Radio România Internațional

Tag: Government measures

March 6, 2025 UPDATE 3

SUMMIT – The interim president of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, on Thursday called for an increase of Europe’s role in maintaining peace on the continent, support for Ukraine and the increase of defense spending. On the sidelines of the special EU summit hosted by Brussels, president Bolojan discussed with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Romania’s priorities in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the increase of the absorption of European funds. “We also conveyed our support for the initiatives of the European Commission in the field of defense and competitiveness”, Ilie Bolojan wrote on social media. Upon meeting with the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, Ilie Bolojan said that Romania intends to continue the “excellent collaboration” with the community legislature. Ilie Bolojan attended an extraordinary European Council summit, where the heads of state and government of the European Union pledged to support Ukraine, in the context of US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, and to spend more on defense. The head of the European Commission said that Europe is at a crossroads and stressed the importance of Europe defending itself through a massive increase in defense spending but also by helping Ukraine achieve a lasting and fair peace. The European Commission president presented an €800 billion EUR package devoted to defense investments. In turn, the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, assured European leaders that Parliament can move quickly and efficiently to respond to the unprecedented security challenges we see today. “Peace must guarantee freedom for Ukraine, security for Europe and deterrence for those who believe they can take it by force”, the European Parliament president further noted. Attending the summit in Brussels, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thanked the EU for its strong support.

TREASON – Prosecutors with the Directorate Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism Offences (DIICOT) have detained six individuals over charges of forming an organized crime group and treason. According to DIICOT, the defendants apparently set up a paramilitary organization and negotiated Romania’s exit from NATO with Russian agents. Prosecutors say that the organized crime group was structured like a military-type organization, with management ranks and operative personnel. Radu Theodoru, a retired general and 101-year-old war veteran, was also among the organization’s leaders. The group used online platforms to release video materials and recruit members. At the same time, it took steps to hold negotiations with foreign political and military actors regarding the replacing of the current constitutional order. In January, DIICOT also says, 2 of the defendants travelled to Moscow, where they came into contact with people willing to support the organization’s efforts to take over power in Romania.

APPEAL – Magistrates on Thursday dismissed as unfounded the complaint filed by Călin Georgescu against the judicial control measure, in the investigation where he faces several charges. A former independent candidate in last year’s presidential election, Călin Georgescu was last week placed under judicial control by the Prosecutor General’s Office for a period of 60 days. He is subject to a number of interdictions, including the right to leave the country without the approval of judicial authorities. At the same time, Georgescu cannot post content of a legionary, fascist, anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic nature on social media. Georgescu is being prosecuted for committing six crimes, the most serious being that of inciting actions against the constitutional order. Investigators claim that Georgescu had come up with a plan to destabilize the country after the Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election in December. The first round was won by Călin Georgescu. Meanwhile, prosecutors have raided new locations linked to the financing of his election campaign. Also on Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights rejected Călin Georgescu’s appeal challenging the annulment of the presidential election in Romania in December 2024. The decision is unanimous and final. Călin Georgescu recently announced that he will submit his candidacy for the presidential election in May with the Central Electoral Bureau on Friday.

GOVERNMENT The Romanian government on Thursday passed several emergency orders, concerning, among other things, the healthcare reform and the spending of EU funds. In the field of healthcare, the government wants to improve regulations on public medical care for freelancers, on the taxation of medicines, on the organization and operation of medical offices and the granting of sick leaves. In a separate emergency order, the Romanian government earmarks the financing for certain local authorities to complete works to extend and upgrade natural gas infrastructure. Finally, the cabinet has also approved the amount of this year’s state aid for the livestock sector.

MOLDOVA – The Republic of Moldova has been accepted into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the decision reflecting a confirmation of significant progress in the process of accession to the European Union, the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova has announced. According to the document, SEPA membership will facilitate faster, safer and more accessible international payments in Euro for Moldovan citizens and businesses. “Today’s decision consolidates our irreversible path towards European accession”, said the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova, Anca Dragu. SEPA is a European system that facilitates cross-border payments in Euro, eliminating the differences between national and international payments. It includes all European Union countries, as well as other states. (VP)

