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Tag: flu

  • Evolution of the Flu Virus in Romania

    Evolution of the Flu Virus in Romania

    Already shaken by the downward trend of the Euro-Leu exchange rate and a recent series of extreme weather phenomena, Romania is now also on the brink of a flu epidemic. This week, health authorities will decide whether or not to declare a flu epidemic at national level. Health Minister Sorina Pintea has said the decision will be made if the number of diagnosed cases referred to the relevant national institute exceeds expectations for the third week in a row.



    The number of victims is already higher than last year, when only four people died to the flu virus. Most of those who succumbed to the flu hadnt taken the anti-influenza vaccine and were considered vulnerable categories, with pre-existing medical conditions. On the other hand, Minister Pintea has said 6,000 cases are registered in school units, as reported by county public health directorates. This was the reason why the Health Ministry has called on the Education Ministry to suspend classes on Friday, January 25, in all schools in the country, since Thursday, January 24, the Union of the Romanian Principalities, was a national holiday anyway. On Monday, school resumed for some three million school and pre-school children.



    Education Minister Ecaterina Andronescu has said schools will be open this week, as teachers need to close the mid-year record. Against the backdrop of the wide circulation of respiratory diseases, Minister Andronescu advised parents to take their children to hospital if they suspect they are exhibiting cold or flu-related symptoms, and pointed out that epidemiological triage should be compulsory in schools every morning.



    The authorities are calling on all people exhibiting symptoms associated with influenza to consult their family physicians first and foremost, as any doctor can prescribe antiviral medication. Specialists also recommend voluntary home isolation to all people presenting symptoms and the strict observance of hygiene and health standards, especially washing hands.



    In hospitals, wearing the appropriate apparel (masks, gloves, gowns) is compulsory, both to visitors and to the medical staff. Moreover, hospitals treating inpatients suffering from acute respiratory diseases must restock their antiviral medication and proceed to the immediate vaccination of all unvaccinated staff. Specialists warn that, considering the centralized data of the last 15 years, flu epidemics usually peak in mid-March. (Translated by V. Palcu, edited by D. Vijeu)

  • Romania, close to a flu epidemic

    Romania, close to a flu epidemic

    Romania is on the verge of a flu epidemic,
    medical authorities have warned, urging people to get the flu vaccine as the safest
    way to protect themselves from the disease. The number of deaths from
    complications caused by the flu stands at several dozens and the number of
    infected people is expected to grow. The coordinator of the Immunization Group of
    the National Association of General Practitioners, Gino Dumitra, explains:

    The data that we have collected in
    Romania in the past 15 years show that, on average, the biggest number of cases
    is reported around March 15th.
    That means we are expecting more infections to be reported in the coming
    period. Of course, ideally, people should have got the flu shot in November or
    early December, but they can still get it now. It takes two to three weeks from
    the moment of vaccination for the body to get really protected against the
    virus.


    In order to limit the number of infections,
    pre-university classes were suspended on Friday, at the recommendation of the
    Health Ministry, which is expected to take a decision next week on whether to
    declare or not a flu epidemic. Health Minister Sorina Pintea has stated that she
    will declare an epidemic if the next report of the National Public Health Institute
    confirms the third epidemic week in a row. Sorina Pintea:


    I have asked the National Public
    Health Institute to present, on Tuesday, the situation at national level, for
    us to be able to take the necessary measures as soon as possible. The decision
    to suspend classes can be taken by school inspectorates and health authorities,
    when the situation calls for it.


    The measures aimed at preventing the virus from
    spreading include restricting access to hospitals and other medical units and daily
    triages in schools and kindergartens. Similar measures have been taken in
    countries neighboring Romania, which are facing the same problem. In Bulgaria,
    where the biggest number of infections was reported in counties in the south
    and east, hundreds of schools and kindergartens have suspended their activity
    over the flu scare, with experts expecting a peak in the first month of
    February. Hungary, Greece and Croatia
    have also been affected by the disease, with a growing number of people
    infected with the A-type flu virus reported.



  • January 24, 2019 UPDATE

    January 24, 2019 UPDATE

    Union of principalities — Romania on Thursday hosted religious and military ceremonies as well as cultural events to mark 160 years since the union of the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia under the rule of Alexandru Ioan Cuza in 1859. The union is considered the foundation of modern Romania. A service was held at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, which remembered the makers of the 1859 Union and wreathes of flowers were laid at the statue of ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza. The Patriarchal Palace also hosted a science communication session during which President Klaus Iohannis underlined that in 1859 the Romanian Principalities embraced the European values and started a large-scale process for the state’s modernization and consolidation. The Romanian President also added that in 2019 Romania’s destiny could not be separated from the EU as a project for peace, prosperity, safety, fairness and cohesion for its citizens. He went on to say that for 160 years Romanians have been coming closer to the fundamental humanist values of Europe, by building a state of democracy, of human dignity and of the rule of law, of freedom and equality. In her message, the PM Viorica Dancila said that the celebration of the United Principalities Day both in Romania and Brussels, during Romania’s presidency of the Council of the EU, is a confirmation of the fact that the Romanian people has always had the power and wisdom to choose the right path. Festivities were also held in Iasi, the largest city of eastern Romania, in other cities of Romania as well as in Moldova’s capital Chisinau.



    Family benefits — The European Commission on Thursday started the infringement procedure against Austria in relation to controversial legislation regarding the reduction of family benefits for foreign workers whose children do not live with them on the Austrian territory. Under the law, family benefits are reduced for foreign workers in accordance to the costs of living of the member state where their children live. Enforced as of January 1, the law provides for a reduction from 172 Euros to 85 Euros of the amount of monthly benefits granted by Austria for a Romanian child of the age of 3 and to 97 Euros for a Hungarian child of the same age. This measure, which is one of the promises made during the election campaign, might be applied to as many as 150 thousand children who live outside Austria, among whom many Romanian children. In this way the Austrian government could save at least 100 million Euros per year. Also on Thursday the Romanian Labor Ministry hailed the EC decision and reiterated that Romania supported the principle of equal pay for equal work.



