Unique on the domestic book market, the Casa Radio Publishing House capitalizes on the largest collection of media content in Romania, whether it’s the existing sound archive or working towards the creation of a future archive. More than 30 collections and series of books, CDs and books with built-in CD are devoted to the most appreciated radio products in literature and journalism, theatre and music. Collections such as "Romanian Poetry Library" and "Gold Audio Library / Poetry Show", "Gold Audio Library / Theater", the collections for children "Radio-Prichindel" and "Good night, children!", but also the music collections "Maestro", "Radiolegends" and "Interpretive profile" are just a few of the brands of the Casa Radio Publishing House that have established themselves on the book market.
During the Gaudeamus Book Fair, organised by Radio Romania between December 4-8, a fair that featured hundreds of publishing events and tens of thousands of titles, many of them newly launched, the Casa Radio Publishing House also provided its readers with new products, including two for young listeners, as part of the "Radio-Prichindel" and "Good night, children!" collections. The new releases were accompanied by workshops on the art of comics and diction and communication. Ligia Necula, producer at Casa Radio Publishing House, tells us more:
“The audiobook is no longer a new product on the Romanian publishing market, but we at Casa Radio Publishing House are proud to have introduced this product to the local market. Most such products released by the Casa Radio Publishing House contain both illustration and the audio content, namely a CD, containing either radio theater performances or recordings of poets reading from their own work on Radio Romania. All these recordings have been preserved. And it is our joy to be able to bring the voices of these writers to the public. Linked to the two collections dedicated to children, Radio Prichindel and Good night, children!, we also staged special events for children and adults alike. The latest releases in the Radio-Prichindel" and "Good night, children!" collections launched at the Gaudeamus Fair include an audio book, "The Brave Sparrow and Golden Apples", by Petre Ispirescu, and the 19th volume in the Fairy Tales of the World series. “Prâslea the brave and the golden apples" is a graphic novel, because, in the case of the "Radio Prichindel" collection, we, at the Casa Radio Publishing House, decided to turn the stories into comic strips, especially for children who are now learning to read. And I can say that it is a welcome choice, the illustrations help children in the learning process, so they read more easily and gain courage. This graphic novel bears the signature of Alexandru Ciubotariu, who is also the coordinator of the Radio-Prichindel Collection.”
Under the title ALGO-RITM, the musician Mădălina Pașol brings together on a new album a collection of piano miniatures by famous composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms, Richard Wagner, Claude Debussy, Ottorino Respighi, Edvard Grieg, Serghei Rachmaninov, Dinu Lipatti and Tudor Dumitrescu. Tiberiu Comandașu, music editor at Casa Radio Publishing House, explains:
“Through this album, the musician is speaking both to her fans and to those who know less about her teaching activity, because Mădălina Pașol is a very popular piano teacher for children. That is why the CD we are talking about is very suitable for a young audience, bringing together very well-known piano miniatures, but also new scores, so me of which have been discovered recently. One such example at an opus by Beethoven is the piece Lustig und Traurig, or a piano page by Wagner or an album page by Brahms. It is a recently discovered work that was noted down by the composer in a guest book in his youth while on a trip. Instead of leaving his signature or a few words, he wrote down this short score which he then developed into the work that is included on this album.”
The Gaudeamus Book Fair also saw the launch by the Casa Radio Publishing House hosted of the three famous comedies written by Ion Luca Caragiale: "A stormy night", "A lost letter" and "Carnival Night", audiobook, book and CD format, as part of the Golden Tape Library/Theatre collection, Caragiale series, and again feature Alexandru Ciubotariu's illustrations and famous radio theater recordings from 1951 and 1952, staged by director Sică Alexandrescu. Another highlight was a re-issue of the successful audiobook Dance by the poet Nina Cassian (1924 – 2014), but with new poems read by the author and an interview about her life, work and emigratig. An avant-garde poet, composer and graphic artist, Nina Cassian was simultaneously complicit and problematic for the Stalinist regime, after which she came into direct conflict with the Ceauşescu regime and fled to New York, in an unwanted exile, where she passed away in 2014.
Tag: gaudeamus book fair
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The Casa Radio Publishing House at the Gaudeamus Book Fair
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April 27, 2024 UPDATE
PALM SUNDAY – On Sunday, Orthodox and Eastern-Catholic Christians in Romania are celebrating Palm Sunday, marking the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. According to tradition, on this day people bring willow branches to church to be blessed, which they then take back to their homes for protection. Willow branches are substitutes for the palm and olive branches the crowds brought to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. This Sunday marks the start of the last week of Eastern Lent, when people prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, this year observed on May 5. Mass processions were held in several towns and villages in the country on Palm Sunday eve, and a traditional procession will be held on Sunday in Bucharest. Nearly 1.8 million Romanians celebrate their name day on this occasion.
DEFICIT – Romania’s budget deficit has exceeded 2% of the GDP in the first three months of the year, according to data provided by the Finance Ministry. Spending was by approximately 7.4 billion EUR higher than revenues. Total revenues stood at a little over 26.5 billion EUR in the first quarter of the year, up by 16% compared to the same period of 2023, whereas spending stood at 33.7 billion EUR, up by 23% compared to last year. At the end of 2023, Romania’s budget deficit accounted for 5.68% of the GDP, by 0.08% less than in 2022.
ENERGY – Romania has some of the lowest prices for electricity and natural gas at EU level. According to Eurostat, the prices for natural gas for household users were the third-lowest at community level, accounting for half of the EU average. For electricity, Romanians are paying 65% of the EU average. Household users in Hungary and Croatia have the lowest prices for natural gas, while the lowest prices for electricity are reported in Hungary, Bulgaria and Malta. Overall, the total value of energy bills for EU consumers went down in the second half of 2023, after the increase caused by the war in Ukraine.
ELECTION – The Central Election Authority in Bucharest has announced mobile voting regulations ahead of the local and European Parliament elections to be held on June 9. Thus, voters who can’t cast their vote in person can submit a request to their local polling station and request a mobile ballot box be brought to their address, for both elections. Mobile voting is disallowed in polling stations abroad. The votes will be recorded on separate lists.
GAUDEAMUS – The city of Cluj Napoca (northwest) is playing host to the Transylvania-Gaudeamus Book Fair, organized by Radio Romania. Having reached its 23rd edition, the fair this year has 85 publishers exhibiting their offers, including book launches, music and educational games. A few thousand volumes in Romanian and international or minority languages will be on display. Over 40 events are organized on the sidelines of the fair, book launches, panel discussions and book signings. The book fair will close on Sunday.
