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Tag: exercise

  • NATO tested its capacity to deploy the Reaction Force

    NATO tested its capacity to deploy the Reaction Force

    Flancul-Estic-12-mar-2025Steadfast Dart 25 was the most important exercise of the North Atlantic Alliance at the beginning of this year.

     

    The exercise took place simultaneously in Romania, Greece and Bulgaria and was attended by over ten thousand soldiers from nine allied countries. The main objective of Steadfast Dart 25 was to test and train the deployment of the Allied Reaction Force elements in NATO’s eastern flank. It was the first time that this structure practiced an operational deployment since its establishment on July 1, 2024. In Romania, the training sequences took place in the Smârdan (east), Cincu (center), Bogata (northwest) and Babadag (southeast) training ranges.

     

    Among the countries participating in the exercise was France. Roger is a non-commissioned officer in the French army and is part of the contingent in the NATO Battle Group in Romania. “The weather here was similar to that in Cincu, where we, the French contingent, are stationed. For this exercise, we deployed many armored vehicles here in Smârdan. We brought with us everything related to the equipment of each soldier, such as weapons, helmets, protective equipment, drones and also most of the combat means in our equipment. We learned a lot about trench warfare, we did a lot of training in the firing range and in the urban combat range, together with our comrades from Romania, Spain and Scotland. In the future, we want to cooperate with other armies, to learn from their experiences related to fighting in trenches, as is happening today in the war in Ukraine,” the French soldier told us.

     

    The UK provided the largest contribution of forces to this exercise, with over 2,600 soldiers. Corporal Guidel is part of the Royal Military Police of the British Army and trained at the Smârdan training ground: “The collaboration between us was excellent. So, we from the British Army simulated the organization of a prisoner of war camp. Basically, we showed the Romanian military police how we can capture the personnel of a foreign army, what are the procedures to be followed, how we guarantee their safety or what to do with their personal belongings. Also during the training, we showed them how we provide humane treatment and how we ensure proper transportation, so that the convoy is protected and the prisoners of war remain safe. This exercise really shows that we can be united and that we can work together, regardless of culture, language or equipment.”

     

    Greek specialists in ammunition and explosive devices were present at the Smârdan training ground. Captain Vassos is the commander of an EOD team in the Hellenic Army. “We have a very good cooperation with our allied forces, which is very beneficial, because only this way do we know each other and we know that we can manage all the situations that may arise in the world, if NATO remains united. Our mission is to carry out EOD operations, which means that we deal with everything related to ammunition and explosive devices. Together with my team, we are constantly concerned with combating terrorism and neutralizing dangerous and suspicious areas. We have exchanged knowledge and equipment, so that we know how other allied forces work on the ground, but also how they use their technique,” ​​the Greek officer said.

     

    The Allied Reaction Force is a new concept, resulting from a political decision taken at the NATO summit in Vilnius in 2023. It serves as a rapid strategic reserve and can be deployed to deter escalation in various crisis situations. (EE)

  • February 19, 2025 UPDATE 2

    February 19, 2025 UPDATE 2

    Paris – The security of Europe is the theme of the new meeting organized in Paris by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, after the one on Monday, which took place in a restricted format. This time Romania is also attending, being represented by the interim president, Ilie Bolojan. Also participating are the leaders from Norway, Canada, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Sweden and Belgium. The French president said that he sees Russia and President Vladimir Putin as ‘an existential threat to Europe’. He recalled the activities of the Kremlin in the last period, which affected the interests of several countries in the European Union, including actions on the Polish border, cyber attacks in all EU countries and the manipulation of information or electoral processes, such as the presidential election in Romania. Macron also recalled Putin’s explicit threats regarding the use of nuclear weapons, in violation of international agreements to which Russia is a party. However, he showed his willingness to talk with Putin about ending the conflict and returning peace to Ukraine. Among the solutions that could be proposed to Ukraine as security guarantees within a possible peace agreement with Moscow would be the sending of experts or even peacekeeping troops outside the conflict zones. Macron said that there is also the possibility of organizing a peacekeeping operation under the UN mandate, to be carried out on the front line.

     

    Coalition – The leaders of the parties in the government coalition in Bucharest – the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania on Wednesday signed a protocol for the establishment of the “Romania Ahead” electoral alliance, in order to support the sole candidate for the presidency, Crin Antonescu. According to the document, the leadership of this alliance will be ensured by the presidents of the three parties, and the decisions are binding for all members and organizations, respectively the subsidiaries of the signatory political groups. The electoral alliance also benefits from the support of the parliamentary group of national minorities in the Chamber of Deputies. The campaign for the presidential election will be led by a central team, led by national coordinators appointed by each party. They will develop the political program and strategy, respectively the common campaign timetable. Regarding the budget of the electoral campaign, the protocol shows that it is made up of contributions from the common candidate and also from the political parties. PSD, PNL and UDMR say that the “Romania Ahead” electoral alliance aims to counter violent radicalism and extremism in all its forms and, at the same time, to ensure internal political stability and balance, to promote pro-European and Euro-Atlantic values ​​and principles.

     

    Drones – The Romanian MPs adopted, on Wednesday, a draft law that allows the downing of drones that illegally enter the national airspace. According to the document initiated by the Government, these aircraft can be destroyed by air and land defense means, and the downing order is given by persons with the right to decide established by Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) decision. The Chamber of Deputies also passed the bill that regulates the peacetime deployment of military missions on Romanian territory. The document provides, among other things, the possibility that, for a certain period, the authority over some structures of the Romanian Army be transferred to the commanders of the NATO forces participating in various operations. In the case of this bill, the Senate is the decision-making body.