    Flu — In Romania, the number of people killed by the flu reached 34, show recent data made public by the National Public Health Institute. The health minister Sorina Pintea said Thursday that the Institute would present the situation of the flu cases in Romania this Tuesday, and based on this information, a decision would be made as to whether to declare a flu epidemic or not. In order to limit the number of flu cases, the Education Ministry made the decision to suspend classes on Friday January 25, upon the recommendation of the Health Ministry. Thursday January 24 was an official holiday in Romania.



    Tennis – Young Romanian tennis player Filip Jianu (17 years old) on Thursday qualified to the singles semifinals of the Australian Open Junior Championships. He defeated the American Cannon Kingsley in 3 sets. In the last but one match Jianu will take on another American Emilio Nava, seeded 13th. Filip Jianu failed Thursday to qualify in the doubles final after he and the Spanish Nicolas Alvarez Varona were defeated by the pair Cannon Kingsley/Emilio Nava 6-3, 6-4. We recall that Simona Halep was eliminated in the eighth finals in Melbourne and will no longer hold the 1st place in the WTA ranking as of Monday. In the women’s finals the Czech Petra Kvitova will take on Japanese Naomi Osaka. (translation by L. Simion)

  • January 23, 2019 UPDATE

    January 23, 2019 UPDATE

    NATO Romania remains a trustworthy ally of
    NATO, Romania’s Prime Minister Viorica Dancila said in Brussels on Wednesday at
    the end of her meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. In turn,
    the NATO official said that NATO and the EU are cooperating better and better
    in fields like cyber and maritime security. The two officials have tackled the
    main topics on the Alliance’s agenda with emphasis on Romania’s interests as
    well as on Bucharest’s contribution to the implementation of the alliance’s policies
    and decisions. Also in Brussels, Prime Minister Dancila took part in a ceremony
    dedicated to the International Holocaust Remembrance Day staged by the European
    Jewish Congress under the patronage of the European Parliament’s president
    Antonio Tajani. On this occasion, the Romanian Prime Minister said that
    fighting Antisemitism is among the priorities of the Romanian presidency of
    the EU. Viorica Dancila has also underlined the need for consolidated European
    and international efforts to fight Antisemitism and any forms of
    discrimination. The Romanian official is paying a working visit to Brussels
    until Thursday with a view to presenting the priorities of the Romanian
    presidency of the EU Council.










    CELEBRATION
    Various events are being held across Romania to celebrate the 160th
    anniversary of the Union of the Romanian Principalities. On the 24th
    of January 1859, the elective assemblies of Moldavia and Wallachia elected the
    same ruler, Alexander Ioan Cuza, an event followed by the extensive
    modernisation of the new state. President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday laid flowers
    at Cuza’s tomb in Iasi, in the east. He also gave an address at an event to
    mark the declaration of the city of Iasi a historical capital of Romania.
    Other events held throughout the country include the laying of flowers,
    exhibitions and street performances. We recall that the Great Union took place
    100 years ago, on 1st of December 1918, when all Romanian historical
    provinces were united under Bucharest’s authority.










    FLU 31 people have been killed by flu in Romania
    this season. The authorities warn that Romania is on the verge of an epidemic,
    and the best method of protection is vaccination. The health minister Sorina
    Pintea has said that by the end of the week, some 10,000 additional doses of
    flu vaccine would be distributed around the country. Meanwhile, an increasing
    number of hospitals are considering restricting visitor access to prevent the
    spread of the flu. As an infection prevention measure, schools will be closed
    on Friday and since Thursday is a national holiday, students are allowed four
    days off also to minimize the risk of contamination, the Health Ministry has
    announced.




    (translated by
    bill)

  • 23 January, 2019

    23 January, 2019

    Union. Various events are
    being held across Romania to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the
    Union of the Romanian Principalities. On the 24th of January 1859,
    the elective assemblies of Moldavia and Wallachia elected the same ruler,
    Alexander Ioan Cuza, an event followed by the extensive modernisation of the
    new state. President Klaus Iohannis is today laying flowers at Cuza’s tomb in
    Iasi, in the east. He will also give an address at an event to mark the
    declaration of the city of Iasi a historical capital of Romania. Other events
    held throughout the country include the laying of flowers, exhibitions and
    street performances. We recall that the Great Union took place 100 years ago,
    on 1st of December 1918, when all Romanian historical provinces were
    united under Bucharest’s authority.




    Trip. Romania’s prime minister
    Viorica Dancila today begins a two-day working visit to Brussels where she will
    present the priorities of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the
    European Union as part of a plenary meeting of the European Economic and Social
    Committee. She is also expected to meet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO
    headquarters in Brussels. The two officials will review the main subjects on
    the NATO agenda, with emphasis on the points of interest for Romania and the
    latter’s contribution to the implementation of allied policies and decisions.
    During her stay in Brussels, Dancila will also attend an official event to mark
    International Holocaust Remembrance Day hosted by the European Jewish Congress
    under the patronage of the president of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani.
    She is also expected to attend a meeting of the European Socialists.




    Priorities. The Romanian ministers
    continue to present, in the specialised committees of the European Parliament,
    the priorities of Romania’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in
    their respective areas. In the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Romanian justice minister Tudorel Toader
    said one of the objectives of the Romanian term in office is to contribute to enhancing
    citizens’ trust in the act of justice. He said Romania would not stray from the
    principles of the rule of law. Other priorities mentioned by Toader are the
    creation of a European prosecutor’s office and the appointment of a European
    chief prosecutor. The Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union
    will work towards a prosperous, safe and united Europe, one that is closer to
    its citizens and also an important actor at a global level, the Romanian
    interior minister Carmen Dan told the same committee. She emphasised that the
    Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union would give special
    attention to the consolidation of internal security, the security of EU’s
    external borders, the management of migration, visa and asylum policies and
    civil protection in the community bloc, while always seeking for more unity and
    cohesion in order to address better the fears and interests of European citizens.