ROWING – Romania on Saturday grabbed three medals at the European Rowing Championships in Szeged, Hungary. The gold went to the women’s pair made up of Gianina van Groningen and Ionela Cozmiuc. A silver medal was won by the women’s four-scull crew made up of Mădălina Bereş, Maria Lehaci, Magdalena Rusu and Amalia Bereş. Finally, Romania’s 8+1 men’s crew, made up of Mihăiţă Ţigănescu, Ciprian Tudosă, Constantin Adam, Mugurel Vasile Semciuc, Florin Arteni, Sergiu Bejan, Ştefan Berariu, Florin Lehaci and Adrian Munteanu grabbed bronze. On Sunday, Romania will be represented in the women’s single scull, men’s pair, men’s double-scull, women’s pair, men’s four-scull, women’s four-scull and women’s 8+1 events. Romania won 6 medals at the 2023 edition of the European Championships, hosted by Bled, Slovenia, 5 gold and 1 silver.
TENNIS – Romanian tennis player Sorana Cîrstea on Saturday lost to Poland’s Iga Świątek, world no. 1, in the third round at the WTA 1000 Mutua Madrid Open in Spain. Ranked 30 in WTA standings, Cîrstea lost in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. Świątek leads 4-0 head-to-head. On Sunday, Jaqueline Cristian will take on Danielle Collins of the USA in the third round, after ousting Barbora Krejcikova of Czechia in the second round, 2-6, 6-0, 6-2. (VP)
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November 23, 2023 UPDATE
AFRICAN TOUR – The president of
Romania, Klaus Iohannis, on Thursday ended his tour of Africa with his visit in
Senegal. The president previously visited Kenya, Tanzania and Cape Verde. In a
press briefing held jointly with his counterpart from Senegal, Macky Sall,
Klaus Iohannis said Romania supports African nations in their efforts to
develop capabilities to ensure national security. I have highlighted the need
for stability in Sahel, where Senegal plays a key role, the president said,
adding that Senegal is a priority for Romania in Africa. The two officials signed three documents
regarding the management of emergency situations, health and education
cooperation. The president said he has put Romania back on the African radar.
I have recuperated everything that has been all but lost, a valuable
cooperation between Romania and its African partners. Not only will this
strategy spell positive effects for Romania and the countries I have visited,
but it will produce clear-cut results in EU relations with African nations,
relations between the European Union and the African Union, president Iohannis
said.
AID – The government
announced it will provide emergency aid consisting of accommodation and warm
meals to the families evacuated from Gaza, irrespective of citizenship. 400 EUR
will be provided to a single person or to a family of five every month, while
families with more than five members will receive 600 EUR for accommodation
expenses. An additional food allowance worth 120 EUR will be paid to every
individual. The aid will be provided over a maximum period of four months
starting November. A group of 12 Romanian citizens and members of their
families were evacuated from Gaza into Egypt on Wednesday evening, crossing the
Rafah checkpoint, the Foreign Ministry Announced. This takes the total number
of citizens evacuated from Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities in the region
to 249.
GOVERNMENT – 60,000 households
from Romania can apply for European funding capped at 10,000 EUR to buy and
install photovoltaic panels to improve energy efficiency, Prime Minister Marcel
Ciolacu has announced. The funds are provided under the REPowerEU programme,
where Romania has been allotted 1.4 bln EUR. The government will earmark over
700 mln EUR to ensure the good functioning of the healthcare system until the
end of the year and some 40 mln EUR to cover hospital expenses, Marcel Ciolacu
also said, adding that next week the Finance Minister will disburse the 40 mln
EUR allotted for November. The overall cap on public guarantees as part of the
SME Invest state-subsidized scheme will be increased by nearly 800 mln EUR, the
Romanian Prime Minister also said.
GAUDEAMUS
– The 30th edition of the Gaudeamus Book Fair, organized by Radio
Romania, is running in Bucharest until Sunday. A large variety of titles and up
to 50% discounts await visitors. The National Cultural Fund Administration on
Thursday launched the project titled To me. Self-Development Writing
Workshops, teaching special writing skills to pupils. Two of the participants
have already published their own volumes. Dozens of other events are also held
on the sidelines of the fair. (VP)
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July 5, 2023 UPDATE
CVM – The
European Commission notified the European Council and the European Parliament
over its plan to shut down the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) for
Romania and Bulgaria, which will be replaced by an annual report on the rule of
law. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the European Commissioner for
Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, who expressed confidence the mechanism
will be lifted this year. In the last CVM report for Bulgaria, which was in
2019, and Romania in 2022, the Commission already concluded that Bulgaria and
Romania have made sufficient progress in meeting the commitments made at the
time of their accession to the EU and that all CVM benchmarks have been
satisfactorily met, Jourová said. In its rule of law report published on
Wednesday, the Commission recommends Romania take measures at operational level
to respond to remaining concerns related to the investigation and trial of
justice-related criminal offenses, including corruption. At the same time, the
Commission says Romania has reported significant progress in strengthening
instruments that ensure the independence of the judiciary and tackle
operational challenges of the National Anticorruption Directorate.
VISIT -
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu’s visit to Germany continued on
Wednesday with a meeting with representatives of the German business sector.
The Romanian official later met the vice-president of the Bundestag, Katrin
Göring-Eckardt, as well as members of the main parliamentary factions. Marcel
Ciolacu highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation and the significant
potential it offers, considering Germany is Romania’s top trade partner.
Germany has expressed an interest to invest in the Romanian petrochemical sector,
given the discovery of new gas deposits in Romania, as well as in the Romanian
raw materials industry, in the context of the upcoming effort to reconstruct
Ukraine. The Romanian Prime Minister pointed out Romania has numerous
resources, as well as energy projects that should ensure Romania plays a key
role in securing stability in the region, also underlining Romania’s potential
in the agricultural sector. Also on Wednesday, Prime Minister Ciolacu met with
representatives of the German defense sector. On the first day of his visit on
Tuesday, Marcel Ciolacu met Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who reiterated his
country’s support for Romania’s Schengen accession in 2023.
EDUCATION -
Romanian president Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday promulgated the new Education laws.
A former high-school teacher, Iohannis, has been promoting a programme known as
‘Educated Romania’ launched in 2016 and followed by a series of public debates.
Solutions have been proposed for fighting school violence in the country’s
pre-university education, to support the disadvantaged categories of students,
curb school dropout and promote sports. Concerning university education,
president Iohannis says the new legislative measures are going to bring the
Romanian education up to international standards. The education laws have been
promulgated after years of debates and at the end of a critical period in
Romania’s education system, marked by the recent all-out strike of the
teachers. In another development, upon the appeals session for the National Assessment
exam counting towards the candidates’ high-school accession, 76.4% of the
students have obtained passing results while 73% of the candidates have passed
the baccalaureate exam.