6 March 2025
March 6, 2025 UPDATE 2

PRESIDENCY – On a visit to Brussels, Romania’s interim president Ilie Bolojan on Thursday discussed with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen regarding Romania’s priorities in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and increasing the absorption of European funds. “We also expressed our support for the European Commission’s initiatives in the field of defense and competitiveness”, Ilie Bolojan wrote on social media. The Romanian president also met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and the two officials discussed opportunities to strengthen the Eastern Flank. Ilie Bolojan is attending an extraordinary European Council, where heads of state and government from the European Union are discussing support for Ukraine and the situation of European defense. Ahead of the summit, the European Commission president said that Europe is at a crossroads and stressed the importance of Europe defending itself through a massive increase in defense spending but also by helping Ukraine achieve a lasting and fair peace. Ursula von der Leyen proposed a European armament plan, with defense investments of up to €800 billion. In turn, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, assured European leaders that the European Parliament can move quickly and effectively to respond to present-day unprecedented security challenges. “Peace must guarantee freedom for Ukraine, security for Europe and deterrence for those who think they can take it by force”, president Metsola added. Present in Brussels, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its strong support.

APPEAL – Magistrates on Thursday dismissed as unfounded the complaint filed by Călin Georgescu against the judicial control measure, in the investigation where he faces several charges. A former independent candidate in last year’s presidential elections, Călin Georgescu was last week placed under judicial control by the Prosecutor General’s Office for a period of 60 days. He is subject to a number of interdictions, including the right to leave the country without the approval of judicial authorities. At the same time, Georgescu cannot post content of a legionary, fascist, anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic nature on social media. Georgescu is being prosecuted for committing six crimes, the most serious being that of inciting actions against the constitutional order. Investigators claim that he Georgescu had come up with a plan to destabilize the country after the Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election in December. The first round was won by Călin Georgescu. Meanwhile, prosecutors have raided new locations linked to the financing of his election campaign. Also on Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights rejected Călin Georgescu’s appeal challenging the annulment of the presidential election in Romania in December 2024. The decision is unanimous and final. Călin Georgescu recently announced that he will submit his candidacy for the presidential election in May with the Central Electoral Bureau on Friday.

GOVERNMENT The Romanian government on Thursday passed several emergency orders, concerning, among other things, the healthcare reform and the spending of EU funds. In the field of healthcare, the government wants to improve regulations on public medical care for freelancers, on the taxation of medicines, on the organization and operation of medical offices and the granting of sick leaves. In a separate emergency order, the Romanian government earmarks the financing for certain local authorities to complete works to extend and upgrade natural gas infrastructure. Finally, the cabinet has also approved the amount of this year’s state aid for the livestock sector.

MOLDOVA – The Republic of Moldova has been accepted into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the decision reflecting a confirmation of significant progress in the process of accession to the European Union, the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova has announced. According to the document, SEPA membership will facilitate faster, safer and more accessible international payments in Euro for Moldovan citizens and businesses. “Today’s decision consolidates our irreversible path towards European accession”, said the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova, Anca Dragu. SEPA is a European system that facilitates cross-border payments in Euro, eliminating the differences between national and international payments. It includes all European Union countries, as well as other states. (VP)

6 March 2025
March 6, 2025 UPDATE 1

PRESIDENCY – On a visit to Brussels, Romania’s interim president Ilie Bolojan on Thursday discussed with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen regarding Romania’s priorities in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and increasing the absorption of European funds. “We also expressed our support for the European Commission’s initiatives in the field of defense and competitiveness”, Ilie Bolojan wrote on social media. The Romanian president also met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and the two officials discussed opportunities to strengthen the Eastern Flank. Ilie Bolojan is attending an extraordinary European Council, where heads of state and government from the European Union are discussing support for Ukraine and the situation of European defense. Ahead of the summit, the European Commission president said that Europe is at a crossroads and stressed the importance of Europe defending itself through a massive increase in defense spending but also by helping Ukraine achieve a lasting and fair peace. Ursula von der Leyen proposed a European armament plan, with defense investments of up to €800 billion. In turn, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, assured European leaders that the European Parliament can move quickly and effectively to respond to present-day unprecedented security challenges. “Peace must guarantee freedom for Ukraine, security for Europe and deterrence for those who think they can take it by force”, president Metsola added. Present in Brussels, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its strong support.

