty, progress and democracy.
    Her Majesty conveyed a message of hope and confidence to all Romanians
    celebrating May 10, despite the difficult context. In another move, several
    university professor from Cluj has called on the authorities to declare May 10
    the National Day of Romania, based on the model of Poland, which has two
    national holidays, or of Hungary, which has three national holidays.


    (Translated by
    V. Palcu)



  • May 9, 2019

    May 9, 2019

    EUROPE DAY — In a message conveyed today on Europe Day, Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, has said the country will continue to be a supporter of the European project founded on convergence, cohesion, solidarity and sustainable development. Dancila has also said that Bucharest wants a strong European Union, in which all member states enjoy equal, nondiscriminatory treatment, no matter the size of their territory, their geographic position or the years of EU membership. Also today Romania marks the Independence Day proclaimed in 1877 and the Victory Day of the United Nations Coalition in the WW2. Ceremonies devoted to these events are held all across Romania.




    SUMMIT — The informal summit of the EU heads of state and government, with the exception of Britain, is being held In Sibiu, central Romania, as part of the Romanian half-yearly presidency of the Council of the EU. The next strategic agenda of the EU for the 2019-2024 period is the topic of the summit. Romanian president Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday that the summit will have to provide a clear vision on the EUs future. During the summit, President Iohannis is expected to present Bucharests vision on the strategic programme for the following five years, underlining the fact that the agenda of the political players must be the same as that of the European citizens. The European Council president Donald Tusk previously proposed the participants to adopt a joint statement, which should send a message of unity and confidence in the EU’s joint actions.




    LETTER – 21 EU heads of state, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis included, have urged voters to reverse the downward trend in turnout in European Parliament (EP) elections. “The 2019 elections are especially important,” they said in an open letter. They warned that “for the first time since the start of European integration, there are voices calling for steps back on that process, whether on freedom of movement, or the abolition of joint institutions”. The heads of state pledged allegiance to EU values of “freedom, equality, solidarity, democracy, justice, and loyalty” and said that only a “strong EU” could tackle challenges such as climate change, terrorism, global trade shifts, and migration.




    IRAN – The EU has rejected any “ultimatums” from Iran, according to a joint statement released by the EU, France, Germany, and the UK, France Press reports. Iran said Wednesday that it planned to cease “some commitments” on the nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), that was signed in 2015 with the US, France, China, Russia, and Germany, in answer to the unilateral withdrawal from the deal of the US, a year ago. Tehran had initially agreed to restrict its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. US President Donald Trump withdrew from the landmark 2015 deal in May 2018. Also on Wednesday, Washington announced new sanctions on Irans iron, steel, aluminum, and copper sectors. (Translated by Elena Enache)

  • May 6, 2018 UPDATE

    May 6, 2018 UPDATE

    HEALTHCARE — A two-hour strike will be staged in hospitals across Romania on Monday, with only emergency medical service being provided. Healthcare protesters are unhappy with the 30% cap on bonuses and say the introduction of the new salary grid has slashed some of the salaries by as much as 215 euros. In addition, the salaries of medical doctors and nurses have gone up, while the salaries of orderlies, stretchers, biologists, pharmacists, radiologists and midwives have remained unchanged. The SANITAS trade federation has gathered over 50,000 signatures which allows them to call an all-out strike on May 11. In recent days, healthcare unionists have had talks with the ministries of Labor, Healthcare and Finance, without reaching consensus. They are scheduled to have a new round of talks with Prime Minister Viorica Dancila.



    EU-NATO RELATIONS — Cooperation between the EU and NATO in the military field will intensify over the coming period. This is the conclusion of an informal meeting of EU defense ministers held in Sofia. The EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Federica Mogherini, said by mid-June the EU will submit proposals for the new instrument of peace and stability aimed at contributing to preventing crises. The instrument will also finance the activity of collective defense. Over the last year a total of 17 projects have been created to this end. The EU also plans to increase its investment in military infrastructure. The Union will cooperate with the UN and NATO to prevent conflicts in Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and the Western Balkans. State Secretary for Defense, Planning and International Relations Mircea Dusa represented Romania at the meeting. According to a Defense Ministry release, Romania continues to support the operationalization of the Permanent Structured Cooperation in a pragmatic and result-oriented manner.



    NAVALNY — The European Union and Amnesty International have condemned the use of violence to disperse the crowd of protesters in Moscow, where the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was arrested at a rally protesting against Vladimir Putin, who is due to be sworn in for his fourth consecutive term in office. Over 1,500 people were arrested in protests held in Moscow and other large cities across the Russian Federation. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent on the ground, the City Hall did not sanction the protest action in central Moscow, authorizing a different place and urging the population not to join an unauthorized protest. Alexei Navalny’s supporters rallied in the city center and the police charged the crowd with the truncheons and smoke grenades. At the same time, pro-Kremlin nationalist actions were staged in Moscow, some of their activists allegedly trying to attack some of Navalny’s supporters.