    Flu. 29 people died because of the flu in Romania this
    season. The authorities warn that Romania is on the verge of an epidemic, and
    the best method of protection is vaccination. The health minister Sorina Pintea
    has said that by the end of the week, some 10,000 additional doses of flu
    vaccine would be distributed around the country. Meanwhile, an increasing
    number of hospitals are considering restricting visitor access to prevent the
    spread of the flu.






    Waste. 487 kg of municipal waste was
    generated on average per person in the European Union in 2017. This figure is
    272 kg in Romania, according to data published by Eurostat. Denmark, Cyprus,
    Germany, Luxembourg and Malta have generated more than 600 kg of municipal
    waste per person. Romania is in the last position in the European Union in
    terms of waste recycling, with only 20 kg per person, compared with a European
    average of 144 kg per person.




    Tennis. The 17-year-old Romanian
    tennis player Filip Jianu has today reached the quarterfinals of the junior
    singles and the semifinals of the junior doubles at the Australian Open in
    Melbourne, the first Grand Slam of the year. In the singles, Jianu defeated the
    American player Toby Alex Kodat in straight sets and will next face another
    American player, the 8th seed Cannon Kingsley. In the doubles, the
    second seed Romanian-Spanish pair Filip Jianu and Nicolas Alvarez Varona
    defeated the all-Australian pair Tristan Schoolkate and Dan Sweeny to advance
    to the semifinals.

  • January 22, 2019

    January 22, 2019

    FLU — Romanian medical authorities have warned that immunization is the most effective protection measure against the flu virus, given that the country is facing a flu epidemic. The number of deaths cased by the flu this winter stands at 27. Children are the most affected by the disease. Daily triages have been recommended in schools and kindergartens.




    TREATY – Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has today said that the French-German Cooperation and Integration Treaty in Aachen mirrors the commitment of France and Germany to consolidate the European project. According to President Iohannis Romania will continue to be close to the two countries in their efforts to reach this goal. Attending the ceremony in Aachen, along President Iohannis, who represents the country holding the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU, were European Council President Donald Tusk and the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The Aachen Treaty is based, from a political and juridical point of view, on the Elysee French-German Treaty of 1963 that set the basis for a historic reconciliation between Germany and France. The Aachen Treaty is aimed at adjusting the relations between the two states to the challenges of the 21st century, laying emphasis on the cohesion of the two countries’ action at European level.




    BRUSSELS – Most of Romanian Government’s ministers are in Brussels until Wednesday to present the agenda and priorities of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU before expert committees of the European Parliament. Today, the interim Transport Minister, Rovana Plumb, the Education Minister Ecaterina Andronescu, the Health Minister Sorina Pintea and the Agriculture Minister Petre Daea will discuss with the MEPs. On Monday, Finance Minister Eugen Teodorovici said before the European Parliaments Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs that promoting the Banking Union, given the need for a safe and solid European financial sector, is a priority. In the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Romanian Minister for Water and Forestry Ioan Deneş, and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Graţiela Gavrilescu, said that Romania’s priorities in the field include fighting climate change, protecting biodiversity, sustainable development and water management.




    ECOFIN – Romanian Finance Minister, Eugen Teodorovici, is chairing as of today, in Brussels, the first meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) during the mandate of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU. European ministers are discussing, among other things, about a prospective programme on supporting investment, innovation and job creation in the EU. They also discuss about the stage of negotiations on the revision of the current financial surveillance mechanism, in particular the stipulations referring to the fight against money laundering. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent in Brussels, Romania plans to work, during its mandate as president of the Council of the EU, on a number of important dossiers, such as the Economic and Monetary Union, the multi-annual financial framework and the modernization of the VAT system.




    BREXIT — British PM Theresa May on Monday set out her Brexit plan B to MPs, which she was obliged to do under the EU Withdrawal Act after the defeat of her plan in the House of Commons last week. A change to her initial deal is that the government has scrapped the ­£65 (€73.69) fee EU citizens were going to pay to secure the right to continue living in the UK after Brexit. Once again, the British prime minister vowed to find a solution to the Irish backstop, which she said was the key issue blocking her deal going through. May once again rejected calls for a second referendum. Mays deal will now be debated in Parliament on January 29. A vote is expected the same day. The prime minister will then take the conclusions back to the EU. The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on Friday, March 29, 2019, at 11 pm UK time.




    TENNIS — Romanian Filip Jianu, aged 17 and the Spanish Nicolas Alvarez Varona qualified today to the quarterfinals of the junior men’s doubles at the Australian Open, after defeating the all-British pair Jacob Fearnley/Connor Thomson 6-3, 6-7, 10-8. The Romanian-Spanish team will next be up against the Australian pair Tristan Schoolkate/Dane Sweeny.


    (Translated by Elena Enache)

  • Romania is bracing up for a flu epidemic

    Romania is bracing up for a flu epidemic

    Influenza is taking its toll on the Romanians and the authorities said that the number of people infected is on a daily rise. The number of fatalities from respiratory complications have prompted experts to declare the onset of the flu season, which has also proved its epidemic character in recent days.



    Health Minister Sorina Pintea has pointed out that the people who were killed by the disease had only one thing in common — they were not vaccinated. According to the Romanian minister, 1,255,000 people from risk groups have been inoculated. Data made available at this moment shows that the number is very low as the Romanians decided not to get the anti-flu vaccine, the Romanian minister has also pointed out. Doctors are urging the population to get vaccinated saying that immunization is the most effective method through which we can protect ourselves from infection, mainly in the case of the most vulnerable categories, such as elderly people, children, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases.



    Health Minister Sorina Pintea has told a TV station that Romania is facing a flu epidemic: “We have already had an epidemic week and we stand good chances that on Thursday, when we are going to present the data released by the National Institute for Statistics, to be in the second week. And for this reason, the measures we, jointly with the experts, have communicated to the public healthcare directorates and the Education Ministry are measures usually taken when you are facing an epidemic. And as a recommendation to those presenting symptoms, the first thing they have to do is pay a visit to a GP and if possible remain indoor, away from crowded places. Also important is to stay away from self-medication.”