PROTEST -
The Health Solidarity Federation announced new protests, including a work-in
strike in several medical units on Thursday. Federation representatives want
the government to modify the emergency decree passed last week so as to fully
enforce the salary law for all health workers and increase salaries. The Federation
wants real salary raises, based on last week’s decree, and the proper
conditions to allow for this pay rise. Nearly 1,400 physicians want to
terminate their on-call work agreements and some 6,400 employees want to give
up shift work and legal holidays work schedules, the Federation also claims.
GAUDEAMUS -
The first summer edition of the book fair Gaudeamus Radio Romania kicked off in
Brașov, central Romania. The event is part of the Gaudeamus caravan, a
nationwide project that has been initiated and carried on by Radio Romania for
more than 20 years. The present edition’s offer includes, the book fair itself,
graphic and photo art, literary creation, all brought together into 40
exhibition stands. This edition is expected to end on Sunday, July 9. (DB &
VP) -
May 11, 2023
EDUCATION LAWS – The laws reforming the
education system have been submitted to the Senate, the decision-making body in
this matter. On Wednesday, the Chamber of Deputies adopted the law package. The
two bills making key modifications to the pre-university and academic systems
are meant to help graduates attain international standards of excellence,
Education Minister Ligia Deca said in her address to Parliament. Representatives
of ruling coalition parties say the effects of the new laws will become
transparent in upcoming years. From the opposition, USR voted against the law
package, arguing it does not respond to the actual problems facing the
education system.
GRANTS – European Transport
Commissioner Adina Vălean on Wednesday distributed two grants worth €60 mln to
Romanian beneficiaries for the construction of the rail bridge in Ungheni on
the Romanian border with the Republic of Moldova and for the modernization of
the Port of Constanța (southeast). The funds are earmarked under the Connecting
Europe Facility. Regarding the bridge in Ungheni, Commissioner Vălean said the
project will be an extension of the A8 motorway to the Republic of Moldova,
adding that Romania has applied for and secured funding for six bridges.
PNRR – Romania has exceeded the
deadline whereby it could still operate changes to the National Recovery and Resilience
Plan (PNRR) and is now negotiating with European Commission representatives
based on the already agreed measures, Romanian Social-Democrat MEP Victor
Negrescu said in Strasbourg. Due to changing economic indicators, Bucharest
wants to introduce new elements in PNRR such as reforming the pension law,
modifying the law salary law and building the subway line to the Otopeni
Airport. Romania benefits from total funding worth €29 bln. The Commission
disburses the funds in installments until August 2026, depending on each
country fulfilling certain objectives.
FESTIVAL – The Cinefemina Film Festival
has kicked off in Bucharest. The festival promotes and supports women working
in the European film industry by screening features and short films directed by
talented women filmmakers and producers. Running until May 14, the festival
will bring to cinema halls 12 European features and 5 short films. Produced by
film studios from Italy, France, Greece, Romania, Austria, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Poland, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Hungary, the productions tackle a
variety of genres, from comedy, drama to romance. This year, apart from film
screenings, organizers have also prepared meetings with filmmakers as well as
experts in a number of related fields, representatives of NGOs and journalists.
These debates are aimed at promoting women in industries traditionally
dominated by men.
GAUDEAMUS – The Radio Romania Gaudeamus
Book Fair continues today in Oradea (northwest). Running until May 14, the fair
will offer book launches, prize-winning contests and workshops for children.
This year’s edition is attended by 50 brands, including prestigious publishing
houses and book distribution networks. Guests will also get to indulge in educational
games and quality music, and visit a new section called Bookoteca, offering second-hand books.
EUROVISION – Romania’s representative, Theodor Andrei, is tonight
performing in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest. On Tuesday,
10 countries secured qualification to the big final: Croatia, the Republic of
Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, the Czech Republic, Israel, Portugal, Sweden,
Serbia and Norway. Representing Moldova was Pasha Parfeni with the
Romanian-language song The Sun and Moon. The 2023 edition is hosted by the
United Kingdom on behalf of last year’s winner, Ukraine. Romania’s
best-rankings in the Eurovision Song Contest include third place in 2005 and
2010 (Luminița Anghel & Sistem / Paula Seling & Ovi) and fourth place
in 2006 (Mihai Trăistariu). (VP)
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December 2, 2022
VISIT – Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, is paying a two-day
visit to Greece, where he will meet with his Greek counterpart, Katerina Sakellaropoulou
and Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to the Presidency,
the visit confirms the continuous top-level dialogue and close cooperation
between Romania and Greece with respect to hot topics on the current agenda.
Talks will also focus on the potential of developing bilateral relations in the
fields of economy and investments, culture, education, civil protection and
tourism. Special attention will be devoted to infrastructure and
interconnection projects, including in the energy sector, designed to curb
dependency on Russian gas and boost the energy security of both Romania and
Greece. Other topics on the agenda for talks include Russia’s illegal war in
Ukraine and the consequences of this conflict at several levels.
UNESCO – The Romanian traditional embroidered blouse known as ‘ie’
was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
of Humanity. Romania had submitted the application jointly with the Republic of
Moldova. The decision of the UNESCO Committee convened in Rabat, Morocco, comes
in recognition of the identity and value of this element, also sending out a
strong signal to Romanian and Moldovan cultural institutions that they should
support and promote the art of the traditional embroidered blouse, which
represents the centerpiece of the Romanian traditional festive outfit. Lipizzan
horse breeding traditions in Romania and other European countries are also part
of the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity.
BUSINESS – The number of foreign startups in Romania has gone up in
the first ten months of the year by 30.7% compared to the same period of last
year, the National Trade Register Office reports. Some 6,100 new businesses were
set up this year with a total capital of 35 million USD. By the end of the
October, over 243 thousand companies with foreign capital participation
operated in Romania, with a total subscribed capital of 67 billion USD. The
largest number of companies with foreign participation had Italian investors, while
Dutch businesses had the largest share of capital.
WAR IN UKRAINE – President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that
Ukraine will restrict the activity of Russian-affiliated religious
organizations on its territory and will challenge the status of the Ukrainian
Orthodox Church, which is still connected to the Moscow Patriarchate. The
announcement comes after Ukrainian security services searched several church
buildings in November. Ukrainian services confiscated a few thousand USD and
pro-Russian literature. Ukraine has two separate Eastern Orthodox
ecclesiastical bodies: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which in spring
broke ties with the Moscow Patriarchate due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,
and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which in 2019 was formally recognized
by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople as a separate, independent and equal
member of the worldwide communion of Orthodox churches.
DIALOGUE – The presidents of the United States of America and
France, Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron respectively, have expressed their joint
intention of coming up with a solution to end the war in Ukraine without
reducing however their countries’ assistance to Kyiv. During a visit paid to
Washington by the French president, the White House leader said he is ready to
talk to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, if the latter is willing to
reach a solution to end the war. Prior to the invasion of Ukraine on February
24, president Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken had warned Russia
about the consequences of such an attack. Since then, the US president has had
no direct contact with Moscow, although high-ranking US officials maintained
communication channels open. In turn, France’s president, Emmanuel Macron,
confirmed his readiness to talk to Vladimir Putin, particularly regarding
sensitive topics such as civilian nuclear power and the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The
last official meeting between Macron and Putin was held on September 11.