APPEAL – Magistrates on Thursday dismissed as unfounded the complaint filed by Călin Georgescu against the judicial control measure, in the investigation where he faces several charges. A former independent candidate in last year’s presidential elections, Călin Georgescu was last week placed under judicial control by the Prosecutor General’s Office for a period of 60 days. He is subject to a number of interdictions, including the right to leave the country without the approval of judicial authorities. At the same time, Georgescu cannot post content of a legionary, fascist, anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic nature on social media. Georgescu is being prosecuted for committing six crimes, the most serious being that of inciting actions against the constitutional order. Investigators claim that he Georgescu had come up with a plan to destabilize the country after the Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election in December. The first round was won by Călin Georgescu. Meanwhile, prosecutors have raided new locations linked to the financing of his election campaign. Also on Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights rejected Călin Georgescu’s appeal challenging the annulment of the presidential election in Romania in December 2024. The decision is unanimous and final. Călin Georgescu recently announced that he will submit his candidacy for the presidential election in May with the Central Electoral Bureau on Friday.

GOVERNMENT – The Romanian Government on Thursday passed several emergency orders, concerning, among other things, the healthcare reform and the spending of EU funds. In the field of healthcare, the government wants to improve regulations on public medical care for freelancers, on the taxation of medicines, on the organization and operation of medical offices and the granting of sick leaves. In a separate emergency order, the Romanian government earmarks the financing for certain local authorities to complete works to extend and upgrade natural gas infrastructure. Finally, the cabinet has also approved the amount of this year’s state aid for the livestock sector. (VP)

6 March 2025
February 13, 2025 UPDATE 3

GOVERNMENT – The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday approved two decisions regarding the prioritization of projects included in the ‘Anghel Saligny’ National Investment Program and in the program carried out by the National Investment Company (CNI). At the same time, the extension of the free zone in the Port of Constanta (southeast), on the Black Sea, was on the agenda of the Government meeting. The government thus seeks to stimulate the economic development of the region and improve trade flows in this area. Also on Thursday, new measures were adopted that support the reorganization of the National Anti-Drug Agency. On the other hand, Marcel Ciolacu announced that the ruling coalition has decided to provide financial support worth €160 to pensioners with low incomes. This aid will benefit approximately 2.5 million pensioners with incomes of up to €515, tantamount to the national minimum wage. The aid will be granted in two installments, in April and in the second half of the year. In the context of the latest price hikes, this measure will help maintain a minimum level of social protection for the elderly. The aid is intended to compensate for the increase in living costs and to provide essential financial support for pensioners. We recall that, earlier this year, the government decided not to raise pensions in line with the inflation rate, as planned, a move that generated society-wide dissatisfaction.

REPORT – Romania, along with other European states, was last year targeted by “sabotage” actions specific to the hybrid techniques used by the Russian Federation, the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism warns in its annual report. The attacks were designed to test the defense readiness of NATO countries and find weaknesses in their infrastructure. In turn, drug consumption has reported a steady increase in recent years. Cannabis remains the most sought-after drug in Romania, also accounting for the highest volumes seized by the authorities.

DRONE – The surveillance and monitoring systems of the Defense Ministry on Wednesday night picked up an air target flying into Romania’s airspace for nearly one kilometer on its way to Ukraine. Authorities immediately conveyed an emergency service alert to notify the population in the area and scrambled two F-16s belonging to Romania’s Air Force and two Eurofighter jets operated by the Spanish Air Forces. The same sources have also reported a possible impact on the national soil close to the Ukrainian border, without any material damages. In turn, the president of the neighboring Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said that two Russian drones illegally entered the air space of Moldova and exploded on the ground. No citizens were put at risk. Sources close to the Ukrainian army announced that Russia attacked Ukraine with 140 drones on Wednesday night.

NATO – The meeting of NATO defense ministers continued on Thursday in Brussels, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had started talking with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, about peace in Ukraine. In turn, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, said that Kyiv’s accession to the North Atlantic Alliance is an unrealistic option. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent in Brussels, European allies were taken by surprise by the news of the Trump-Putin telephone conversation, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte insisted on the idea of lasting peace. He said that the leaders of NATO member states never promised Ukraine it would become a NATO member if it concluded a peace agreement with Russia. On the other hand, Mark Rutte is asking allies who have not increased their defense budgets above 2% to do so by this summer. The NATO Secretary General suggested he might ask for an increase in defense contributions to 3% of GDP at the upcoming NATO summit. Increasing military spending, expanding the capabilities of the defense industry and the war in Ukraine were the main topics of discussion on the agenda of the NATO Defense Ministers meeting.