     

    Crime – Romania is among the countries with a low level of crime and a high level of safety, according to information published by the online platform numbeo.com. It collects data from around the world on people’s perceptions of safety and crime. According to the Romanian Interior Ministry, at the European level, Romania is perceived by citizens as a safer country than countries such as France, Great Britain, Italy or Germany. The online platform confirms the latest international reports, such as that of the US State Department, which highlights the progress made by Bucharest in the field of public safety and places Romania among the safest states in the EU bloc.

     

    NATO – The NATO Steadfest Dart 25 exercise, considered the biggest this year, is in full swing on the territories of Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. The drill started last month and involves the mobilization of soldiers from nine allied states. The exercise is led by the Joint Allied Command from Naples and involves the first operational deployment of the Allied Rapid Reaction Force, established on July 1, 2024. Thus, the ability of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to mobilize and rapidly deploy forces to defend its borders is being tested. More than 10,000 soldiers, over 1,500 land combat vehicles and over 20 planes and helicopters, plus 17 ships and submarines, are participating in the exercise, with combat exercises in the air, water and on land, as well as in cyberspace, being scheduled. In Romania, Steadfest Dart 25 takes place in the Smârdan range in Galati county, in the southeast, and the country participates with approximately 1,150 soldiers and 120 combat vehicles. (LS)

  • Joint training of Spanish military of the NATO Battle group and the Romanian Mountain Hunters.

    Joint training of Spanish military of the NATO Battle group and the Romanian Mountain Hunters.

    Joint training of Spanish military of the NATO Battle group and the Romanian Mountain Hunters.
    Scout militaries of the Mountain Hunters’ 61st Brigade jointly with the Spanish military Battle group, for two weeks running took a training stage hosted by the training camp in Diham, Brasov County.

    For the Spanish military, training in Romania was, to put it at the mildest, unusual, since they are Marines special corps, whereas their training in Romania took place in the Carpathians’ snow-covered forests and peaks.

    Training in the mountains offered militaries of both armies the opportunity to share their professional experience in a bid to enhance the interoperability level using joint procedures in various tactical operations. The forested mountain terrain, difficult to access, strengthened the team spirit and the sense of belonging to the great NATO family.

    These are the thoughts shared by the commander of the Spanish contingent, major Alejandro Caballero:

    “By all means, the climate here is quite different from the one we have in southern Spain, where we come from. There are a great many differences, also, if we speak about the terrain where we train, that is on the coast and in the littoral area. And now, here we are now, in the mountains, in winter, rubbing shoulders with our Romanian partners, an opportunity for us to prove our flexibility and adaptability, irrespective of the environment. Regarding the training exercises, they are similar, as both Romania and our country are NATO member states, so there are not that many differences, considering the implemented techniques, tactics and procedures. I take into account any opportunity to train jointly with military of other states who are stationed here, in Romania, so for us it is a tremendous opportunity. “

    Attending the joint Romanian-Spanish training stage was the new commander of the NATO Battle group in Romania, French colonel Thierry Denechaud.

    Colonel Denechaud had this to say on the joint training exercise:

    “First of all, I believe it is very important that joint action be taken, given that the Spanish militaries are part of a marine infantry contingent. It was for the first time ever when they trained in a mountain area, therefore, jointly with their Romanian partners, they made the first step towards the discovery of an environment they are not quite used to. I am positive that as part of the camp they learned many new and useful things, that is why, at the end of the week, they will return to the military base better prepared in that particular kind of training. Which is very good. “

    A team of US Army’s Civil Affairs and representatives of the 1st CIMIC Battalion, a civilians-militaries cooperation body of the Romanian Ground Forces were in Timisoara, in the west, for a new stage of the CIMIC Victory exercise. CIMIC Victory’s stated aims are the enhancement of the cooperation between institutions and the promotion of the strategic partnership between Romania and the Unites States.

    Captain Connor Smith is the leader of the US team. Captain Smith spoke about the relevance of the project.

    “US Army’s Civil Affairs mainly deal in the coordination and the management of military activities related to the communities revolving around the military operations. In Romania, that basically means training. We provided help keeping the authorities at the level of public institutions informed about the training exercises. We make sure such aspects as the convoys entering and getting out of the training areas do not interfere that much with the people’s daily traffic or day-to-day life.

    This morning I’ve been to a high-school in Timisoara, via the American Corner, which is the US Embassy’s program, where we participate in a bid to speak about the value of the US partnership in Romania and the importance of Romania being a NATO member state. We’re going to speak a little bit about the security provided by collective defense, one of the Alliance’s fundamental principles, also talking about the value of the bilateral partnership between the United States and Romania. “

  • Steadfast Dart 2025

    Steadfast Dart 2025

     

     

  • Romania. Eastern Flank: Dacian Fall 2024, the largest NATO exercise this autumn

    Romania. Eastern Flank: Dacian Fall 2024, the largest NATO exercise this autumn

    The multinational exercise Dacian Fall 2024 of the Command of the Multinational Division Southeast took place between October 14-31 in the Getica National Joint Training Center in Cincu (in central Romania). The exercise was attended by approximately 1,500 soldiers from Romania, Belgium, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, the United States of America and France, as a framework nation, simultaneously in the Cincu, Smârdan (east), Capu Midia (south- east) and Bogata (northwest).

     

    Brigadier General Loïc Girard, France’s high military representative in Romania, present at the event, said that quote: ‘The scenario of the exercise was a fictitious one, in which we faced a potential aggressor-enemy. We aimed, through this scenario, to be able to regroup and have a good overall maneuvering of the entire joint and combined arms capability. You saw, at the beginning of the exercise, fighter jets from Spain, fighter jets from Romania, helicopters, drones, battle tanks, reconnaissance vehicles and so on. So, all of these capabilities are able to deploy, train and eventually fight if needed, said Loïc Girard.

     

    Participating in the exercise were also IAR 330 Puma Socat and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, as well as F-18 aircraft of the Spanish Air Force, deployed in our country for the Enhanced Air Policing service. The exercise is part of the series of training events aimed at strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the alliance’s eastern flank.