    According to Minister Pintea, measures aimed at keeping infections at bay in schools and other education institutions are of equal importance. “I have called on public healthcare authorities to monitor the situation at county level,” Minister Pintea has also said, adding that kindergartens and other education institutions ready to implement daily triages will be briefed on a daily basis on the evolution of this phenomenon for a better assessment of the measures to be taken so as to prevent the spreading of the flu virus.



    Depending on the situation in the area, medical units have the responsibility to restrict people’s access to hospitals and other medical units, particularly to high-risk wards, the Romanian Health Minister has also said. Sorina Pintea has made an appeal to the population to strictly apply expert recommendations to avoid the spread of infection. Experts recommend visits to the GP in the case of people showing symptoms suggesting flu infection and possible hospitalization.

  • January 19, 2019

    January 19, 2019

    RIGHTS – Minister Delegate for European Affairs, George Ciamba, on Friday had a phone conversation with the Minister of State for Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan, at the request of the latter. Sir Alan Duncan has given assurances that, irrespective of the Brexit outcome, the rights of the Romanian citizens in the UK will be respected. Over 400 thousand Romanians are currently in the UK, the second largest foreign community in the country. Sir Alan Duncan has also said that PM Theresa May wants a proper approach that should allow for a sustainable solution in the relation between the UK and the EU. In his turn, Minister Delegate George Ciamba has said that Romania, holding the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU is discussing with the other member sates and the European institutions, being ready to ensure the conditions for dialogue as soon as there is an official position of the British government. We remind you that this week the House of Commons rejected the Brexit accord negotiated with the EU. PM Theresa May is expected to come up with a new plan.




    NATO — NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has confirmed his presence at the informal meeting of the EU defense ministers to be held in Bucharest on January 30 and 31. The announcement was made by the Romanian Defense Minister Gabriel Les, according to whom the meeting will be held in the presence of the High EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini. Gabriel Les has also said that the informal meeting is the first ministerial event organized by Romania since its taking over, on January 1st, of the presidency of the Council of the EU. The event aims to be a common reflection and exchange of opinions on the consolidation of the European project, with an emphasis on security and defense.




    CENTRAL BANK — The National Bank of Romania (BNR) says there is no reason for concern about the depreciation of the domestic currency, the leu, reported lately. After being on the decrease for a number of days, the leu ended the week at a record low level as against the euro, getting closer to 4.7 lei for 1 euro. According to BNR, the depreciation of the Romanian currency has been of only 0.6% since the start of the year, and an intervention by the Central Bank could be considered only if it exceeds 4% or 5%. Economic analysts have told Radio Romania that an exchange rate closer to the reality of the Romanian economy would be 4.75 lei for one euro.




    FLU — Romania is close to declaring a flu epidemic, Health Minister Sorina Pintea has said, explaining that last week the number of people who got the flu virus exceeded the estimated number. If this tendency maintains three weeks in a row we can speak of an epidemic. 19 people have died of flu in Romania this winter, of whom 7 on Friday alone. People are advised to avoid crowded places.




    TENNIS — World No. 1 Simona Halep will face seven-time champion Serena Williams in the standout fourth-round clash of Australian Open 2019 after downing Venus Williams today 6-2 6-3. The reigning Roland Garros champion, who reached the final at Melbourne Park last year, was fresher and sharper throughout the contest, with Williams’ 33 unforced errors proving decisive. Also today, in the women’s doubles, Romanians Irina Begu and Mihaela Buzarnescu failed to qualify to the 3rd round of the Australian Open, being defeated by the French-Croatian pair Alize Cornet/Petra Martic, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1. (Translated by Elena Enache)

  • January 16, 2019 UPDATE

    January 16, 2019 UPDATE

    UPDATE (21:40): The motion of no confidence in Theresa May’s government, tabled in Britain’s Parliament by the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, in an attempt to force a general election, fails by 325 to 306 votes.

    On Tuesday, the British MPs rejected by a large majority the UK’s EU withdrawal agreement. The rejection of the Brexit deal is the harshest defeat for a British cabinet in modern times, and questions Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union, less than 3 months before it is scheduled to take effect. Analysts predict a severe crisis in the UK. Several scenarios have been discussed, including early elections and the holding of a second referendum.


    BREXIT – Britains government must clarify its position after Parliament voted down the Brexit agreement, the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis said in Bucharest on Wednesday. In his opinion, this decision is regrettable. He added however not that all the procedures which may lead to the approval of the deal have been used, and that the Romanians living in the UK need not worry because the European leaders are prepared for other options as well. The agreement approved by the 27 member states will not be renegotiated, the head of the Romanian state added. In turn, the Romanian Foreign Ministry writes in a communiqué that the UKs withdrawal from the community bloc is a major priority on the agenda of the Romanian Government, particularly from the perspective of finalising this process during Romanias mandate at the helm of the Council of the European Union.



    COMPENSATORY APPEAL – The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, on Wednesday called on the government to come up with solutions to the issue of compensatory appeal, after several cases of violence have been reported of late, perpetrated by former convicts, released from prison ahead of time, based on this law. Also on Wednesday, the Justice Minister, Tudorel Toader, announced that on Monday he will present the PM Viorica Dancila with an analysis of the compensatory appeal law and its effects, as well as with other legislative proposals. The law took effect as from the autumn of 2017 and according to it, detainees who stayed in improper conditions benefitted from 6 days of time credits for every 30 days spent in prison. Over 500 detainees were released from prison on the very first day the compensatory appeal law took effect.