MSC 2025 – Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu will take part in the 61^st edition of the Munich Security Conference (MSC 2025), held over Friday-Sunday. According to the Romanian MFA, the meeting will address current security threats and challenges in the political, economic, commercial and technological fields. In the panels, Emil Hurezeanu will present Romania’s assessments of current challenges, with a focus on the deterioration of the security climate in the Black Sea region and the implications of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine for the security of Euro-Atlantic space. At the same time, Minister Hurezeanu will emphasize the threat of Russia’s hybrid actions and the importance of countering them. On the other hand, the Romanian official will highlight the importance of a more robust transatlantic relationship in managing these challenges and combating the threats facing the Euro-Atlantic community, and will underline the importance of continuing to provide robust support for increasing the resilience of the Republic of Moldova. On the sidelines of the Conference, Emil Hurezeanu will hold bilateral talks with counterparts and political figures from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa.

PEACE PLAN – The peace process in Ukraine has been launched, U.S. President Donald Trump said, without giving further details, after telephone conversations with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It was the first discussion between an American president and Vladimir Putin in almost three years, given that, after the invasion of Ukraine and the emergence of information regarding war crimes committed by Russian troops, former President Joe Biden refused to talk to the Kremlin leader. In turn, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, said that Ukraine cannot return to previous its borders or join NATO. To Kyiv, the liberation of all Russian-held territories and NATO accession are key priorities. At the same time, the European Union has demanded firm security guarantees for Ukraine.

EURONEXT – Euronext, the number one pan-European grain stock market, is due to open a branch in Romania, in Constanța. The port on the Romanian Black Sea coast is expected to become a reference point for grain prices in the Black Sea basin, and Romanian farmers and those from neighboring countries will be able to deliver their goods under optimal conditions. Euronext trade flows for corn might open by the end of the year, while those for wheat starting next year. (DB & VP)

13 February 2025
February 13, 2025 UPDATE 2

GOVERNMENT – The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday approved two decisions regarding the prioritization of projects included in the ‘Anghel Saligny’ National Investment Program and in the program carried out by the National Investment Company (CNI). At the same time, the extension of the free zone in the Port of Constanta (southeast), on the Black Sea, was on the agenda of the Government meeting. The government thus seeks to stimulate the economic development of the region and improve trade flows in this area. Also on Thursday, new measures were adopted that support the reorganization of the National Anti-Drug Agency. On the other hand, Marcel Ciolacu announced that the ruling coalition has decided to provide financial support worth €160 to pensioners with low incomes. This aid will benefit approximately 2.5 million pensioners with incomes of up to €515, tantamount to the national minimum wage. The aid will be granted in two installments, in April and in the second half of the year. In the context of the latest price hikes, this measure will help maintain a minimum level of social protection for the elderly. The aid is intended to compensate for the increase in living costs and to provide essential financial support for pensioners. We recall that, earlier this year, the government decided not to raise pensions in line with the inflation rate, as planned, a move that generated society-wide dissatisfaction.

DRONE – The surveillance and monitoring systems of the Defense Ministry on Wednesday night picked up an air target flying into Romania’s airspace for nearly one kilometer on its way to Ukraine. Authorities immediately conveyed an emergency service alert to notify the population in the area and scrambled two F-16s belonging to Romania’s Air Force and two Eurofighter jets operated by the Spanish Air Forces. The same sources have also reported a possible impact on the national soil close to the Ukrainian border, without any material damages. In turn, the president of the neighboring Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said that two Russian drones illegally entered the air space of Moldova and exploded on the ground. No citizens were put at risk. Sources close to the Ukrainian army announced that Russia attacked Ukraine with 140 drones on Wednesday night.

PEACE PLAN – The peace process in Ukraine has been launched, U.S. President Donald Trump said, without giving further details, after telephone conversations with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It was the first discussion between an American president and Vladimir Putin in almost three years, given that, after the invasion of Ukraine and the emergence of information regarding war crimes committed by Russian troops, former President Joe Biden refused to talk to the Kremlin leader. In turn, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, said that Ukraine cannot return to previous its borders or join NATO. To Kyiv, the liberation of all Russian-held territories and NATO accession are key priorities. At the same time, the European Union has demanded firm security guarantees for Ukraine. (DB & VP)

13 February 2025
February 13, 2025 UDPATE 1

GOVERNMENT – The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday approved two decisions regarding the prioritization of projects included in the ‘Anghel Saligny’ National Investment Program and in the program carried out by the National Investment Company (CNI). At the same time, the extension of the free zone in the Port of Constanta (southeast), on the Black Sea, was on the agenda of the Government meeting. The government thus seeks to stimulate the economic development of the region and improve trade flows in this area. Also on Thursday, new measures were adopted that support the reorganization of the National Anti-Drug Agency. On the other hand, Marcel Ciolacu announced that the ruling coalition has decided to provide financial support worth €160 euros to pensioners with low incomes. This aid will benefit approximately 2.5 million pensioners with incomes of up to €515, tantamount to the national minimum wage. The aid will be granted in two installments, in April and in the second half of the year. In the context of the latest price hikes, this measure will help maintain a minimum level of social protection for the elderly. The aid is intended to compensate for the increase in living costs and to provide essential financial support for pensioners. We recall that, earlier this year, the government decided not to raise pensions in line with the inflation rate, as planned, a move that generated society-wide dissatisfaction. (VP)