    EUROPE DAY — Celebrated on May 9, Europe Day was marked this weekend in Romania and other countries in Europe. Bucharest is hosting the fifth edition of the European Member States Market, consisting of workshops, concerts and culinary events specific to each member of the EU. Attending the event, Romanian Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Victor Negrescu, spoke about Romania preparing to take over the presidency of the European Council in early 2019. Minister Negrescu believes the EU has overcome the Brexit shock and is looking towards the future. Referring to the European Union Members Market, Victor Negrescu said the project is aimed at showcasing what Romania has to offer: traditions, values and particular strengths, which in turn contribute to what Europe today means. British Ambassador to Bucharest Paul Brummel recalled the EU and the UK have reached an agreement to protect the rights of British and EU citizens after Brexit.



    THEATRE AWARDS — The Alba Carolina Fortress in Alba Iulia built in early 18th century on Monday is hosting the Awards Gala of the Theatre Union in Romania (UNITER). The motto of the 26th edition is “The UNITER Gala unites Theatre!” Some 300 guests and artists will walk on the esplanade linking the Orthodox Archbishopric Cathedral to the Roman-Catholic Church, built especially on this occasion. A total of 11 prizes will reward the best productions and best performances in theatre in 2017.



    TENNIS — Romanian tennis player Irina Begu, 36 WTA, on Saturday ousted Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the WTA tournament in Madrid, totaling some 6.7 million euros in prize money. In the second round Begu will go up against Maria Sharapova of Russia, who knocked out Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu in the first round, 6-4, 6-1. Another two Romanians are have qualified to the second round: Simona Halep, WTA no. 1, who ousted Ekaterina Makarova of Russia, 6-1, 6-nil while Sorana Cirstea defeated Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. In the doubles competition, Simona Halep and Irina Begu will play Nicole Melichar of the United States and Kveta Peschke of the Czech Republic. Mihaela Buzarnescu and Alize Cornet of France will take on Andreja Klepac of Slovenia and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain. Finaly, Sorana Cirstea and Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain will play Julia Georges of Germany and Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.


    (Translated by V. Palcu)

  • May 6, 2018

    May 6, 2018

    HEALTHCARE — A two-hour strike will be staged in hospitals across Romania on Monday, with only emergency medical service being provided. Healthcare protesters are unhappy with the 30% cap on bonuses and say the introduction of the new salary grid has slashed some of the salaries by as much as 215 euros. In addition, the salaries of medical doctors and nurses have gone up, while the salaries of orderlies, stretchers, biologists, pharmacists, radiologists and midwives have remained unchanged. The SANITAS trade federation has gathered over 50,000 signatures which allows them to call an all-out strike on May 11. In recent days, healthcare unionists have had talks with the ministries of Labor, Healthcare and Finance, without reaching consensus. They are scheduled to have a new round of talks with Prime Minister Viorica Dancila.



    EU-NATO RELATIONS — Cooperation between the EU and NATO in the military field will intensify over the coming period. This is the conclusion of an informal meeting of EU defense ministers held in Sofia. The EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Federica Mogherini, said by mid-June the EU will submit proposals for the new instrument of peace and stability aimed at contributing to preventing crises. The instrument will also finance the activity of collective defense. Over the last year a total of 17 projects have been created to this end. The EU also plans to increase its investment in military infrastructure. The Union will cooperate with the UN and NATO to prevent conflicts in Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and the Western Balkans. State Secretary for Defense, Planning and International Relations Mircea Dusa represented Romania at the meeting. According to a Defense Ministry release, Romania continues to support the operationalization of the Permanent Structured Cooperation in a pragmatic and result-oriented manner.



    NAVALNY — The European Union and Amnesty International have condemned the use of violence to disperse the crowd of protesters in Moscow, where the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was arrested at a rally protesting against Vladimir Putin, who is due to be sworn in for his fourth consecutive term in office. Over 1,500 people were arrested in protests held in Moscow and other large cities across the Russian Federation. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent on the ground, the City Hall did not sanction the protest action in central Moscow, authorizing a different place and urging the population not to join an unauthorized protest. Alexei Navalny’s supporters rallied in the city center and the police charged the crowd with the truncheons and smoke grenades. At the same time, pro-Kremlin nationalist actions were staged in Moscow, some of their activists allegedly trying to attack some of Navalny’s supporters.