    PROTOCOLS – Romanias Constitutional Court on Wednesday accepted the notification sent by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies on the existence of a legal conflict of a constitutional nature between the Public Ministry on the one hand, and Parliament, the High Court of Cassation and Justice and the other courts, on the other, on the issue of the protocols of cooperation with the Romanian Intelligence Service, SRI, in 2009 and 2016. Romanias Constitutional Court admitted that the protocols continue to produce effects, even after they were denounced. Romanias Constitutional Court announced that the prosecutors offices and courts are to establish whether the law was infringed or not, by exceeding competences, in the case of the files based on documents compiled based on the secret protocols between the Public Ministry and SRI. Last year, the head of the Romanian Intelligence Service, Eduard Hellvig, and Romanias Prosecutor General, Augustin Lazar, made public the existence of two legal protocols between the two institutions, on whose existence they had briefed the Superior Council of Magistracy and which were later denounced, as they were no longer necessary.



    SCHENGEN The Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Meleşcanu said on Tuesday in Strasbourg that there is no reason to deny Romanias Schengen accession, and voiced hopes that a solution will be reached during the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU. He promised that the Romanian presidency will allow for “very open discussions with the countries opposing Romanias entry, and will invite those countries to present the reasons why they are against Romanias inclusion in the visa-free area. “We hope to be as convincing as possible and to reach a solution, Teodor Melescanu added.



    PROTEST – Some of the miners with the Oltenia Energy Compound (in the south-west) continue their strike, being discontent about the 150 Euro pay rise proposed by the company management, but those who had gone on hunger strike gave up on that form of protest. The miners call for 45% pay rises, holiday vouchers and better working conditions. The energy, economy and finance ministers, respectively on Wednesday had an operative meeting with decision makers in the energy field to analyse the effects produced by the miners protest and also to find a solution and unblock the situation. Thermal power plants are currently functioning at normal parameters but they will run out of coal stocks in a few days time and the supplying will not be resumed.



    FLU Nine people have died of the flu in Romania so far. According to the authorities, the 9th victim is a 40-year old man who had previous medical conditions and had not been vaccinated. The man tested positive for the AH1 flu virus. Because of the large number of viral respiratory infections, visitor access has been restricted in many hospitals in the country. Nearly 53,000 respiratory infections and over 100 flu cases have been confirmed since the first week of the year.



    TENNIS The Romanian player Irina Begu (70 WTA) has been defeated by the Czech Petra Kvitova (6 WTA), 1-6, 3-6, in the second round of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. The other Romanians still in the race are world no 1 Simona Halep and Marius Copil. Also on Wednesday, in the womens doubles, the Romanians Irina Maria Bara and Monica Niculescu qualified into the second round, after beating the Spaniards Lara Arruabarrena / Arantxa Parra Santonja, 6-1, 6-1. In the next stage they are facing the winners of the match pitting Lucie Hradecka (Czech Republic) / Ekaterina Makarova (Russia) against Mona Barthel (Germany) / Sofia Kenin (USA). Other Romanians play in the doubles: Irina Begu and Mihaela Buzărnescu, Sorana Cîrstea playing together with Latvias Jelena Ostapenko and Raluca Olaru with Galina Voskoboeva (Kazakhstan). (Translated by AM Popescu and D. Vijeu)

  • January 16, 2019

    January 16, 2019

    BREXIT Britains government must clarify its position after Parliament voted down the Brexit agreement, the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis said in Bucharest today. In his opinion, this decision is regrettable. He added however not that all the procedures which may lead to the approval of the deal have been used, and that the Romanians living in the UK need not worry because European leaders are prepared for other options as well. The agreement approved by the 27 member states will not be renegotiated, the head of the Romanian state added.




    VOTE A no-confidence vote against the government is scheduled today in Britains Parliament, which yesterday rejected by a large majority the Brexit agreement with the EU. According to Radio Romanias correspondent, there are slim chances for Theresa Mays Cabinet to be dismissed, given that Northern Irelands representatives in Parliament seem to continue to support the Government. Also, although over 100 Tories voted against the deal, it is unlikely that they will do the same against their own government. The rejection of the Brexit deal is the harshest defeat for a British cabinet in modern times, and questions Britains withdrawal from the European Union, less than 3 months before it is scheduled to take effect. Analysts predict a severe crisis in the UK. Several scenarios have been discussed, including early elections and the holding of a second referendum.




    SCHENGEN The Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Meleşcanu said on Tuesday in Strasbourg that there is no reason to deny Romanias Schengen accession, and voiced hopes that a solution will be reached during the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU. He promised that the Romanian presidency will allow for “very open discussions with the countries opposing Romanias entry, and will invite those countries to present the reasons why they are against Romanias inclusion in the visa-free area. “We hope to be as convincing as possible and to reach a solution, Teodor Melescanu added.




    STRIKE The Romanian PM Viorica Dăncilă has talks today with the Energy and Economy ministers, Anton Anton and Niculae Badalau, respectively, and with officials from energy companies, concerning the state of the national energy system in the context of the miners strike at the Oltenia Energy Corporation. Also today, a new round of negotiations is scheduled at the Governments headquarters, in search of a solution to the strike. Previously, the mixed negotiation commission approved, apart from holiday vouchers, a further 150 euro gross monthly pay raise for workers andnearly 80 euros for section chiefs, as of May 1. The coal workers demand a 45% pay raise, holiday vouchers and better working conditions. Thermal power plants, working at full capacity these days, only have coal supplies for another 4-5 days left.




    FLU Nine people have died of the flu in Romania so far. According to the authorities, the 9th victim is a 40-year old man who had previous medical conditions and had not been vaccinated. The man tested positive for the AH1 flu virus. Because of the large number of viral respiratory infections, visitor access has been restricted in many hospitals in the country. Nearly 53,000 respiratory infections and over 100 flu cases have been confirmed since the first week of the year.