13 February 2025
September 5, 2024

MEASURES – The Government yesterday passed an emergency decree designed to improve tax collection and boost investments made by central and local authorities. Taxpayers who pay their outstanding debts to the state budget by November 25 might see their interest rates, delay penalties and undeclared revenue penalties written off. According to official data, 330 thousand legal entities and over 840 thousand natural persons might be affected by the measures. The Government also seeks to reward taxpayers with no outstanding debts. The measures are estimated to reduce the budget deficit by nearly 1.8 bln EUR, considering Romania has one of the highest deficits at EU level.

ARREST – Sociologist Alfred Bulai, a former professor at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) has been detained for 24 hours after previously being deposed in an investigation into abuse of office for obtaining sexual favors and for sexual abuse. Prosecutors Wednesday searched the home and vehicle of Alfred Bulai. The University dean Cristian Pîrvulescu and Bulai’s assistant were also called to give their deposition. Last month prosecutors also lifted a number of documents from the University premises. According to an investigation carried out by Snoop, Alfred Bulai reportedly submitted several of his students to various forms of sexual abuse.

MOLDOVA – Moldova’s EU accession process will make good progress next year during Poland’s term at the helm of the EU Council, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during yesterday’s visit to Chișinău. The Polish official met his Moldovan counterpart, Dorin Recean, and held a speech in Parliament in Romanian, boycotted by the pro-Russian opposition. Donald Tusk then met the president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, who argued that Poland is a clear example of how EU integration can transform a country. The presidents of Romania and Baltic States also paid visits to Chișinău last week to express support for Moldova’s EU accession efforts. In October, the Republic of Moldova will host a referendum regarding the country’s EU accession, jointly with the presidential election.

VISIT – Romania’s Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, is today paying a visit to Israel, accompanied by a delegation including Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr, Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu, Minister for Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Radu Oprea, and MP Silviu Vexler, the president of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania. The Prime Minister’s agenda includes meetings with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanjahu and with the Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer. Marcel Ciolacu will also hold talks with Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, followed by a meeting in Parliament with Israeli officials. Ministers part of the Romanian delegation will in turn hold bilateral talks with their counterparts, namely Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz and Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat.

FOOTBALL – Romania’s national football team is tomorrow playing its debut match in the 2024-2025 season of Nations League. In the first group fixture, Romania will play Kosovo away from home, while on September 9 it will take on Lithuania at home. Romania’s group, C2, also includes Cyprus. The top position ensures direct promotion to League 2 in the next season of Nations League, while teams in second place will play promotion playoffs. Teams in last place will be directly relegated to League D, while teams in third position will play in C2 the next season. Nations League standings also impact the European preliminary matches for the 2026 World Cup. Romania’s new headcoach is Mircea Lucescu, who returns to the national squad after 40 years. We recall Edward Iordnănescu resigned at the end of EURO 2024, a tournament where Romania reached the round of 16. (VP)

5 September 2024
August 24, 2023

GOVERNMENT – The government will seek
Parliament’s vote of confidence for the law package reforming the government
structure and laying out new fiscal equalization and tax fraud regulations. Prime
Minister Marcel Ciolacu said Romania needs a fair fiscal system. The
squandering of public funds, tax evasion and circumventing aggregate taxing prevent
Romania from further developing, the Romanian official said, adding that the
talks he had in recent weeks clearly showed the country is in need of
in-depth reforms. On the other hand, representatives of the Solidarity
Federation of Trade Unions in the fiscal sector are today meeting with Finance
Minister Marcel Boloș. Talks follow Tuesday’s protest action in front of the
Finance Ministry. Unionists want to preserve their jobs, revenues and status.
On August 11, over 15,000 employees in the fiscal administration launched spontaneous
protests, disgruntled with the government’s measures to cut public spending,
which could affect over 22,000 people in this sector.