NATIONAL DAY – December 1, the National Day of Romania, was
celebrated on Thursday at home and abroad. Despite the rain, thousands of
people attended the military parades held in Bucharest and Alba Iulia. Over
1,500 servicemen took part in the event, alongside 150 military from Belgium,
France, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Portugal, the USA and the
Netherlands, as well as from other countries part of NATO structures in
Romania.
GAUDEAMUS – The 29th edition of the Gaudeamus Book
Fair hosted by Radio Romania kicks off next week. 200 publishers will be
exhibiting their latest and current releases in various formats, addressing all
age brackets and fields of interests, music as well as educational games. 600
events have been announced in addition to various related projects. Pavilions
are also available online on gaudeamus.ro. The Gaudeamus Book Fair is
financed by the Ministry of Culture. (VP)
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August 1, 2019 UPDATE
CARACAL INVESTIGATION
– The Prosecutors’ Office attached to the Superior Council of Magistracy on
Thursday decided to suspend Prosecutor Cristian Ovidiu Popescu in Caracal,
southern Romania, who did not allow the police to enter the house of Gheorghe
Dinca, suspected of kidnapping two teenagers, before 6 a.m. on Friday. The Judicial
Inspection has started a disciplinary investigation and proposed the suspension
of the said prosecutor, until the procedure has been completed. The Caracal
case has revealed serious flaws in the activity of some employees in the public
sector. One of the girls, kidnapped on Wednesday, on Thursday managed to call
112, the public emergency number managed by the Special Telecommunications
Service (STS). The Service could not establish the girl’s exact location, and
the chief operator, and then the police officer that talked to the girl, were
not able to manage the situation with professionalism. Moreover, the Service
indicated three wrong addresses, and the police needed 19 hours to get into the
suspect’s house. This string of mistakes led to dismissals and resignations.
The Interior Minister Nicolae Moga and the head of the Special
Telecommunications Service Ionel Vasilca resigned, and the head of the Romanian
Police was sacked, alongside other local chiefs and the prefect of Olt County.
In the meantime, investigations into this case, which has shocked Romania,
continue and, given its complexity, is to be taken over by the prosecutors of
the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism. So, far the
investigation has been headed by the anti-mob prosecutors in Craiova. No
evidence attesting the death of the two girls has been found yet. Despite the
suspect claiming that he killed the girls, they might still be alive. The Chief
Prosecutor of the Directorate, Felix Banila, has stated that investigators
cannot fully rely on the suspect’s statement, as he became rather confused
during interrogation. Gheorghe Dinca is to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and
he will also be tested with a lie detector. In parallel, the interim Interior
Minister Mihai Fifor has stated that the management of the emergency number 112
will be transferred from the Special Telecommunications Service to the Interior
Ministry, in order to avoid wasting time transferring the calls to the police,
ambulance or the fire department.
ADJUSTMENT – The
budget adjustment will not result in salary slashes, Prime Minister Viorica
Dancila posted on a social network. The Romanian official said the impact of
every measure was estimated while taking into account Romanian citizens.
Previously, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, the Social-Democrats junior
ruling coalition partners, said it opposed the adjustment. Vice-President
Varujan Vosganian said the budget cuts for major ministries and budget
increases for intelligence services are unacceptable. The Government will
publish the adjustment bill that will be adopted on August 5. The adjustment is
negative, with a deficit of 4.2 billion euros, accounting for 1.94% of the GDP.
The Transport, Education and Healthcare Ministries will see budget slashes,
while the Presidency, the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Foreign
Intelligence Service, and the Guard and Protection Service will get additional
funds.
UNEMPLOYMENT -
Romania is below the European average with regard to unemployment, with a 4%
rate, 0.2% lower than last year. According to Eurostat, the rate of
unemployment in the EU dropped to 6.3% in June, the lowest level recorded in
the past 19 years. Among the member states, the highest rates were reported in
June in Greece, Spain and Italy. The Check Republic and Germany stand at the
opposite pole.
UNTOLD – More
than 200 artists will perform on 10 stages at UNTOLD, the biggest electronic
music festival in Romania, hosted by the city of Cluj between the 1st
and the 4th of August. One of the biggest stages in Europe was
placed inside the Cluj Arena stadium. It is 90 m wide and 30 m tall, with LED
screens over an area of 1,500 square meters and 1,000 light spots. One of the
most expected guests is Robbie Williams, who will perform on Sunday. Special
performances will also be given by Armin van Buuren, David Guetta and 3 Are
legend. The organizers are expecting some 350,000 people from 100 countries.
More on this after the news.
GAUDEAMUS – The
Black Sea Resort of Mamaia is hosting the 11th Gaudeamus Black Seacoast
Book Fair, organized by Radio Romania. For five days, visitors have the
opportunity to buy discount books, to attend special events, book launches and
presentations, as well as various performances, recitals and dance shows. The
fair is open every day from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. and entrance is free of
charge.
TENNIS – The
Romanian tennis player Simona Halep will participate in the first edition of
the Zhengzhou Open, introduced this year in the WTA calendar. Also
participating will be Karolina Pliskova, of the Czeck Republic ( 3 WTA), Kiki
Bertens of the Netherlands ( 5 WTA), Elina Svitolina of Ukraine ( 7
WTA)and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus ( 10
WTA). The competition will be held over September 9 – 15. Simona Halep, who is
now no.4 in the WTA rankings, was number one two times between 2017 and 2019,
for 64 weeks. Besides the Wimbledon trophy she’s won this year, she also won
another Grand Slam trophy last year, at Roland Garros.
(Translated by M. Ignatescu & V. Palcu)
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November 18, 2018 UPDATE
VISIT – The President of the European Court of Auditors, Klaus-Heiner Lehne is paying a visit to Bucharest on Monday and Tuesday, in the run-up to Romanias taking over the rotating presidency of the EU Council, on January 1st, 2019. Klaus – Heiner Lehne will meet with Romanias president Klaus Iohannis, Prime-Minister Viorica Dancila, the Speakers of the two parliament chambers, the Finance Minister Eugen Teodorovici and the Minister Delegate for European Affairs George Ciamba. Several high-ranking officials will travel to Bucharest next week, including the president of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani. The officials will discuss topics of interest for the future of the EU and the good management, during Romanias presidency, of major files, such as the multi-annual financial framework, Brexit, the future of the EU post Brexit and the evolution of the security policy.