    TENNIS The Romanian player Irina Begu (70 WTA) has been defeated today by the Czech Petra Kvitova (6 WTA), 1-6, 3-6, in the second round of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. The other Romanians still in the race are world no 1 Simona Halep and Marius Copil. Also today, in the womens doubles, the Romanians Irina Maria Bara and Monica Niculescu qualified into the second round, after beating the Spaniards Lara Arruabarrena / Arantxa Parra Santonja, 6-1, 6-1. In the next stage they are facing the winners of the match pitting Lucie Hradecka (Czech Republic) / Ekaterina Makarova (Russia) against Mona Barthel (Germany) / Sofia Kenin (USA). Other Romanians play in the doubles: Irina Begu and Mihaela Buzărnescu, Sorana Cîrstea playing together with Latvias Jelena Ostapenko and Raluca Olaru with Galina Voskoboeva (Kazakhstan).



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • The flu claims lives in Romania

    The flu claims lives in Romania

    Since the start of the cold season in Romania, the flu has made several victims, with dozens of cases confirmed. The latest person to have died was a 69 year old man from Prahova County, in the south, who had contracted an A-H1 virus. The man, with pre-existing conditions, had not been vaccinated against the flu virus. Previously, an 11 month baby died in a hospital in Bucharest, where he had come in an extremely bad condition, with respiratory failure and all the vitals modified. He got the diagnosis of type A influenza and was intubated but, unfortunately, the treatment did not work.



    The Health Minister Sorina Pintea has stated that we cannot talk about a flu epidemic yet, but the virus has indeed registered a more rapid spread lately. She has stressed that vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu. As of Monday, when school started again after the winter holidays, the number of infections might go up. According to physicians, the triage that can be done by teachers in class is extremely important, as this can help avoid the emergence of hotbeds in schools.



    On the other hand, self-medication is a factor that aggravates medical conditions, instead of solving them. Medical consults are necessary, and the sick ones must be isolated. Also, personal hygiene is of utmost importance, so people must wash their hands with soap, use tissues against sneezing and coughing and observe a healthy life-style. A diet including lots of fruit and vegetables, physical activity and rest are extremely important in preventing flu-related diseases.



    The flu has a sudden and violent onset, is caught by exposure to droplets from an infected persons coughs or sneezes and symptoms become visible within 1 to 4 days after exposure, lasting for up to a week. The main symptoms are fever, dry cough, muscle pain, abdominal pain and nausea. Seasonal flu is caused by human influenza viruses, which affect the respiratory paths, more precisely the nose, throat, bronchia and sometimes the lungs.



    According to specialists, complications may include pneumonia, ear infection, dehydration and aggravation of pre-existing conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. This season, 1.2 million people have been vaccinated against the flu, with vaccines distributed by the Health Ministry. According to a study published late last year, half of the Romanian citizens are in favour of vaccination, but 60% of them have never received a flu shot. On the other hand, 45% of the participants in the study believe that information campaigns are necessary. In the 2017-2018 cold season, 129 people died from the flu virus.

  • April 7, 2018

    April 7, 2018

    HOLY SATURDAY — Orthodox and Greek Catholic believers today observe Holy Saturday or Black Saturday, the day the world prepares for the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. This is the final day of the Holy Week just before Easter. It takes place right after Good Friday and marks the day Jesus’ body was placed into his tomb after dying on the cross. Holy Saturday is also the day of the Easter Vigil, when Christians all across the world will wait in the late evening hours for the resurrection of Christ. Liturgically, Holy Saturday only lasts till 6pm or dusk, after which the Easter Vigil takes over and the Easter days start. In Jerusalem today the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is performing the ritual of the Holy Fire. The Orthodox ritual of the Holy Fire has been performed in Jerusalem every Easter, with a flame miraculously appearing at the darkened tomb of Jesus to symbolise the Resurrection. The miracle occurs every year at the Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem, on the Orthodox Easter Saturday. A delegation of the Romanian Patriarchy is in Jerusalem and will bring the holy fire to Romania. The Holy Saturday midnight service will be held in churches across the country, and will start with the ritual of sharing the Holy Fire, a symbol of the spiritual light that Jesus Christ shed over the world through His Resurrection.




    SECURITY MEASURES – Over 50,000 employees of the Romanian Interior Ministry have been mobilised to maintain public order, safety and security across the country at Easter. Gendarme and police troops will be chiefly deployed around churches and other religious institutions. 250 thousand people are expected to attend more than 700 public events that will take place in Romania in the next four days. Traffic police, equipped with more than 300 traffic radars and backed by helicopters, will be monitoring traffic on Romania’s motorways during the Easter days.




    HOLIDAY – Many Romanians have chosen to spend Easter away from home this year but in regions in the country where Easter traditions are still observed. Over 90% of the hotels and guest houses on the Prahova Valley are booked. Tourists are mostly interested in the resorts of Sinaia and Azuga, as winter sports can still be practices there. Bukovia is another region highly appreciated by tourists, especially the villages that are close to monasteries such as Sucevita, Gura Humorului and Putna. Tourists appreciate guesthouses in Bukovina because Easter traditions have been preserved unaltered there and also for the hosts’ hospitality.




    ROMA DAY — Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has today conveyed a message on the occasion of the International Roma Day. Iohannis has said that “it’s important to understand the traditions, values, aspirations and needs of the Roma community, in order to find solutions that should have a concrete contribution to the Roma minority members’ social inclusion, while continuing to preserve their cultural identity”. Iohannis has also said that this year, when the 1918 Great Union centennial is celebrated, the contribution of the Roma to our society’s history and diversity must be emphasised. Celebrated every year on April 8th, the International Roma Day is aimed at promoting the community’s cultural values and at signalling the problems facing it.




    OECD – Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu said on Friday in Paris that his countrys accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a way to stimulate domestic reforms. He also said that Romania’s joining OECD would be a natural evolution for this country, after having joined NATO and the EU. The statement was part of a speech that Teodor Melescanu delivered at the OECD meeting dedicated to Romania. Melescanu also held talks with the Organisations’ Secretary General Angel Gurria and with permanent representatives of the member states.