UKRAINE – Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu
has conveyed Romania’s best intentions and support for Ukraine’s efforts to
regain peace and freedom in a message marking the Independence Day in Ukraine.
For the second consecutive year, Ukraine celebrates Independence Day fighting
for freedom and its legitimate right to choose its own destiny. For a year and
a half now, the Ukrainian people are resisting the Russian aggression with
great courage, supported by the strong solidarity of the international
community. Romania has had an extremely important contribution, the message
reads. At the same time, Marcel Ciolacu pointed out that in the meeting he had
with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal in Bucharest, as well as on the
sidelines of the meeting of heads of state and government from South-Eastern
Europe and the Western Balkans, also attended by president Volodymyr Zelensky,
he reiterated Romania’s firm support for Ukraine. We will stand with Ukraine
and the Ukrainian people until victory is achieved and the territorial
integrity is restored, as well as in the following period, during the
reconstruction of the country, the Romanian official said.

PRIGOZHIN – The leader of the Wagner PMC
Yevgeny Prigozhin, his deputy and eight other passengers were reportedly killed
in a private plane crash on Wednesday in Russia. The Russian Federal Agency for
Air Transport announced the plane crashed in Tver region, north-west of Moscow.
On Monday, Prigozhin appeared in a video posted on social media by groups close
to Wagner, saying he was in Africa. Prigozhin started an uprising in June
against the Russian Defense Staff and the Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu. In
Ukraine, Prigozhin stood out during the fight for Bakhmut in the east, where
Wagner mercenaries, mostly recruited from Russian penitentiaries, reclaimed the
city in May, sustaining heavy casualties. During the battle, Prigozhin’s
conflict with the Russian high command escalated, the Wagner mercenary boss
accusing Russian generals of incompetence and the failure of delivering
additional ammo to Wagner troops. The Wagner private military company is also
engaged in numerous theatres of operations in Africa, including the Central
African Republic, Mali or Libya.

INVESTIGATION – The Deputy Chief of the
Constanța County Police
Inspectorate, the head of the county’s road traffic department and the police
chiefs of Mangalia and Vama Veche have been sacked in the wake of the
investigation in last week’s car crash. A young man under the influence of
drugs crashed his car into a group of people in 2 Mai seacoast resort, killing
two and injuring another three. The Government’s control body discovered
irregularities of criminal nature in the reaction of three police officers who
verified the documents and took legal action against the driver. The young man
had been stopped by the police earlier that night and although the agents
removed drugs from his vehicle, he was let off without undergoing a drug test.
The police officers could have tested the driver or take him to the nearest
medical unit to undergo a clinical exam and a blood test.

VOLLEY – The Romanian
women’s volleyball team on Saturday will play France in the European
Championship quarterfinals. Romania ranked 3rd in Group B after winning 3-1
against Croatia and 3-2 against Bosnia Herzegovina. The European Championships
take place over August 15 – September 3 in four countries – Belgium, Italy,
Estonia and Germany. At the 2021 edition held in Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and
Serbia, the Romanian side ranked second to last, 23. Romania’s best result in
the women’s European Championships was in 1963, when our team won bronze at
home.

FOOTBALL – The
Romanian champions Farul Constanța are today playing HJK Helsinki of
Finland in the first round of the Europa Conference League playoffs. Also
today, Romanian Cup winners Sepsi Sfântul Gheorghe are going up against Bodoe/Glimt of Norway at home.
The return legs are scheduled for next week. (VP)

24 August 2023
May 10, 2022

MAY 10 – On May 10, Romania
celebrates Independence Day, the day Romania obtained its independence from the
Ottoman Empire in 1877 at the end of the Russian-Ottoman war. On this occasion,
president Klaus Iohannis said independence is one of the pillars of the
Romanian modern state, while celebrating Independence Day is a suitable
opportunity to commemorate the milestones that helped create the Romanian
nation. Also today Romania marks Monarchy Day, which was the National Day of
Romania from 1866 to 1947. May 10 marks the start of the 48-year-long rule of
Charles I of Hohenzollern Sigmaringen, the first in a dynasty of four kings.
The Royal Train is today on a symbolic tour of the country to mark this event.
The train was first used by the Royal House of Romania in 1928. May 10 also
marks Balkan Romanianness Day. In 2021, president Klaus Iohannis ratified a law
establishing this day as a public holiday. The event seeks to raise public
awareness regarding national and cultural solidarity with the Megleno-Romanians
and Aromanians living in Balkan countries. Over the years, Bucharest
authorities have provided support to Romanian schools and churches in the
Balkans by means of various programs and funding projects.