    EUROPE DAY — Celebrated on May 9, Europe Day is being marked this weekend in Romania and other countries in Europe. Bucharest is hosting the fifth edition of the European Member States Market, consisting of workshops, concerts and culinary events specific to each member of the EU. Attending the event, Romanian Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Victor Negrescu, spoke about Romania preparing to take over the presidency of the European Council in early 2019. Minister Negrescu believes the EU has overcome the Brexit shock and is looking towards the future. Referring to the European Union Members Market, Victor Negrescu said the project is aimed at showcasing what Romania has to offer: traditions, values and particular strengths, which in turn contribute to what Europe today means. British Ambassador to Bucharest Paul Brummel recalled the EU and the UK have reached an agreement to protect the rights of British and EU citizens after Brexit.



    VOLLEYBALL — CSM Volei Alba Blaj is the first Romanian women’s volley club to ever qualify to the Champions League final. On Saturday, CSM Alba Blaj defeated Galatasaray Istanbul of Turkey 3-1 in Bucharest. CSM will today play the final against the defending champions VakiBank Istanbul, which on Saturday defeated Imoco Volley Conegliano of Italy 3-2.



    TENNIS — Romanian tennis player Irina Begu, 36 WTA, on Saturday ousted Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the WTA tournament in Madrid, totaling some 6.7 million euros in prize money. In the second round Begu will go up against Maria Sharapova of Russia, who knocked out Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu in the first round. Another two Romanians are have qualified to the second round: Simona Halep, WTA no. 1, who ousted Ekaterina Makarova of Russia, 6-1, 6-nil while Sorana Cirstea defeated Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. In the doubles competition, Simona Halep and Irina Begu will play Nicole Melichar of the United States and Kveta Peschke of the Czech Republic. Mihaela Buzarnescu and Alize Cornet of France will take on Andreja Klepac of Slovenia and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain. Finaly, Sorana Cirstea and Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain will play Julia Georges of Germany and Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.


    (Translated by V. Palcu)

  • May 9, 2017 UPDATE

    May 9, 2017 UPDATE

    CELEBRATIONS – Romania on Tuesday celebrated three important public holidays: the proclamation of its state independence in 1877, World War II Victory Day and Europe Day. The defence ministry organised military and religious ceremonies in Bucharest and garrisons across the country in memory of the heroes fallen on the battlefield. The Romanian Academy hosted a solemn meeting to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the proclamation of Romania’s independence. The Romanian soldiers fought in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878 and obtained their country’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.



    VISIT – Romania is an important partner for Austria from the political, cultural and economic points of view, Austrian chancellor Christian Kern said in Vienna on Tuesday during a joint conference with his Romanian counterpart, Sorin Grindeanu. The Romanian official thanked Austria for the support it gives to Romania in its efforts to join Schengen. The two officials have also mentioned the two countries’ preoccupation that the EU remain a successful project for Europe, an efficient institution characterized by solidarity based on the principles of democracy and freedom, an institution close to citizens. The Romanian Prime Minister extended an invitation to his Austrian counterpart to visit Romania. Grindeanu also participated in round table talks staged by Austria’s Economic Chamber attended by representatives of the most important Austrian investors in Romania. The Romanian Prime Minister underlined that Austria is one of Romania’s most important economic and trade partners coming second in a ranking of the foreign investors; he also said that Romania is also one of the most profitable markets for Austria in Central and Eastern Europe. According to Grindeanu, the development of the Austrian companies in Romania was also possible due to the country’s friendly business environment. The value of bilateral trade exchanges between the two countries exceeds 1.8 billion euros.



    COMMISSIONER The European Commissioner for regional policy Corina Cretu celebrated Europe Day in Bucharest, where she attended a series of events held by the EU Representation in Romania. These included debates on the Union’s future, photography exhibitions, arts and crafts demonstrations and dance performances by members of the Greek ethnic community. The head of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker is also expected to travel to Bucharest, at a time when Romania celebrates its ten-year EU membership. He will address Parliament on Thursday and meet Romanian citizens.



    TENNIS – Three Romanians on Tuesday qualified for the round of 16 of the tennis tournament in Madrid with 5.4 million dollars in prize money. The world’s no. 8, Simona Halep of Romania has defeated Italian Roberta Vinci, while Sorana Carstea has outperformed Catherina Bellis of the USA. Irina Begu, also from Romania has obtained a victory against Johanna Larsson of Sweden.



    APPROVAL The European Commission has approved a request by the Romanian health minister Florian Bodog to temporarily suspend intra-community exports of combined vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella. According to a ministry press release, the Commission viewed the measure as justified, given that Romania is facing a measles epidemic that broke out a year ago. There is a shortage of vaccines, especially in the west of the country, where the largest number of cases has been reported. 24 persons have died because of measles over the last year.