     

    On the other hand, the Romanian Defense Minister, Angel Tîlvăr, met the other day in Bucharest with his counterpart from the Kingdom of Norway, Bjørn Arild Gram. The discussions between the two officials focused on topical issues regarding regional security in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and the impact of the war in the neighboring country on the regions of strategic importance for Romania and Norway: the Black Sea, the Western Balkans and the Far North.

     

    The substantial support that Norway provides to Romania in relation to the purchase of an advanced Patriot surface-to-air missile system was another important topic of discussion. The financial contribution of approximately 127 million dollars offered by Norway to Romania is provided within the Immediate Action on Air Defense Initiative, coordinated by Germany. This funding reflects Norway’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and the concrete support given to Romania in replacing the Patriot system Romanian donated to Ukraine.

     

    Also in Bucharest, the Secretary of State for Defense Policy, Planning and International Relations, Simona Cojocaru, received the visit of her German counterpart, Benedikt Zimmer, Secretary of State at the Federal Ministry of Defense. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen strategic dialogue and deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of defense. The talks between the two officials focused on the global and regional security situation, with an emphasis on the latest developments in the conflict in Ukraine and their impact on European security. The Romanian official emphasized the importance of continuing support for Ukraine, especially in the context of recent Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, and highlighted Romania’s contribution by donating a Patriot system, essential for the defense of the Ukrainian airspace. (LS, Andra Barbul)

  • Romania played host to the Land Corps’ Commanders Conference

    Romania played host to the Land Corps’ Commanders Conference

    The South-East Multinational Corps in Sibiu (Central Romania) has recently played host to the 25th edition of the Land Corps’ Commanders Conference. Land corps commanders of the allied states convened for a series of high-ranking talks focusing on land command and control, operational planning, but also on the proper integration of the land forces into NATO’s strategic framework.

    For the Romanian Army’s Media Agency, here is what the Commander of NATO’s Allied Land Headquarters, general Darryl Williams, said “the Black Sea region is very important for the security of the Alliance as a whole, while Romania, through the South-East Multinational Corps is the guaranteeing entity for stability and security in this NATO region.”

    Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tilvar in Bucharest has recently met his Portuguese counterpart, Nuno Melo, who paid a visit to several military structures in Romania. The two ministers held talks on the cooperation in the field of security and joint exercises and initiatives. The Portuguese army has a company in Romania as part of the Craiova-based South-east Multinational Brigade, as well as military in the structures hosted by Romania.

    Minister Tilvar stated Romania and Portugal enjoyed mutual support in the management of the security challenges the two countries face in their regions. Nuno Melo also paid a visit to the Galati Damen Shipyard in the east. We recall the construction in underway, in the Damen Shipyard, of a drone carrier for the Portuguese Military Navy. The contract was signed in November 2023 following a tender.

    The project is financed by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Program. The ship will carry unmanned underwater, surface and air vehicles. The delivery of the ship was estimated for 2026.
    The North-Atlantic Alliance has dispatched to Romania an AWACS air surveillance aircraft, in a bid to support the Allies’ strengthened presence in the region and in order to monitor the Russian Federation’s military activity.

    According to the Allied Air Commander, the enhanced vigilance in the Romanian air space was legitimate. It had the purpose of strengthening Romania’s capacity to respond to the increased air activity in the vicinity of its borders. Among other reasons, the Alliance took such a measure in the wake of Russia’s recent drone attacks on objectives in Ukraine. The attacks trespassed into Romania’s air space, while pieces of the drone fell on Romanian territory.

    Romania Navy’s Dredger 30 has returned to Constanta Military Port in the south-east. We recall the dredger took part in the second activation of the Operative group for combating sea mines in the Black Sea. For ten days running, the Romanian vessel, jointly with a mine sweeper and a logistics ship, both from Turkey, and accompanied by another mine sweeper of the Bulgarian Navy carried sea surveillance and research missions in a bid to eliminate the danger of mines and to ensure Freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. MCM Black Sea, the Operative group for combating sea mines in the Black Sea, is a three-party initiative of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. The initiative contributes to strengthening the ties with the Allies as well as to the enhancement of the interoperability level between the crews of the partner ships.

    Allied troops from Belgium, Bulgaria, Luxemburg, North Macedonia, Polonia, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Turkey and Great Britain, jointly with Romanian Army’s Mountain Hunters, until October 11 participate in the Sarmis-Olt 24. Exercise. The exercise seeks to train and perfect the military’s abilities to activate in a multinational and inter-institutional framework, laying emphasis on interoperability and cooperation between the participating structures.

  • Romanian and US Marines had a joint training session in the Danube Delta

    Romanian and US Marines had a joint training session in the Danube Delta

    It is a misty, late September morning in Mahmudia, a locality on the Sfântu Gheorghe arm, one of the Danube Delta’s three arms in Romania. Each year, here, a stage is being carried, of the Marines 307th Regiment’s Heracleea annual exercise. The Marines get ready to board the assault boats, in a bid to carry an amphibious raid on the Caraorman islet.

    In 2024, the exercise has covered almost all of the Danube Delta surface, that including the Razelm-Sinoe lagoon area or the Babadag training range. It has been a dynamic week, an eventful one, with all the set targets being met at the end of the week. The novelty in 2024 is the presence of two teams of observers and planners, one from Italy, as an absolute first, from the San Marco Marine Brigade, and one of the US Marine Corps.

    The deputy of the Haricleea 307 Marines Regiment commander, colonel Claudiu Visan, stated the US team was made of 15 military, retired as well as active, they were assessors here, on the ground, yet they participated in the process of planning of the exercise. The partnership was initiated many years ago, we can quite aptly speak about a true mentoring undertaking because, according to Colonel Visan, the US Marines are arguably the best prepared, professionally, with much experience in various theatres of operation.