    MARCH – The “Eudoxiu Hurmuzachi” Institute for the Romanians abroad, an institution subordinated to the Ministry for the Romanians Abroad jointly with the Lauder-Reut Educational Complex will be staging a March of Holocaust survivors dubbed “Let’s learn together’, in Poland, over April 9-13. The event, which has an educational character and is aimed at teaching students a dramatic episode in history, involves the participation of young people from 52 countries. The Romanian delegation includes students from Romania and the Republic of Moldova.




    FLU – Flu made another victim in Romania on Friday, this time a 71- year old man from the county of Bihor. He had not been vaccinated against the flu virus and was also suffering from other diseases. The death toll is 122 out of almost 17 hundred confirmed flu cases. Nevertheless, the number of respiratory conditions is on the decrease in Romania. Only 78 thousand cases have been reported in the past week across the country, by 20% less than the week before.




    TENNIS – Romanian tennis player Ana Bogdan, WTA’s 90th seed, has qualified to the semi-finals of the WTA tournament in Monterrey, Mexico, after defeating American Danielle Collins, no. 53 in the world, in two sets, 6-2, 6-4. Ana Bogdan will next be up against the competition’s favourite, Garbinie Muguruza, no. 3 in the world.




    HANDBALL – The Romanian women’s handball team CSM Bucharest defeated on Friday in Bucharest the French team Metz, 34-21, in the first round of the Champions League quarter finals. Also on Friday, Vardar Skopje of Macedonia defeated FC Midtjylland of Denmark 24-23. We recall that CSM Bucharest won the Champions League in 2016. (Translated by Elena Enache)

  • March 28, 2018 UPDATE

    March 28, 2018 UPDATE

    CONDOLENCES Romanian president Klaus Iohannis has conveyed a message of condolences to Russian president Vladimir Putin for the victims of the shopping mall fire in Kemerovo. On Wednesday, the “Colectiv GTG 3010” Association paid homage, at the Russian Embassy in Bucharest, to the victims of Wednesday’s fire in Siberia. “Colectiv GTG 3010” was set up after a devastating fire ripped through the Bucharest-based Colectiv club, on the night of October 30, 2015, which took 64 lives, and brings together close friends and families of the victims as well as survivors of the disaster. A day of national mourning was declared in Russia on Wednesday in memory of the victims of Sunday’s fire in Kemerovo. Sources with the local authorities say 64 people died in the fire, of which 41 children. President Vladimir Putin has pledged that all those proven guilty will be identified and punished, irrespective of the positions they hold and he urged people not to believe rumours propagated on social networks, according to which people died in their hundreds in the fire.





    HEALTHCARE According to Romania’s health minister Sorina Pintea, as of Thursday, the immunoglobulin deliveries in this country will be constant and the quantities requested through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism are to arrive in Romania by the end of April. 1,000 immunoglobulin doses entered Romania on Wednesday; they had been purchased by the Health Ministry’s medicine supplier from foreign producers. Three weeks ago, Romania requested international aid, as it had run out of immunoglobulin doses. Romania has also resorted to the NATO Mechanism for immunoglobulin. The discontinuous supply of immunoglobulin has been caused by the withdrawal from the market of producers who provided over 80% of the necessary doses in Romania. Immunoglobulin contains antibodies, which are proteins made by the immune system to fight antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.





    MEDALS Romanian athlete Andreea Penciu on Wednesday walked away with silver from the snatch event and with bronze from the total event of the 58-kilogram category contest of the European Weightlifting Championship held in Izvorani, southern Romania. Another Romanian, Maria Grigoriu, clinched bronze in the clean and jerk event of the same category. Romania has so far obtained 10 medals in the present edition of the championship. Elena Andries has won three gold medals (snatch, clean and jerk, total), Ilie Ciotoiu two bronze (clean and jerk, total) and Ionut Ilie also two bronze medals (clean and jerk, total). The European Weightlifting Championship are underway in Izvorani, southern Romania, between March 26th and April 1st. Romania also hosted the competition in 1972 and 2009.





    STATISTICS The unemployment rate in Romania in the last quarter of 2017 stood at 4.7%, just like in the same period of 2016. Data released by the National Institute of Statistics, INS, on Wednesday, show the highest unemployment rate of over 21% was registered among youngsters. In the same time-span, Romania’s active population accounted for some nine million people, of which 8.5 million were employed, the rest being jobless. In another move, the average number of pensioners in Romania exceeded five million last year, that is lower than in the previous year. The average pension increased by some 13%, exceeding 1,000 lei (215 Euros), data issued by INS also show.





    FLU The death toll of the flu affecting Romania had reached 120, the National Center for the Supervision and Control of Transmissible Diseases announced on Wednesday. Almost all the victims were suffering from chronic diseases and had not been vaccinated. According to the Romanian Health Minister Sorina Pintea, we cannot speak about a flu epidemic in Romania at present.



    translated by bill



  • March 19, 2018 UPDATE

    March 19, 2018 UPDATE

    WEATHER – Weather remains extremely cold in Romania, as meteorologists have issued a code yellow warning for sleet, snow falls, black ice and gusts of wind, valid until Tuesday afternoon. The warning concerns 19 counties in the west, south-west, south and south-east, as well as the capital city Bucharest. Over the past days snow falls have disrupted railway, road and air traffic, and several towns and villages in the south of the country experienced blackouts.




    JUSTICE LAWS – The special parliamentary committee on the justice laws Monday endorsed some of the changes requested by the Constitutional Court. These include by-passing the president of the country in the procedure for appointing and dismissing the chiefs of the High Court of Cassation and Justice, and transferring this role to the Higher Council of Magistracy. Also, the head of state is no longer entitled to reject nominations for trainee judges and prosecutors. According to Radio Romanias correspondent, the committee will carry on debates on the 3 justice laws on Tuesday. After all drafts have been brought in line with the Constitutional Court decisions, Parliament will cast a final vote.