BANKING – The National Bank of Romania is
expected to increase the monetary policy interest rate from 3% to 4%. This is a
substantial increase determined by inflation, which has now reached the highest
levels of the last decade. The last time the Central Bank increased the
monetary policy interest rate by 1% was in February 2008. The Bank thus follows
a wider regional trend, considering that the monetary policy rate is closing in
on 6% in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Commercial banks will next
increase their interest rates in order to discourage loan-taking and diminish
consumption.

EBRD – The European Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has lowered its estimate regarding Romania’s
economic growth in 2022 and 2023, after an economic recovery of 5.9% reported
in 2021, determined mainly by private consumption, an EBRD reports reads.
Romania’s economy is expected to grow by 2.5% this year compared to the
original forecast of 2.8% issued in March, and by 3% next year, compared to the
previous estimate of 4.1%. The EBRD also believes that Romanian economy was
weakened in 2022, the GDP reporting a slump of 0.1% in the last quarter of
2021.

EXERCISES – The Getica Training Center in Cincu
is today hosting the opening ceremony of Resolute Castle 22, a multinational
exercise involving the participation of military engineers with Romanian Land
Forces and structures of the US Land Forces Command for Europe and Africa and the
British Ministry of Defense, the Romanian Ministry of Defense reports. The
purpose of Resolute Castle 22 is to increase the level of interoperability
means of constant training and implementing innovative solutions to joint
engineering problems. Also starting today, the village of Comăneşti in Bacău County is hosting a multinational
military exercise the will unfold over the course of five days, involving
military personnel and equipment of the Romanian Defense Ministry and NATO.

GOVERNMENT – The Government on
Monday adopted the disbursement of meal vouchers to people with low income. The
50-meal vouchers will be paid on special cards once a month. Cards will be
distributed starting June 1. The measure is backed with non-reimbursable EU
funds. Also on Monday, the Government adopted measures to boost investment,
such as adjusting prices for construction materials for ongoing projects funded
by the EU.

REFUGEES – Approximately 900
thousand Ukrainian refugees have entered Romania since the start of the war in
neighboring Ukraine, the Border Police announced. On Monday some 5,530
Ukrainian citizens entered the country (down by 27.9% compared to the previous
day). The border police has deployed additional units to the border areas,
working together with other institutions with a view to sharing data and
information and taking joint action.

EUROVISION – The first semi-final of
the 66th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is held tonight in
Turin. This is the third edition of Eurovision hosted by Italy, after the ones
held in Naples in 1965 and Rome in 1991. The first 10 best-ranked countries will
advance to Saturday’s final. Romania’s representative, WRS, will perform the
song Llámameˮ in the second semi-final on Thursday. Romania’s best ranking in
the Eurovision Song Contest was third place in 2006 in Kyiv and in 2010 in Oslo
(Luminiţa Anghel & Sistem; Paula Seling & Ovi) and fourth place in Athens
in 2006 (Mihai Trăistariu).

CHESS – The best-ranked Romanian chess
player, Bogdan Deac, world no. 59, drew against Iranian-born French player
Alireza Firouzja, world no. 2, in the fifth round of the Superbet Chess Classic
Romania 2022 on Monday. Tuesday is a rest day, while tomorrow matches will
resume as part of round 6. Superbet Chess Classic romania 2022 is the first of
the five-stage edition of this year’s Grand Chess Tour, being held over May
5-15. Total prizes stand at some $350,000. (VP)

10 May 2022
Social measures in times of pandemic

On Thursday Romania reported over
3,000 COVID infections, reported in the last 24 hours. On the same day, the Government sanctioned a six-month
extension for the additional 2,000 medical staff needed in healthcare and
emergency medical care services across the country. The Government also passed
a memorandum on taking out a €250 million loan from the European Investment
Bank for the Emergency Regional Hospital in Iasi, Finance Minister Florin Cîţu has announced at the end of the Government meeting.
The total value of the investment stands at €500 million, half being funded
from EU structural funds while the other half from the state budget. This loan
is meant to support investment until we attract European funds, to prevent
delays and start building this hospital, Minister Cîţu said. During this meeting the Government also debated an emergency
decree on several fiscal measures and amending a number of laws. One of the
provisions refers to payment facilities for outstanding budget liabilities
incurred after the introduction of the state of emergency on March 16 and until
October 25. The measure addresses companies affected by restrictions imposed by
the authorities to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The measure is bound to
simplify procedures for filing for scheduled payment of obligations over a
period of 12 months, the Finance Minister said. Florin Cîţu also outlined
which companies can access this payment facility:

All companies without overdue obligations to the state budget
prior to the state of emergency and companies that are currently not in formal
insolvency proceedings. Here we will introduce a separate regulation. All companies
currently in insolvency proceedings but which have managed to pay their
outstanding debt and have submitted their financial statements will also become
eligible.