    Before boarding the assault boats, lieutenant-colonel Daniel Dieckhaus of the Alpha Advisors company in Washington, DC, specified the reason of their presence in the Danube Delta.
    “Our mission here is to work together with our Romanian partners, to learn from one another and operate together, to get to know our capabilities, in a bid to become an even more deadly force. We have, in Romania, marines who are very motivated, on both sides. The US ones are very happy to be here and I believe so do the Romanian marines, they learn from one another. The assault boats training is a good thing, our boys get acquainted with how to operate them in this specific environment. The Romanian marines know this area very well, I don’t think there is anyone else capable of knowing the Delta better than they do, they know how to run the assault boats and I am happy we can work together.”

    Lieutenant-colonel Daniel Dieckhaus is a native of the state of Pennsylvania, a place in the USA where the geography is different from that of the Danube Delta. He has been to Romania before and is very happy every time he returns to this country. About assessment and advising, he says they are not carried in the classic sense of the concepts:

    “ We are assessors and advisors, but for both sides we work together, this is not an assessment of the Romanian Marines as against the US Marines, we also learn from our partners, we offer pieces of advice, if the case, if there is more than one way of doing things correctly, in terms of specific tactics and techniques, we share that kind of knowledge. By all means, it is a two-way process where everybody stands to gain. “

    Only a couple of dozens of kilometres further north, on the Chilia Arm, the Russian drones continue to violate Romania’s air space. Sometimes, the drones crash on the national territory. We asked lieutenant-colonel Daniel Dieckhaus whether this situation had any impact at all, on the mission he has in Romania.

    “I believe everybody is aware there is an ongoing war at the borders, it is the backdrop against which we take action, considering the emergency and the importance of our mission. We want to make sure that we and the Marines here are prepared. I am sure al those who will be on the water today have that in mind. Anyone can learn something from the war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and here I also include the US Marine Corps. One of the reasons why we are doing the exercise today is to practice new tactical manoeuvres and techniques when we’re on water. By all means, the amphibious raid is useful is this lagoon environment of the Danube Delta.”

  • Baccademia: the baccalaureate exam for everybody

    Baccademia: the baccalaureate exam for everybody

    The 2024 session of the baccalaureate exam in Romania has seen the highest promotion rate in the last decade, accounting for 76.4%. Notwithstanding, the maturity exam has been frightening for many of the candidates. Reason enough for a couple of students in Cluj, central Transylvania, to have an initiative meant to make the experience easier for those colleagues who were lass lucky. The students successfully passed the baccalaureate exam with high grades and started Baccademia, a project that seeks to help candidates pass the baccalaureate exam with no trouble at all.

    Bianca Ionescu is the founder of the Baccademia project. Here is what she told us:

    “Our story actually began as early as 2022. That year I passed the baccalaureate exam, with a 10 in History and a 9.80 grade in the Romanian Language and literature test. Even though I competed in the National Romanian Language and Literature Olympiad ever since secondary school and I still competed all throughout the high school years, I was still stressed out as a 12th-grade, senior high-school pupil since the baccalaureate exam was drawing near. And then, having taken the exam, I opted for digitizing the materials I myself had been structuring.

    It took me a good six months to structure the subject matters all by myself. In 2022 I started helping pupils online. I shared those materials, free of charge, on an Instagram account and practically the generation that passed the exam in 2023 was the first one I helped. And then the idea of Baccademia began to take shape only when the pupils sent me their Baccalaureate exam grades. For instance, of the roughly 3,000 pupils I helped, most of them passed the exam with a grade above 9.50. Some of them even got a neat 10. There even were people who got very high grades having sat in for the exam 10 or 20 years later in life! And, practically, that very moment I realized my materials did have a positive impact on them.”

    Bianca Ionescu has been a high-school student until recently. Here is what she went on to say:

    “Pupils got fed up with bulky books, with a typical black-and-white print and full of details that were not required for the baccalaureate exam, and I could understand their frustration since I had been there before. We’re in a country where we can nonetheless see the situation ahead of the exams did not change that much, it does not improve as against the previous years. 10 months have passed since I founded Baccademia and we make the difference, somehow, as our team is only made of students who got a 10 in the baccalaureate exam or in some of the subject matters. And, also, all our collections are coloured and synthetic. It also includes, for instance, pieces of advice, solved tests or jokes, sometimes, jokes today’s generation is sure to understand very clearly. “

    Irina Selagea is the author of the Geography handbook. Also, she is responsible for the interactive videos on the social media. I asked her what Baccademia was, for her:

    “I am the kind of person who likes to help and I am keen on bringing in a new perspective when it comes to learning for the baccalaureate exam, since most of the people think it is just a test for which you only have to swot. But I should like to come up with the idea and the solution that any baccalaureate test could be passed with flying colours only though understanding, through jokes and in a much funnier way, rather than resorting to pricey materials or to very long materials. I have come up with the solution for the Generation Z pupils, who somehow have a different understanding of how to learn for certain subject matters. And I just wanted to bring in a new version, in a bid to motivate pupils, perhaps to read Romanian literature in an off-the-beaten-track way “.

    In terms of feedback, the Baccademia team has told us several pupils confessed that with the help of these materials, they could memorize the entire content of a subject matter that was taught in one class, in one minute

    As for the team, they continue their work! Bianca Ionescu:

    We’re still in short supply of the IT, Chemistry and Physics exercise books, and that’s what we’re working won at the moment. They will be brought out sometime in September, in mid-month, we hope. Our success, to a great extent, is provided by the Tik Tok platform. It is there that we’ve gained our popularity with the clips we created using AI, for instance. We’ve so far gathered 1,000,000 views all told, in our account. “

    We can only wish candidates to be efficient in their learning efforts, now that everything has become easier for them.