  • European anniversaries

    European anniversaries

    A trigger of the conflagration, when Nazi
    Germany invaded Poland on September 1st 1939, Gdansk, the big town port to the Baltic Sea on
    Thursday hosted many European leaders who gathered to launch a message of
    continental unity. They all shared the standpoint of the Polish president, Bronislaw Komorowski, who recalled that the war was
    started by the complicity of the Nazi and Bolshevik totalitarian regimes and
    furthermore, that the end of fighting, on May the 9th 1945 was not
    the equivalent of regaining freedom in Eastern Europe, but the installation of
    communism and the beginning of the Cold War.




    The European Council President, Donald
    Tusk, has said that the policy pursued in Europe nowadays is different from
    that in the 1930s and 1940s and has added that only few leaders will attend the
    Victory Day parade in Moscow, because of the new Russian expansionist thrust in
    Ukraine.




    Attending the ceremonies in Gdansk was
    also Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, the head of a state where the day of
    May 9th has a multifold significance. First of all, it marks the
    anniversary of State Independence Day.




    In 1877, foreign minister Mihail Kogalniceanu
    proclaimed in Parliament the separation from the suzerain power of the time,
    the Ottoman Empire. After almost five centuries of Turkish domination,
    Bucharest’s ties with the Sublime Porte were already rather formal and
    consisted in the payment of a symbolic tribute. However, the Turks didn’t
    tolerate an official break-up and tried to take military action. Defended on
    the battlefield and consecrated at the Congress of Berlin, independence became
    the cornerstone of modern Romania, to be later developed by kings Carol I and
    Ferdinand, of the German Hohenzollern family.




    Instated in Bucharest on May the 10th
    1866, the dynasty also linked its destiny to the Allied victory over Nazi
    Germany. Historians say the decision made by the last king of Romania, Mihai I,
    now a nonagenarian, to take Romania out of the alliance with Hitler on August
    1944 and to bring it closer to its traditional allies, the Anglo-Americans,
    shortened WWII in Europe by at least 6 months.




    However, the return to peace coincided, in the
    Romanians’ case, with the installation of one of the longest and bloodies
    dictatorships in their history. Condemned by Communism to terror, humiliation
    and poverty, the Romanians can now celebrate Europe Day, just like all
    Europeans, thanks to the December 1989 anti-communist Revolution and their
    country’s accession to the European Union in 2007.




    Europe Day is also reminiscent of the first post-war
    years, when a new economic and security policy was needed, to boost confidence
    among the European states. Back then, on May 9th 1950, the French
    foreign minister, Robert Schuman, called on the former Western belligerents to
    place their coal and steel industries, the foundation of their military might,
    under a common authority and thus to create a first common market. This marked
    the birth of Europe as a political entity, the European Union, which now has 28
    member states and over one billion inhabitants, being one of the main economic
    and political players in the world.

  • May 8, 2015 UPDATE

    May 8, 2015 UPDATE

    In Romania, Europe Day, celebrated on May 9, when the first step was taken towards the establishment of what is today the European Union — is marked with concerts and arts or sports events. In the capital city Bucharest, 16 underground stations have been redesigned to represent European Union member countries, more than 50 films are taking part in the European Film Festival, and 160 NGOs, institutions and companies take part in a festival called ONGFest. The events have been organised jointly with the European Commission Representation in Romania. On the other hand, France, UK, Poland and Germany celebrated 70 years since the end of World War II. Attending the ceremony in Poland was also the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis. Together with the President of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the president of the European Commission Donald Tusk, and other senior politicians, the head of the Romanian state took part in a ceremony in Gdańsk, the town where WW II broke out, in September 1939, and where the Solidarity social movement was born.



    The Romanian ambassador to Islamabad, who was in the helicopter that crashed on Friday in Pakistan, has suffered slight injuries but is safe, the Romanian Foreign Ministry announced. A Pakistani military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on Friday morning, killing 7 people, including the ambassadors of Norway and the Philippines.



    The acting British PM David Cameron was received by Queen Elizabeth II, ahead of forming the new government, after the Conservatives won the largest number of seats in Parliament in Thursday’s elections in the UK. The Conservatives have won more than half of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, which enables them to form the new government alone. After the visit to Buckingham Palace, David Cameron announced he would organise a referendum on the UK’s EU membership, as he had promised during the campaign. Labour leader Ed Miliband conceded defeat and stepped down as president of the Labour Party. A major victory was reported for the Scottish National Party, which has won 56 out of the 59 seats for Scotland.