ECONOMY – Several statistical data concerning the development of Romanian economy in the first 9 months of the year have been published in the past week. Figures show that the economy slightly accelerated its growth, reaching 4.2%, according to preliminary estimates of the National Institute of Statistics. The positive trend was reported in manufacturing, trade and services. The construction field registered a 2% drop as compared to the similar period last year. In another move, the Romanian Central Bank has announced that, in the first 9 months of the year, the current account of the balance of payments registered a deficit 1.8 billion Euro bigger than the one registered in 2017, due to the increase in imports. Fitch rating agency, however, has maintained Romanias rating to a level recommended for investment, with stable prospects for the future.
INVESTIGATION – The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) is investigating into the circumstances in which a painting signed by Picasso, worth some 800,000 Euro, was found in Tulcea county, in south-eastern Romania. The painting has been seized by the Romanian authorities and will be analyzed by experts. It might be one of the seven paintings stolen in 2012 from a Dutch museum. According to a DIICOT communiqué, on Saturday, two Dutch people came to the Dutch Embassy in Bucharest with a painting they said they had found buried, following instructions put down in an anonymous letter. We recall that six Romanian citizens got final sentences for stealing in 2012 from a museum in Rotterdam seven paintings, signed among others by Picasso, Matisse and Monet.
GAUDEAMUS – Humanitas, Polirom and Nemira publishers, the AGERPRES news agency and translator Vali Florescu were among the winners of the prizes awarded at the 25th Gaudeamus International Book Fair, organised in Bucharest by Radio Romania. Also, Litera publishing house got the award for the most wanted book at the fair: “Six Stories with Devils” by Igor Bergler. The media awards went to the publication Dilema Veche, ProTV station and Mediafax online news agency. Vali Florescu got the Antoaneta Ralian prize for translation, for “Women with Men” by Richard Ford. The excellence award went to Prut, Stiinta, Arc and Cartier publishing houses in Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova, and Scoala Ardeleana and Casa Cartii de Stiinta publishers in Cluj, central Romania, for their admirable national editorial activity, this year when Romania celebrates 100 years since the Great Union.
RADIRO – The 4th International Festival of Radio Orchestras – RadiRo-, organized by Radio Romania, is underway in Bucharest. This year, the festival celebrates Radio Romanias 90th anniversary and also the Great Union Centennial. Until next Sunday, the Radio Hall and the Auditorium Hall of the National Art Museum will be hosting 8 symphonic and 4 jazz concerts. The list of prestigious guests includes the oldest European radio orchestra, MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, as well as the BBC Philarmonic, Orchestra della Svizzera italiana, and RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, participating for the first time in the festival. All concerts will be broadcast live by Radio Romania, recorded and subsequently broadcast by the Romanian Television and other radio broadcasting companies members of the European Broadcasting Union.
CELEBRATION – An event celebrating the Great Union Centennial has been hosted by Gyula in Hungary, the town that is home to the largest Romanian community in that country, which has its own Romanian school and newspaper. The event has been attended by Romanian cultural figures, university professors and local authorities. The Eudoxiu Hurmuzachi Institute for Romanians Worldwide has organized a conference on the contribution of Romanians in Hungary to the Great Union. A festivity was also held on the occasion, during which representatives of the Romanian community in Hungary, including headmasters of schools with teaching in Romanian, were awarded by the Eudoxiu Hurmuzachi Institute, for the efforts theyve made to preserve Romanian cultural values.
CONSECRATION – The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomeu, is expected to Romania on the 23rd of November, for a four-day visit, according to a communiqué issued by the Romanian Patriarchy. Together with the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Daniel, and other Romanian hierarchs, Bartholomeu will attend on November 25th the consecration of the newly-built Peoples Salvation Cathedral. Bartholomew has been to Romania ten times, last time in 2010.
PROTEST – Hundreds of thousands of people have staged protests across France on Sunday, against rising fuel taxes. Protesters called for the resignation of president Macron, whom they accuse of the drop in the purchasing power. Mobilized through social media, protesters wore yellow vests and set up roadblocks around villages, towns and cities. Dozens of people were wounded in clashes with the police, and one protester died after a driver surrounded by demonstrators panicked and accelerated. More than 100 people were detained.
FOOTBAL – On Saturday night, in Ploiesti, in the south, Romanias national football team defeated the Lithuanian squad 3-nil, in a match part of the Nations Leagues group 4. As a result, Romania went up to the second place in the group, and will play a decisive match against Montenegro, in Podgorica on Tuesday. Romania will be able to keep fighting for qualification to EURO 2020 as holder of the second position in the group if Serbia, the leader of the group, qualifies directly to the European Championship.
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November 25, 2017
PEACEKEEPING
– The city of Arad, in western Romania, on Saturday hosted a ceremony featuring
the joint Romanian – Hungarian Peacekeeping Battalion. This battalion was set
up in 1998 as the first such unit in Romania, and also the first joint entity
of this type in the world. It is 899 strong, and its command is ensured by
rotation. The ceremonies in Arad were attended by the Romanian Defense Minister
Mihai Fifor, who also attended an athletics event, organized by two education
units in the county, also with the aim of promoting the Invictus project,
involving soldiers wounded in theaters
of operations abroad. Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event,
created in 2014 by Prince Harry, in which wounded armed services personnel take
part. Romania was the first country from the East-European bloc invited to
participate in the games.
LA
FRANCOPHONIE – The Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu is attending in
Paris La Francophonie’s Ministerial Meeting. The theme of the meeting is the
blue and the green economies as drivers of prosperity, social inclusion and
sustainable development. According to a communiqué issued by the Romanian
Foreign Ministry, the minister will convey a message about the importance of
preserving natural resources for the coming generations and stimulating a
responsible economic growth. Teodor Melescanu will also speak about Romania’s
commitment to the new economies, as drivers of sustainable development. On the
sidelines of the conference, Romania’s delegation will continue the political
and diplomatic dialogue with the Francophone countries, by means of bilateral talks, focusing on cooperation, in particular at UN level.
GAUDEAMUS
FAIR – The Gaudeamus International Book Fair, organized by Radio Romania continues in Bucharest. This year’s guest of
honour is the European Commission. The Casa Radio publishing house is
participating this year with a special collection of audio-books, representing a
wide range of literary styles, poetry in particular. On Friday, the fair hosted
more than 200 events, mostly book launches.
This year’s edition of Gaudeamus marks three important events: 60 years
since the signing of the Rome treaty, 30 since the launch of the Erasmus programme
and 10 years since Romania’s EU accession. Under the motto ‘Unity in
Diversity’, the EU encourages people to discover and explore the rich cultural
heritage of the old continent.