The authorities say the measure will support taxpayers who’ve
had difficulties due to the lack of financial assets. On the other hand, the
measure might also secure constant and certain budget revenues. Another provision
in the said emergency decree, which is under debate until the next Government meeting,
is set to extend until December 2 the deadline for introducing a 50% discount on
property tax. Landowners can thus file their requests until December 21.

(Translated by V. Palcu)

9 October 2020
End-of-year Government measures

In its last session scheduled for this year, the technocratic Government in Bucharest on Thursday adopted an action plan for Romanias taking over the presidency of the EU Council in 2019. The document provides for a first assessment of necessary resources and recommends a series of technical measures to be implemented over the course of the next two years. In a Government press release, Romanias term at the helm of the EU is a strategic objective of national importance. For the first time, Bucharest can show political vision and administrative capacity, which are necessary to manage, in a professional manner, this important responsibility that each Member State has to fulfill on a rotation basis. In another move, the Government decided to maintain the national minimum wage at 275 euros for the month of January as well. Here is Government spokesperson Liviu Iolu:

“The national minimum wage guaranteed by the Government for 2017 will be set by the new Government. Our Government decided to keep the wage at its current value for January, given that it is the remit of the new Government to set a new minimum wage salary for next year.

The Government also adopted a set of measures to extend its support for the victims of the fire of October 2015 at the Colectiv nightclub in Bucharest, which killed 64 people. The support consists in covering treatment expenses, as well as accommodation and transport of members of their family. In addition, the Government set up a mechanism of returning the subscriptions paid by people to purchase Constantin Brancusi sculpture The Wisdom of the Earth, which the Government tried to acquire from the sculptors legal heirs by means of a public subscription campaign. Public donations eventually turned out to be insufficient, and will be returned to the over 100,000 donors.

For all donations in hard currency, the Government will cover the commission and exchange rate fees, while all donations in national currency will be refunded by means of payment order. Donations by text or local landline phones will be settled under an agreement signed by the Ministry of Culture with telecommunications operators. Donors who cannot be identified can submit a refund request in writing to the Ministry of Culture by October 31, 2017, also attaching copies of payment documentation. Moreover, people who dont want a refund must also notify the Ministry of Culture in writing by the end of March 2017. The process of refunding all donations will be completed by December 31, 2017.

(Translated by V. Palcu)

30 December 2016
The Romanian Government Cuts Red Tape

The bureaucratic legacy of the communist period has often been the
target of criticism from both within the country and from abroad. The process
of cutting red tape continues to be extremely slow, in spite of repeated
efforts. However, a technocratic government such as the present one was
expected to tackle the issue as a major concern for Romanian society as a
whole.

On Tuesday, the government issued an executive order meant to take steps
in that direction. It introduces the possibility of paying a number of taxes by
bank card, which might reduce crowding and long lines at offices where taxes
are paid. Old fashioned stamp taxes were removed for obtaining documents such
as identity cards, copies of which can now be sent by e-mail. Copies of
identity card are no longer required to be notarized. Criminal records will now
be communicated between institutions, so that people no longer have to queue up
at government offices to obtain them.

The measures were introduced in a press
conference by the minister in charge of public debate, Violeta Alexandru. In
turn, the Finance Minister Anca Dragu specified that a tax exemption would be
applied for the recently issued debt discharge bill, but just for one single
loan. Minister of Energy Victor Grigorescu announced that the government had
set a ceiling for natural gas prices for public consumption until March 31,
2017. As part of the same set of measures of protection, low income families
with children will no longer have to provide proof of payment of their local
taxes in order to get the child rearing allocation. At the same time, birth
certificates can be issued within 30 days instead of 15 from the date of birth.
Town halls can now issue birth certificates for children with no official
identity at the time of application, while institutionalized children will be
able to set their official residence at the institution housing them.

At the same time, the government has taken two additional measures.
Starting on August 1, an income tax exemption will apply to researchers, as a
result of a drastic drop in the number of researchers from the business
environment. At the same time, farmland and housing terrain outside cities can
be registered free of charge. This government decision is necessary for farmers
to access European funds.

29 June 2016