  • June 12, 2024

    June 12, 2024

     

    ELECTIONS The alliance comprising the Social Democratic Party and the National Liberal Party (currently in power in Romania) carried close to 49% of the votes in Sunday’s elections for the European Parliament, according to partial data released by the Central Electoral Bureau. Next came AUR party with nearly 15%, the United Right Alliance with 8.6 %, the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania with 6.5% and SOS Romania party with 5%. One of the 33 MEPs to represent Romania in the European Parliament is non-affiliated. Local elections were also held in Romania on Sunday, with the Social Democrats winning the mayor and county council elections, followed by their Liberal partners and by the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians. In Bucharest, the incumbent mayor general, Nicuşor Dan, has won a new term in office, with the United Right Alliance and the Social Democrats securing the most seats in the Bucharest city council.

     

    INFLATION In Romania, the year-on-year inflation rate dropped from 5.9% in April to 5.12% in May, as foodstuff prices went up 1.24%, non-food prices rose by 6.38%, and services are 9.29% more expensive, the National Statistics Institute announced on Wednesday. The National Bank adjusted the inflation forecast for this year to 4.9%, from 4.7% previously, and expects the indicator to reach 3.5% by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, net investments in the national economy totalled some EUR 7 bln in the first quarter of the year, up 6.7% as compared to Q1, 2023, the institution also reports.

     

    UKRAINE As many as 95 investment projects are being discussed at the International Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin. Today, the participants discuss the funding for these reconstruction projects. So far the European Commission has announced agreements with various banks amounting to EUR 1.4 bln, and a EUR 1.9 bln assistance package. The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Tuesday called for the consolidation of air defence in the face of Russian attacks. Attending the conference, the Romanian foreign minister Luminiţa Odobescu said Bucharest supported Ukraine with electricity and was working to improve inter-connection. Bucharest has a regional approach, which also includes the neighbouring Republic of Moldova, Luminiţa Odobescu pointed out. The agenda of the conference in Berlin also includes Ukraine’s EU accession. We have more details after the news.

     

    NATO The German Armed Forces are contributing 2 operations centres and a PATRIOT combat squadron to NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence international exercise Ramstein Legacy 24, held in Romania and Bulgaria. According to the German Embassy in Bucharest, roughly 260 German troops and 100 vehicles traveled to the Romanian Black Sea coast. “We stand strong with our Allies to ensure the security of Romania and of our entire Allied territory,” the German Ambassador to Bucharest, Peer Gebauer, said after visiting the German military. After Romania and Bulgaria, Germany is the biggest troop contributor in this week’s exercise, alongside units from France, Finland, the UK, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Turkey and Hungary near Constanţa, in south-eastern Romania. Units from Greece, Italy and Slovenia are also taking part in the Bulgarian section of the exercise, which is designed to improve interoperability and help integrate the NATO air defence forces into the NATO common air defence command structure.

     

    CONCERT The British alternative rock band Coldplay perform in Bucharest today and tomorrow. Some 50,000 fans are expected to attend each of the two concerts held on the National Arena as part of the band’s “Music Of The Spheres” world tour.

     

    FOOTBALL Romania’s football team is in Wurzburg, Bavaria, where they will stay during the European Football Championship hosted by Germany and due to start on Friday, June 14. Romania plays in Group E and will take on Ukraine on June 17 in Munich, on Belgium on June 22 in Cologne, and on Slovakia, on June 26, in Frankfurt. Romania last took part in a European championship final tournament in 2016, in France. (AMP)

  • New aircraft for the European F-16 Training Center hosted by Romania

    New aircraft for the European F-16 Training Center hosted by Romania

    Three aircraft of the Dutch Air Force landed last week at the F-16 Training Center in Fetești. The Dutch Minister of Defense, Kajsa Ollongren, also arrived in Romania on board one of them. The Dutch planes were accompanied in the Romanian airspace by two F-16 aircraft of the Romanian Air Forces, one of which carried the Romanian Minister of Defense, Angel Tîlvăr. The aircraft landed at the 86th Air Base in Fetești, where the two officials discussed the security situation in the Black Sea region. In the European Training Center there are now 8 Dutch F-16 aircraft used for the training of the Romanian pilots and of those of allied and partner countries.

     

     

    On the other hand, the US Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, met with the American and Romanian soldiers stationed at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (southeast). Kavalec said that the presence of American soldiers at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Base is a symbol of the commitment of the United States to the security of Romania and the Alliance.

     

    My visit is intended to support Romania’s defense modernization efforts, including here, at the Mihail Kogălniceanu base, that hosts a large contingent of American forces, the largest contingent in Romania, said Katleen Kavalec.  Also, at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Base, five Eurofighter jets of the Spanish Air Force and a detachment of about 70 soldiers were deployed for aerial surveillance missions, after four of the six British fighter planes in our country were repositioned closer to the area of ​​Iran’s recent drone and missile attack on Israel.

     

    A group of soldiers from the 95th Air Base in Bacău (northeast) along with a French detachment participated in the VAMPIREX 24 exercise, held in the Secondary Combat Training Center Smârdan, Galati County (east). Also last week, in the Capu Midia range in Constanța county (south-east), a tactical exercise with live firing was held, in which the M-LIDS (Mobile-Low Integrated Defeat System), an anti-drone air system, was integrated into the military maneuvers carried out by the Romanian and US Armies. With the help of this system, the soldiers were able to identify, track and destroy the threats, using a combination of electronic warfare and high-caliber machine guns, according to a press release of the American Embassy in Romania. The deployment of the anti-drone air system in Romania is very important, M-LIDS being the newest anti-drone system of the US military that ensures successful countermeasures against enemy drones.