HANDBALL
– Romania’s national women’s handball team is today taking on the Macedonian
squad at the Carpati Trophy, a competition organized in Craiova, southern
Romania, held in preparation for the World Championship. On Friday, the
Romanian players were defeated by the Polish team 27-21. The next game is due
on Sunday, against Brazil. At the World Championship in Germany, scheduled to
start on December 1st, Romania is part of Group A, alongside France,
Spain, Slovenia, Angola and Paraguay. Romania is the only team that has
participated in all the 22 editions of the Championship held so far. In 2015,
our national team won bronze.
RUGBY
– Romania’s rugby team is playing today against Tonga in a test match. The two
national squads have met twice before, also in test matches hosted by
Bucharest. In 2013, the Romanian oaks won the match against Tonga 19-18, but
in 2015 were defeated 21-16. If it wins today, the Romanian team, currently
holding the 14th place in the rankings, will go one place up. A week
ago, ‘the oaks’ defeated the Samoan team 17-13. -
The Week in Review 19-25 November 2017
The Romanian Government is faced with the first no-confidence motion
The Romanian Government, made up of the Social Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Romania and headed by the Social Democrat Mihai Tudose has this week been faced with its first no-confidence motion, filed by the right-wing opposition. 223 votes were needed for the motion to pass, but only 159 MPs supported it. The signatories to the motion, deputies and senators members of the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union, the Peoples Movement Party and other non-affiliated politicians, called for the resignation of the Cabinet, blaming it for disturbing the economic environment and the legal system and for damaging peoples living standards.
They believe that the changes brought to the Fiscal Code in particular, according to which the obligation to pay social security contributions has been shifted from employers to employees, and the drop in the income tax from 16% to 10% as of January 1, 2018, will have devastating effects on the economy. In response, the Prime Minister claims that, thanks to this fiscal reform, more money will enter the state budget and the pension fund next year, and businesses will benefit from simplified procedures. Also, the Prime Minister has given assurances that the 2018 draft budget will be finalized soon, and local governments will have their shares secured, so as to have no reason to raise taxes and fees.
The National Anticorruption Directorate forfeits the Social Democrat leaders assets and accounts
This week, the National Anticorruption Directorate has forfeited the accounts and assets owned by Liviu Dragnea, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, the main party in the ruling coalition in Romania. The decision was made in order to recover the 27 million Euro damage caused by his involvement in a case in which he is accused of setting up an organized crime group and abuse of office. This case, the third involving Liviu Dragnea, is related to the rehabilitation of roads using European money, back when Dragnea was president of the Teleorman County Council. Liviu Dragnea believes he is just the victim of a political campaign and has contested the decision. Liviu Dragnea:
“I have been a target every time the Social Democratic Party wanted to do something for Romania. Now I am being used as a means to block the justice laws”.
The bill amending the justice laws has been contested by civil society, opposition and magistrates, and also by the president of the country Klaus Iohannis. They have all stated there are no serious grounds for such haste in changing the laws and blame the government for lack of transparency in drafting the bill. Here is the head of the Anticorruption Directorate Laura Codruta Kovesi:
“There is no magistrate in Romania who would deny that there are problems the three bills try to address, such as the magistrates career, promotion and other issues. However, what the magistrates have contested is the total lack of transparency, as there have been no consultations on the matter. Its an attempt to increase the authority of the Justice Minister over prosecutors, which would seriously affect the independence of the latter and also, indirectly, the judges independence.”
Romania purchases Patriot missile defense systems
Romania will purchase 7 Patriot systems, for a combined 3.9 billion USD plus VAT. The Defence Minister Mihai Fifor says the purchase will strengthen national and regional security and will help consolidate the Romanian-American strategic partnership. Mihai Fifor:
“The Romania-USA strategic partnership launched on July 11, 1997, has been a major landmark in Romanias foreign policy, and an efficient instrument to support the domestic defence efforts. This purchase will also entail a stronger military cooperation between Romania and the US, transfers of technologies and sensitive information, and enhanced confidence between the two allies.”
Patriot systems are regarded as the worlds most advanced technology in the field, with state-of-the-art interceptor missiles and complex radar systems able to detect and respond to threats within seconds.
The Gaudeamus Book Fair opens its gates in Bucharest
The Gaudeamus Book Fair has just opened its gates in Bucharest. Organized by Radio Romania, the only radio station in the world that takes part in such an undertaking, the fair has turned into a landmark, for both specialists and the larger audience. Hundreds of exhibitors are taking part in this years edition of the fair, which will host no less than 800 events, including book and audio-book launches, book signing sessions, meetings with writers, historians, editors, translators, literary critics, political experts, photographers and journalists.
The guest of honour this year is not a country, as it used to be before, but the very European Commission. The fair thus celebrates several major events: 60 years since the signing of the Rome Treaty, 30 years since the launch of the Erasmus programme and ten years since Romania joined the European Union. The honorary president of the fair is this year the famous Romanian born playwright and journalist Matei Visniec. The record of the Gaudeamus fair, which has been held for two decades now, includes more than 1.7 million visitors and some 6,200 exhibitors, making Radio Romania national leader in the field.
You have been listening to The Week in Review.
-
The Gaudeamus Book Fair
The Gaudeamus Book
Fair has just opened its gates in Bucharest. Organised by Radio Romania, the
only radio station in the world to undertake such a project, the fair has
turned into a landmark, for both specialists and the larger audience. Hundreds
of exhibitors are taking part in this year’s edition of the fair, which will
host no less than 800 events, including book and audio-book launches, book
signing sessions, meetings with writers, historians, publishers, translators,
literary critics, political experts, photographers and journalists.
The guest of honour
this year is not a country, as it used to be before, but the very European
Commission. In this way, the fair celebrates several major events: 60 years
since the signing of the Rome Treaty, 30 years since the launch of the Erasmus
programme and ten years since Romania joined the European Union.
The honorary
president of the fair is this year the famous Romanian-born playwright and
journalist Matei Visniec, who talked about the fair on Radio Romania:
The Gaudeamus Fair is a magical place, a meeting
place for great ideas, feelings and educational projects. This is a time when
we can all recall that this extraordinary recipient of culture, the book, was
born in Europe. To me, the fact that the European Commission is taking part in
this event is a way of recalling the simplest and at the same time most
profound definition of Europe, namely the place where the book was born as an
element of popular culture. It’s the place where Gutenberg invented the first
printing press in the world, turning the book from an object for the elites
into something to be enjoyed by ordinary people, too. The book industry was
born in Europe. Public library networks and the circulation of books, and
therefore of ideas, are a fabulous European adventure.
Matei Visniec also spoke about the interest that
still exists in books, which maintain critical spirit and optimism alive. Matei
Visniec:
There is a big hunger for fiction, for literature,
because we cannot understand the human being and the contemporary issues facing
the world unless we read novels, poetry, essays and philosophy and unless we go
to the theatre. Humans and their contradictions are best reflected in
literature.