    WORLD BANK – The partnership between the Government of Romania and the World Bank may be strengthened in the coming years, through joint infrastructure development projects, deputy prime minister Viorel Ştefan said. According to a news release issued by the Government, on Monday he had a meeting with a World Bank delegation headed by Tatiana Proskuryakova, country manager for Romania and Hungary, in the context of consultations for the forthcoming Partnership Framework, 2018 – 2023. On June 14, the document will be submitted for approval by the WB Board.




    FLU – In Romania, the number of deaths caused by the flu has reached 104, the National Centre for Infectious Disease Monitoring and Control announced on Monday. According to the Healthcare Ministry, since the start of the season more than 1,400 cases have been confirmed. Over 1,000,000 people have received flu vaccine shots. Experts do not rate this as an epidemic.





    RUSSIA ELECTION – Vladimir Putin Sunday won his 4th term as president of Russia, with about 77% of the votes. The turnout was over 67%. Observers with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Monday stated that the election had been well administered, in spite of a lack of genuine competition and of pressure aimed at increasing turnout. Radio Romanias correspondent in the Russian Federation mentions that it was for the first time that Moscow organised elections in Crimea, where Vladimir Putin, who has been running the country for 18 years as either president or prime minister, got over 90% of the votes. Western capitals and Kiev announced they would not recognise the elections in the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Vladimir Putin will head Russia for another 6 years, against the background of a highly strained relationship with the West. After the conflict in Syria, the Ukrainian crisis and allegations of Russian interference with Donald Trumps election in the USA, Londons accusations that Moscow poisoned a former Russian agent on British territory put further pressure on these relations.





    UK-RUSSIA – The EU firmly condemns the poisoning in the UK of the former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, and takes extremely seriously Londons assessment that it is highly likely that Russia was behind the attack, reads a joint statement by the EU foreign ministers. The Union is shocked with “the first offensive use on European territory in 70 years of a Soviet-designed military-grade nerve agent, the statement also says, expressing unqualified solidarity with and support for the UK. In turn, on Monday Kremlin urged Britain to either present evidence of its involvement, or apologise. After the UK expelled 23 Russian diplomats and froze bilateral contacts, Russia responded with a similar measure and also shut down the British Council centres on its territory. Last week, the Romanian Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with Britain.





    THREAT – There are nearly 30,000 radicalised people who represent a potential terrorism threat in Europe at present, the Europol director Rob Wainwright warned on Monday, adding that at any time these might rent a truck and kill innocent people. Wainwright also mentioned the return to Europe of people who have fought in Syria and Iraq as part of jihadist groups like the Islamic State.


    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • March 15, 2018 UPDATE

    March 15, 2018 UPDATE

    CVM — EU officials on Thursday met in Bucharest with representatives of the Romanian judiciary, the Parliament and Government as part of the assessment mission within the Mechanism for Cooperation and Verification. The assessment mission will come to an end on Friday. The Justice Ministry officials have pointed out that talks are focusing on the analysis of recommendations, on the criminal and criminal procedure codes, the civil and civil procedure codes, and on the development strategy of the judiciary. The MCV was introduced in January 2007 upon Romania’s and Bulgaria’s EU accession, to support the two countries in order to overcome shortcomings in the reform of the judiciary and the anti-corruption fight. The Romanian authorities would like the MCV to be removed in 2019.



    Book fair — Romania is a guest of honor at the 2018 International Book Fair in Leipzig, Germany. ‘Zoom in Romania’ is the motto for the more than 70 events to take place at the fair at the Romanian pavilion and in other locations, meant to promote the Romanian contemporary writers. In his inaugural speech, Romania’s foreign minister reminded that Romania was also a guest of honor at the Leipzig book fair 20 years ago.



    Berlin — The Romanian Foreign Minister, Teodor Melescanu, ended his two-day visit to Germany. His agenda, on Friday, included meetings with the president of the Committee for European affairs in the Bundestag and with the president of the foreign affairs committee in the federal parliament. The talks focused on bilateral cooperation, EU enlargement and challenges facing the EU.



    Poisoning — Great Britain, Germany, France and the US on Thursday made a joint declaration in which they claim that Russia’s responsibility is the only plausible explanation in the case of the nerve agent attack against a Russian double agent and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury last week. The leaders of the 4 countries called on Moscow to provide all information related to its chemical weapons program Novichok, given that this is the first time when a nerve agent of military use is used in Europe, after WWII. The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, labeled the accusations as rude and ungrounded. Moscow announced it was preparing to reply after London’s decision to expel 23 Russian diplomats. NATO considers the incident a clear violation of international norms and agreements on chemical weapons and the EU leaders will discuss next week the poisoning of the former Russian spy. The Romanian Foreign Ministry announced Romania’s solidarity with Great Britain.



    Slovakia — The EU called on Slovakia to shed light on the assassination of the investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and to cooperate with the European Antifraud Office. The journalist was shot dead in February together with his girlfriend while he was conducting an investigation into a case of high-level corruption. In his last, unfinished article, Jan Kuciak wrote about alleged relations between Slovak politicians and Italian businesspeople suspected of links with the Calabria mafia. On Thursday the president of Slovakia accepted the resignation of PM Robert Fico, which he had handed in one day before, and announced early parliamentary elections for the second half of May. Previously, tens of thousands of people went out in the streets to protest against corruption and to ask for Fico’s resignation.



    Flu — In Romania 101 people have died of flu, shows the National Center for Monitoring and Controlling Transmissible Diseases. As many as 1,200 cases of flu have been confirmed so far. The total number of acute respiratory infections registered last week exceed 140 thousand, 67% more than that reported in the same week of the past year.



    Tennis — The Romanian tennis player, Simona Halep, world’s no. 1, will play on Friday against Japanese Naomi Osaka (20 WTA) in the semifinals of the Indian Wells tournament in California, USA. The tournament has total prizes worth 8 million dollars. In the quarterfinals, Halep defeated Croat Petra Martic (51 WTA) 2-1 in the sets, while Osaka defeated in two sets Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic (5 WTA). Halep won the Indian Wells tournament in 2015. (news translated by Lacramioara Simion)