     

    SEA SHIELD 24, the biggest exercise of the Romanian Naval Forces this year, came to an end on Sunday, after two weeks of actions carried out by over 2,200 soldiers, of whom almost 400 foreign soldiers, with 135 technical means. Planning and conducting combat actions, combating illegal actions at sea and river, control of maritime and river traffic and search and rescue at sea, in keeping with NATO standards and in the context of current security threats, were practiced. (EE)

     

     

  • Engines at full throttle

    Engines at full throttle



    2024 appears to be an eventful year in terms of training and exercise for Romanian military. but also for the foreign detachments dislodged as part of the NATO Combat Group, on Romanian territory. Irrespective of the country and the arms they are part of, for all military, specialized preparation is the underpinning element of their training programme.




    Early into 2024, training was ongoing for the French, Luxembourg and Portuguese partners at the military training range in central Romanias Cincu base. The set target of the training session, specific for anti-aircraft defense, was that of enhancing the interoperability level among the forces that took part in the mission.




    Here is what platoon commander of the Portuguese military, second-lieutenant Maria Ines Cruz, had to say about the aforementioned exercise:




    “We participated in training under difficult conditions, including both specialized preparation and a physical preparation session, meant to increase cohesion within a mixed team. The most important tactical moments during training were the movement of vehicles in difficult terrain, the engagement of targets the response to an ambush and the observation of the Frech anti-drone weapons”




    Apart from the anti-aircraft artillery forces, also engaged in the training session were the French and Belgian tank corps who for three weeks now have undergone training as part of a multinational exercise that tests their stamina but also the response on the battle field. The start of the training session was given straight from central Romanias Bogata range. The military of the three nations will implement all procedures and tactics they acquired in time, so that they can be harmonized with a maximum efficiency. Lieutenant-colonel Mihai Pintiliciuc, the commander of 841 Tanks Battalion is well aware of the fact that “2024 will be a difficult year, replete with training activities and challenges which we are set to approach using the experience we acquired throughout the years. This year we want to maintain the pace of our training, staging at least four exercises in the Turda range, one in Cincu and, most likely, the biggest one in the coming fall, in the Smardan shooting range, Zimbrul 24.”




    We recall France is the frame nation leading the Combat Group on Romanian territory. France is the leading contributor in terms of troops and technical equipment, with its state-of-the art Leclerc tanks. Here is what the Head of NATOo Combat Group in Romania, lieutenant-colonel Constant Deforge, said ” The Present French detachment has been dislodged in Romania since November, long enough for them to get accustomed to the climate conditions and seize the auspicious opportunity to work alongside the Romanian partners, in a range other than the one in Cincu. “




    We now leave the Bogata training range and reach the Getica Joint National Training Center, based in Cincu, Brasov. There the Luxembourg military received the visit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourgs Defense Minister, Yuricko Bockes and the Luxembourg head of defense, General Steve Thull. The high-ranking officials were welcomed by the Romania National Defense Minister, Angel Tîlvăr and the Romanian Chief of Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad. High on the agenda was the security in the Black Sea region and the West Balkans. The high-ranking participants laid emphasis on the continuation of offering support to Ukraine and Republic of Moldova. Also, the parties involved analyzed the stage of the bilateral cooperation relations in the military field and the improvement prospects of these relations, especially in the field of joint training and cyber defense.




  • A joint training program, air policing missions and a multinational exercise

    A joint training program, air policing missions and a multinational exercise

    The
    Henri Coanda Air Force Academy, based in Central Romania’s Brasov County, over December
    4th and 15th, with the support of a mobile training team and part of the Inter-European Air Forces Academy, played host to the Basic Instructor
    Course. The course is a form of military training placing the trainees in the
    role of the instructor, through the step-by-step correction of the training
    method. Taking part in the aforementioned program there were 23 trainees,
    officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and professional enlisted
    soldiers from the USA, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia,
    Georgia and Romania.

     

     

    The
    administrative representative of the Inter-European Air Forces Academy,
    Major Melissa Guldan, stated for the Military Journal radio show:

     

    The mission
    of the institution is to offer, through education and training, optimal inter-operability
    circumstances for the military of the two continents. The course was very important
    in that it contributed to the development of the inter-personal abilities, but
    also to a high degree of implementation of the tactics, techniques and procedures among
    militaries from various countries.

     

     

    Instructors
    and students alike were impressed by the Romanian food, by the tradition and
    history of the Romanian people. The food is delicious, now that the Christmas
    fairs are open, we had the chance to enjoy the locals’ hospitality and friendship
    said a student in the Basic Instructor Ccourse, sergeant Candon Hopkins.

     

     

    These
    days, four Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets of the German Air Force completed
    their mission in Romania. Under NATO command, the German pilots, members of
    the 150-strong contingent of militaries who were posted to Romania have carried
    air policing missions jointly with the Romanian Air Force. Apart from the
    fighter jets, at the Mihail Kogălniceanu military base, located in south-eastern
    Romania’s Constanta County, the German troops also brought a high-performance drone-detection
    system with a range of flight standing at more than 40 kilometers. We are prepared
    to defend the Romanian air space and NATO territory said the commander of the
    German contingent, lieutenant-colonel Markus Kuchenbaur.

     

     

    We
    stay with the Mihail Kogălniceanu military base. The command of the US troops deployed in Romania for the strengthening of the allied Eastern flank has been handed over to the one of the US army’s best-known units, the 82nd Airborne
    Division. The authority transfer ceremony, from the 10th Mountain Division to
    the famous US division was held last week. The rotation of the command
    structure is in accordance with the US Amy resolution to maintain its presence
    in south-eastern Europe for the support of the NATO allies and the partners, To
    that end, here is what the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division,
    Major General J. Patrick Work, said: It is an extraordinary privilege for the 82nd
    Airborne Division to be here, in Romania, and in the entire eastern flank of
    the Alliance. We respect the professionalism of the Romanian Army and we truly
    understand Romania’s strategic perspective. The Alliance’s and Romania’s success
    is our success as well.