The Gaudeamus fair, which has been held for two
decades now, has so far attracted more than 1.7 million visitors and some 6,200
exhibitors. Radio Romania has thus become a national leader in the field. -
The Gaudeamus Book Fair
The Gaudeamus Book
Fair has just opened its gates in Bucharest. Organised by Radio Romania, the
only radio station in the world to undertake such a project, the fair has
turned into a landmark, for both specialists and the larger audience. Hundreds
of exhibitors are taking part in this year’s edition of the fair, which will
host no less than 800 events, including book and audio-book launches, book
signing sessions, meetings with writers, historians, publishers, translators,
literary critics, political experts, photographers and journalists.
The guest of honour
this year is not a country, as it used to be before, but the very European
Commission. In this way, the fair celebrates several major events: 60 years
since the signing of the Rome Treaty, 30 years since the launch of the Erasmus
programme and ten years since Romania joined the European Union.
The honorary
president of the fair is this year the famous Romanian-born playwright and
journalist Matei Visniec, who talked about the fair on Radio Romania:
The Gaudeamus Fair is a magical place, a meeting
place for great ideas, feelings and educational projects. This is a time when
we can all recall that this extraordinary recipient of culture, the book, was
born in Europe. To me, the fact that the European Commission is taking part in
this event is a way of recalling the simplest and at the same time most
profound definition of Europe, namely the place where the book was born as an
element of popular culture. It’s the place where Gutenberg invented the first
printing press in the world, turning the book from an object for the elites
into something to be enjoyed by ordinary people, too. The book industry was
born in Europe. Public library networks and the circulation of books, and
therefore of ideas, are a fabulous European adventure.
Matei Visniec also spoke about the interest that
still exists in books, which maintain critical spirit and optimism alive. Matei
Visniec:
There is a big hunger for fiction, for literature,
because we cannot understand the human being and the contemporary issues facing
the world unless we read novels, poetry, essays and philosophy and unless we go
to the theatre. Humans and their contradictions are best reflected in
literature.
The Gaudeamus fair, which has been held for two
decades now, has so far attracted more than 1.7 million visitors and some 6,200
exhibitors. Radio Romania has thus become a national leader in the field. -
November 21, 2017
PATRIOT – The bill on the purchase of Patriot missile defense systems from the US has been fully endorsed today by the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, which is the decision making forum in this matter. Previously, the bill was endorsed by the Senate. Romania wants to purchase seven Patriot systems, whose total value stands at some 3.9 billion dollars. The first system, costing 765 million dollars is to be purchased by the end of the year.
MOTION – The Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania has decided to abstain from voting on the no-confidence motion filed by the right-wing opposition against the Government formed by the Social Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Romania. The leader of the union Kelemen Hunor has stated that he agrees with some of the statements included in the motion, but has blamed the initiators for not providing alternatives to the current prime-minister and his governing programme. Signed by senators and deputies members of the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union and the Peoples Movement Party, the motion accuses the Executive that, through its policies, has deeply disturbed Romanian economy. In response, the Prime Minister Mihai Tudose has stated that, thanks to the latest fiscal reform, more money will get to the state budget and to the pension fund and companies will benefit from simplified procedures.
EMA/EBA – Gathered in Brussels on Monday, the EU foreign ministers decided that the European Banking Authority (EBA) would have its headquarters in Paris. Also, Amsterdam will host the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The EU officials have chosen the Dutch capital through a competition in which Bucharest ran too. The two institutions, currently based in London, will be relocated after Brexit, in March 2019. EMA has 900 employees and supervises the safety of medicines sold on a market of more than 500 million consumers. As regards EBA, the French president Emmanuel Macron has stated that choosing Paris is a recognition of Frances attractiveness and commitment. EBA regulates and supervises the banking system across the EU.
GERMANY – Consultations have started today in Germany on ways to exit the political crisis triggered by the Conservatists, the Liberals and the Greens failing to reach consensus on the formation of the new Government. The president of the country Frank Walter Steinmeier, who, according to the Constitution, must manage the crisis, has announced his intention to hold talks with all the political parties that could be part of the Government headed by Angela Merkel. We recall that her party won the legislative elections of September 24th. Steinmeier has excluded the participation of the far-right Alternative for Germany and the far-left Die Linke parties, as Angela Merkel refuses to engage in a dialogue with them. Also, the president has rejected the idea of early elections. According to the outcome of the September elections, Angela Merkel can only head a coalition government, as she excludes the alternative of a minority executive.
GAUDEAMUS – For the first time in its history, the GAUDEAMUS International Book Fair, organised this year by Radio Romania between the 22nd and the 26th of November, will have as the guest of honour not a country, but a Union, namely the European Union, through the Representation of the European Commission in Romania. This years edition is special, as it marks 60 years since the signing of the Roma Treaty, 30 years since the launch of the Erasmus programme and also 10 years since Romania joined the European Union. Under the motto “unity in diversity”, the European Union encourages people to discover and explore the rich cultural heritage of the old continent. This years edition will enjoy the participation of 300 exhibitors and will host more than 800 events.
TOURISM – According to official data, Romanian tourism has grown by 10% in 2017 and the total number of tourists choosing Romania as one of their holiday destinations is likely to exceed 12 million this year, a value that has not been reached since 1990. The announcement was made by the first-vice president of the National Association of Travel Agencies Adrian Voican. He has stated that, in the first nine months of the year, the number of Romanians who chose Romania as a tourist destination increased by one million, reaching 9.5 million. Also, the number of foreign tourists is expected to exceed 2.6 million this year. Spa tourism has become a particular attraction, and the sales on this segment have doubled. (Translated by Mihaela Ignatescu)
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20 November 2017, UPDATE
Motion. A no-confidence motion initiated by the National
Liberal Party and the Save Romania Union, both in opposition, against the
government made up of the Social Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals
and Democrats was read out on Monday in Parliament before the two joint
chambers. Filed last Friday, the motion was endorsed by 148 MPs. The latter
criticise the government mainly for its changes to the tax code. No date has
yet been established for a vote on the motion. Protests have taken place in
recent weeks in Bucharest and other cities against the government’s plans to
amend the tax code and overhaul the judiciary. The Social Democratic prime
minister Mihai Tudose says the new tax reform brings in more money to the
budget and the pension fund and simplifies procedures for companies.
Patriot missiles. The Senate in Bucharest approved the purchase of
Patriot missiles. The bill has received the approval of Parliament’s defence
committee. On Tuesday, the bill reaches the Chamber of Deputies, the
decision-making body in this case. Romania is to purchase seven surface-to-air
missile systems for a total of around 4 billion dollars. The first of the seven
has been approved for delivery by the US administration for a value of 750
million dollars and is to be contracted by the end of the year. Right now, the
Romanian armed forces rely on obsolete Soviet missile systems.