     

     

    Romania has played host to a training exercise, with the
    participation of the NATO Battle Group Forward Presence military. The exercise
    was held at the Training Base of the 307th Marine Infantry Battalion
    in Babadag, in the east. Dacian Winter was held over December 11 and 15,
    targeting the training of the battle group’s command point. Also taking part in
    the exercise were soldiers of a French brigade. In command of the exercise was the
    Multinational Division Southeast.

     

     

    The commander of the Battle Group Forward Presence, French
    colonel Patrick Guillaume, said: We cooperate with military from Belgium and
    Luxembourg, as they are part of the multinational battalion. We have been
    working on their integration. We work with a multinational brigade, with
    Spanish, Romanian, US military. We work with a lot of nations, together, as we
    are aware that together we are strong.

     

  • Coping with depression at the time of the winter holidays

    Coping with depression at the time of the winter holidays


    Five percent of the globe population suffers from depression. Most likely, the percentage is much higher, since not everyone is officially diagnosed with depression. It is the conclusion put forward by the US Forbes magazine in 2023. Also, Forbes have come up with other very interesting data about this extremely silent mental condition, which is at once very dangerous. Also according to Forbes, it appears that depression affects human beings disproportionately…for instance, women, but also African-American and Latino communities are more prone to depression than other categories.



    The World Health Organization has revealed that, around the world, 280 people live with depression. Depression seems to be a hereditary mental condition. A research study of the Stanford University has pointed to the fact that the risk is two or three times higher for people to develop depression, whose close relatives suffer from depression as well. Adult women are more prone to a depressive episode. In many respects, they bear the brunt of the family, such as child raising, taking care of the elderly, the day-to-day chores, career. All that prevents women from taking care of themselves. Even more worrying is that fact that the first episodes of depression can even occur as early as the age of 12.



    During the winter holidays even the strongest people can have a mental breakdown, because of the social pressure they may be subject to. We sat down and spoke with psychotherapist Adina China-Birta about the seasonal depression. Here she is, teaching us how to identify and stave off its symptoms:



    Adina China-Birta:



    “The holiday depression or the so-called “holiday blues” is in no way uncommon, it is a problem anyone can be faced with, in a certain moment of their lives and which can take the shape of a state of emotional discomfort or sadness, likely to occur at the time of the holidays, such as Christmas, the New Years Eve, the winter holidays or post-holidays. Among the symptoms, we can have sadness, anxiety, stress or social isolation. The holiday depression can be caused by various factors, such as the stress that usually goes with the holiday preparations, social pressure, loneliness or the sad memories associated with this period of time. So what can we do to prevent the onset of the holiday depression? It would be really fine if we did not allow us to fall into the grip of the idea whereby the holidays must be perfect or we must be happy, constantly. The Christmas films depict a kind of reality that we may find truly hard to live in everyday life. Also, what we can to is to plan carefully as well. If we know a certain part of the holidays affects us, going shopping, for instance, we can plan that carefully and set some boundaries for ourselves, meaning we can plan a budget and a timeframe for the shopping and stay within the boundaries we have set for ourselves. That can bring in a feeling of satisfaction and can also help us find a deeper meaning in the holidays. There is also something else that can be a boost for us, we can also practice sports, physical exercise and take better care of ourselves. Doing physical activity on a regular basis can act as a boost for the morale that can trigger the release of the endorphins. We need to make sure that we can take care of ourselves, that we rest properly and have the required nutrition. “



    However, why do some of us fall in depression, at the time of the holidays, which should be a time for relaxation and joy? How can we tell an episode of classical depression from the seasonal depression?



    Psychotherapist Adina China-Birta once again:



    “The holiday depression and the depression proper are two distinct concepts. The proper depression, also known as the major depression, is a more serious mental condition, characterized by the persistence of a string of significant symptoms, such as prolonged sadness, losing interest in doing usual activities, fluctuations in weight and in sleeping habits, excessive exhaustion, difficulties in focusing and even suicidal feelings. It is very little influenced by seasonal factors or specific events and affects the individual irrespective of the season. If you notice such symptoms in yourself or in someone whom you hold most dear, it is important that you take such signals seriously at the time of the holidays, and seek help. Seeing a professional in mental health, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist can be crucial in somebodys bid to receive the required support and treatment. So, yes, it is possible for someone who does not suffer from depression to be faced with depression symptoms at the time of the holidays. The holidays can bring an extra amount of stress with them, social pressure, sad memories, loneliness, which can trigger or make depression symptoms worse, in the case of certain individuals. It is important for us to be able to admit that the holiday depression can affect anybody, that including those who usually do not suffer from a major depression. Also, it is essential for us to tell a temporary state of discomfort that usually goes with the time of the holidays from the major depression, which more often than not requires intervention for its management and treatment. “



    Let us see what we can do to improve our state of mind and, maybe, who knows, event to learn how to enjoy the time of the holidays.



    Adina China-Birta:



    “If you suffer from seasonal depression, here are several pieces of advice that can help you. Start by respecting your emotional needs. Listen to your body and your mind. If you feel the need to rest or to have time for yourself, offer yourself such moments without feeling guilty about that. It is important to recognize and accept your feelings. It is okay not to feel happy all the time. Being able to understand and accept your emotions is the first step you can take for your own healing. Then you can plan outdoor activities. Even on cold days or mostly on cold days, the time you spend outside can provide fantastic benefits for your state of mind. Try to enjoy natural light as much as you can. Maintain a regular routine, which should include sleep, healthy food and physical exercise. Eat food which is rich in nutrients, such as fruit, vegetables, low protein food and whole-grain cereals. Regular physical activity can help you release the endorphins, improving your state of mind. It is very important for you to communicate. Talk to your friends and members of the family about what you feel. Sometimes, sharing your thoughts can bring comfort and support. Socialize, physically or online, with the people you like to communicate with. Write down the activities that bring you joy and try to integrate them into your daily routine. Whether we speak bout reading, listening to music, cooking or dancing, dedicate time for the activities you like. Whenever negative thoughts become overwhelming, you can use positive thinking or mindfulness techniques that can help you manage and overcome such thoughts. If your symptoms persist or if they get worse, it is important that you see a mental health consultant, a psychologist or a psychiatrist, they can support you in the management of the seasonal depression”.




  • October 3, 2023 UPDATE

    October 3, 2023 UPDATE

    NOBEL – Researchers Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne LHuillier are the winners of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics. They were awarded for “experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter”, according to a press release by the Nobel Committee. In 2022, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to researchers Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger for revolutionary discoveries in the field of quantum mechanics.




    EXERCISE – The Valahia 2023 exercise is taking place as of Tuesday at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant (south-eastern Romania). The exercise, which simulates a nuclear accident, is organized by the National Commission for the Control of Nuclear Activities and benefits the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna and the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority. By simulating a nuclear accident at the Cernavodă power plant, the emergency intervention capacities of all actors involved will be tested, as well as the assistance received from international partners. Valahia 2023 aims to improve nuclear security and safety in Romania, increase resilience to disaster and prepare to respond to nuclear and radiologic events. The exercise is funded through the Norwegian financial mechanism.




    KYIV – The Romanian Foreign Minister, Luminita Odobescu, emphasized in Kyiv, the importance of continuing the European Unions multidimensional support for Ukraine, which was invaded by Russian troops, including through the creation of a military fund within the European Peace Facility. She expressed her strong dissaproval of Russias attacks on the civil infrastructure in Ukraine, in the close vicinity of Romania, and emphasized the need for a long-term strategic regional approach, in which the Republic of Moldova would be included. Luminiţa Odobescu participated, on Monday, in the informal meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU member states – the Council of Foreign Affairs (CAE), organized in Kyiv.




    DRUGS – The Interior Ministry has drawn up special measures to combat drug trafficking in schools, Minister Cătălin Predoiu said Tuesday, in Parliament. He was invited to the Government Hour, at the request of the opposition party USR, to present the actions taken to combat the consumption of high-risk substances. Predoiu also said that the fight against drug and human trafficking and organized crime is a priority of his mandate, and that, during the last three months, 44 organized groups were dismantled and hundreds of kilograms of prohibited substances were confiscated. USR MPs, however, were unsatisfied with the answers received, arguing there are drugs in schools and no large network is being destroyed. They also told Minister Predoiu that he had corrupt people under his command. The Liberal minister responded to these accusations by saying that USR uses the drama caused by drug use for their election agenda.




    GYMNASTICS — The Romanian womens gymnastics team qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, after coming out 8th in the qualifications of the 52nd edition of the World Championships in Antwerp (Belgium). Romania thus returns to the Olympic Games after a 12-year break, its last participation being in London in 2012. As many as 12 gymnastics teams will take part in the 2024 Olympics. The US, Britain and Canada already had their participation secured. Romania now has 60 athletes qualified for next year’s Olympic Games. (EE)



  • September 22, 2023 UPDATE

    September 22, 2023 UPDATE


    MEASURES – After many discussions and negotiations, the government is preparing to assume responsibility in Parliament next week on a series of tax measures. The document aims to reduce public spending and fight tax evasion, tax high profits and big wealth and eliminate some privileges. Some of the provisions are opposed by employers associations and trade unions. On Thursday, over 500 prison workers staged a protest in Bucharest, unhappy with the measures included in the tax and salary package, their working conditions and staff shortages. Representatives of the National Trade Union Bloc held talks with the finance minister Marcel Boloş about the new tax provisions, receiving assurances that the latter will be implemented in a transparent manner and following fair assessment within each institution.



    TRAINING – A detachment of the US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), made up of approximately 100 soldiers and four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, arrived on Friday at the 86th Air Base Lieutenant Gheorghe Mociorniţă in Borcea, south-eastern Romania. The American military will carry out Reinforced Air Policing missions, as well as joint training missions with soldiers and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Romanian Air Forces. The joint air policing and training missions contribute to enhancing the response and deterrence capacity, as well as to strengthening the interoperability between the Romanian and American air forces, according to a press release of the Defense Ministry in Bucharest. The arrival of the American aircraft was announced at the beginning of the month by the American Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, after fragments of Russian military drones used in the attacks on the Ukrainian ports on the Danube were found on Romania’s territory.



    MEETING – The Romanian foreign minister Luminiţa Odobescu and the US secretary of state Antony Blinken on Thursday hosted the ministerial meeting entitled Women, Peace and Security at the UN headquarters in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. In her address, Odobescu emphasised the need to involve women in the decision-making processes relating to domestic and international peace and security. She said the subject is all the more important in the context of the war in Ukraine, which substantially affects the women of that country.



    FESTIVAL – The George Enescu International Festival, one of the biggest classical music events in the world, is coming to an end on Sunday. First held in 1958, it is today in its 26th year and its theme this year was Generosity through music. The line-up brought together over 3,500 of the worlds best-known musicians and more than 40 orchestras from 16 different countries, and its programme featured first performances and educational concerts for children.



    BILL – Drivers caught driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will no longer be able to drive for a period of up to ten years, according to a bill submitted by the Social Democratic Party. The bill also provides for higher penalties for activities related to trafficking in and using psychoactive substances. Using minors in drug-related activities will be considered an aggravating circumstance and a prison sentence can no longer be postponed. The bill will first be debated by the Senate. (EE/CM)