EU. The Romanian
minister delegate for European affairs Victor Negrescu on Monday attended in
Brussels the first three-party meeting with his counterparts from France and
Germany, Nathalie Loiseau and
Michael Roth, respectively. The parties reiterated the need to relaunch the
European project, in the context in which Romania will hold the EU rotating
presidency in the first half of 2019. Negrescu said Romania’s presidency is an
opportunity to consolidate the unity of the member states. The three officials also
discussed the Union’s future multiannual financial framework and ways to
consolidate the bloc’s internal security and external policy. The meeting was
held on the margins of the General Affairs Council.
Eu agency relocation. The EU European Affairs ministers met in
Brussels on Monday to decide the future location of the European Medicines
Agency. Now based in London, the agency will be relocated when the UK leaves
the European Union. Amsterdam, which was in the running together with 18 other
cities, including Romania’s capital Bucharest, will be the new home of the
European Medicines Agency, a body that employs 900 people and monitors the
safety of medication sold on a market with 500 million consumers.
Child poverty. According to results posted on Monday by Eurostat,
the European statistics agency, in 2016, 49.2% of Romanian children were
exposed to the risk of poverty and social exclusion, the highest such figure
among European states and double the average in the Union. At the opposite end
are children in Denmark, Finland and Slovenia. Data for
2016 shows that around 24.8 million children below 17 years of age in the Union
were exposed to such danger, with the number of children in Romania standing at
around 1.8 million. Between 2010 and 2016, the percentage of at risk children
in the EU went down from 27.5 to 26.4%.
Winter fuel stocks. The energy minister Toma Petcu on Monday
gave assurances that Romania has enough energy resources for this winter, even
in the event of very cold weather and heavy snowfall. He told a specialist
conference that fuel stocks for the winter are higher than the estimated need.
Although gas consumption in Romania has decreased following the closing down of
the big consumers, 1.6% more natural gas than last year has been stocked this
year, the energy minister has explained.
Book
fair. The 24th Gaudeamus International Education Book Fair organised by
Radio Romania begins on Wednesday. For the first time in the history of the
fair, the special guest will not be a country, but the European Union through
the European Commission Representation in Bucharest. Under the motto Unity in
Diversity, the European Union encourages people to discover and explore
Europe’s rich cultural heritage. The fair’s 2017 edition will see a number of
anniversaries: the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Rome
Treaty, the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Erasmus programme
and the 10th anniversary of Romania’s joining the European Union.
The fair brings together 300 exhibitors and features more than 800 different
events.
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November 18, 2017 UPDATE
CENSURE MOTION – The leadership of the Social Democratic Party, PSD, the main party making up the left of centre Government in Bucharest, has adopted a resolution reiterating its support for the PSD-ALDE coalition government and its governing program and claims it has complied with the commitments it has made to the electorate. According to PSD, the Gross Domestic Product exceeds the estimates, the budget deficit is 3% lower than expected, over 250,000 jobs have been created and pay-rises have been granted in healthcare, education and culture. PM Mihai Tudose has announced the draft state budget for 2018 will be presented in Parliament within 10 days. He defended the newly adopted Fiscal Code, which provides, among others, for the complete transfer of social contributions from employers to employees and a cut in the income tax from 16 to 10%. The National Liberal Party, in opposition, says the coalition government has destabilised the Romanian economy and has filed a censure motion in Parliament, also backed by the Save Romania Union, the Peoples Movement Party and some independent MPs. According to the signatories, the benefits of a substantial economic growth have been cancelled by the Governments measures which they deem “populist and chaotic. The opposition says a governing program promising pay-rises has actually led to salary decreases, or in the best of cases, to small increases, adding that public investments have plummeted to a historic low. This is the first censure motion filed against the Tudose government, the second cabinet made up of the PSD-ALDE majority following the legislative elections held last year
DEFENCE – The US Department of State has greenlighted the sale of Patriot missile systems to Poland, the transaction being estimated at 10.5 billion USD, the Pentagon announced on Friday evening. According to Reuters, Poland, which is a NATO member state, has boosted its efforts to consolidate its defence in the wake of Russias annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, in 2014, and in response to Moscows enhanced military capacity in the region. The transaction should still however be endorsed by Congress, because it entails the purchase of advanced military technology for which special permits are needed. Romania, too, wants to purchase surface to air Patriot missiles, under a contract worth some 3.9 billion USD, without VAT. The first such system, worth 764 million USD, is to be contracted by the end of the year and become operational in 2019. The draft law on purchasing Patriot missiles from the USA was submitted to the Romanian Parliament for debate on Monday.
ANTIBIOTICS – Romania is among the fifth largest consumers of antibiotics in the EU and is the country with the highest consumption of antibiotics taken without a medical prescription, a report issued by the Romanian Health Observer, an NGO whose declared mission is to contribute to improving health services in Romania and Eastern Europe shows. According to the report, more often than not patients exert pressure on the medical staff for the release of antibiotics, even when their use is not grounded. Antibiotics do not have healing effects in the case of colds and respiratory infections and the World Health Organisation recommends that antibiotics be taken only based on medical prescription. November 18 is the European Day of rational use of antibiotics.
HIGHSCHOOL – 1.9 million pupils have finished high school in Romania in the past 10 years, of which 900,000 failed to pass the high-school leaving examination, the Baccalaureate, education minister Liviu Pop said in Iasi on Saturday. Pop also said that, for this reason, the experts of the ministry are working on new framework plans for high-school education. The minister also said that these plans will be sent for public debate as of December 15 and afterwards school curricula for high school education valid for the next school year are to be rewritten.
GAUDEAMUS BOOK FAIR – The 24th edition of the Gaudeamus-Book of Learning International Fair, organised by Radio Romania, opens its doors next week. No less than 800 editorial and professional events will be organised during the fair, which will be attended by 300 exhibitors: Romanian publishing houses boasting a long tradition in the field, education institutions, book sellers and publications, professional associations and other organisations active in the field of culture and education. The honorary president of the fair will be the well-known playwright and journalist Matei Vişniec and the honorary guest of this years edition of the fair will be the European Commission. Thus, the event will mark 60 years since the Treaties of Rome were signed, 30 years since the launch of the Erasmus program and 10 years since Romania joined the EU, says Angela Cristea, head of the EC Representation in Romania.
HANDBALL – The Romanian womens handball team, CSM Bucharest on Sunday will meet on home turf the Polish team Vistal Gdynia, in the last match of the Champions League Group A. With four wins and a defeat, CSM ranks first in the group, which is also made up of Nykobing Falster Handboldklub (Denmark) and RK Krim Mercator Ljubljana (Slovenia). CSM Bucharest won the Champions League in 2016 and is one of the favourites of the current edition of the most-powerful European inter-club competition.