Radio România Internațional

Tag: heat wave

  • August 26, 2024

    August 26, 2024

    Survey – The candidates of the Social Democratic Party – PSD and the National Liberal party – PNL, Marcel Ciolacu and Nicolae Ciucă, would enter the second round of the presidential election in Romania, if elections were held next Sunday – shows a CURS survey published on Sunday. Regarding the parliamentary elections, the PSD leads in the preferences of the electorate, followed by its governing partner, the PNL. The survey, about which we talk in detail after the news, was conducted between August 6-22, on a sample of 1,067 respondents, with a margin of error of plus/minus 3%.

     

    Drought – The Romanian government will discuss, this week, the first set of measures for the farmers affected by the drought. Recently, the agriculture minister Florin Barbu and the farmers’ representatives have had a discussion aimed at granting compensations for the damage caused by the drought and for a new package of measures to combat the effects of the drought, a package that the minister is going to present to the members of the government. The authorities are also considering the creation of a mechanism agreed with the Financial Supervisory Authority for state insurance of an area of ​​about 7 million hectares with an insurance premium of 3,000 lei (600 Euros) for each hectare. The establishment of local irrigation systems and forest curtains is also under discussion.

     

    Weather – Almost all of Romania is under heat wave and severe thermal discomfort alerts, with maximum temperatures rising to 38 degrees Celsius. In the northwest, center-west, partially in the east and south, there is a code yellow alert for heatwave and high thermal discomfort. The temperature-humidity index will exceed the critical threshold of 80 units. The highs of the day will range from 34 to 36 degrees Celsius. In the coming days, the heat wave will subside and the atmospheric instability will increase. A Code Orange alert for hot weather is still in force today in 20 counties from the south, west, east and the city of Bucharest.

     

    Tennis – Three tennis players from Romania are performing today in the inaugural round at the US Open, the last Grand Slam tournament of the year. Coming from the qualifications, Gabriela Ruse will face Julia Grabher from Austria. The other two Romanian players on the singles table are Jaqueline Cristian, who will play against the Russian Daria Kasatkina, seed no. 12, and Ana Bogdan, who will meet the Dutch Arantxa Rus in the first round.

     

    Visa – The US administration is to announce, on October 15, a decision regarding the visa waiver for Romanians, which would apply starting from 2025, Romanian government sources stated. During this period, the Romanian executive is carrying out the “We qualify Romania” campaign, which aims at including the country in the American Visa Waiver program and at exempting it from obtaining travel visas to the US. As part of the campaign, launched on July 18, Bucharest undertook to meet the technical criteria for joining the Visa Waiver by September 30, 2024, the date on which the American fiscal year ends. Among them is a refusal rate below 3% of US B1 and B2 visas for business and tourism granted to Romanian citizens during the fiscal year 2024. In this sense, the government, through the Foreign Ministry, urges as many Romanian citizens as possible to renew their US visa by September 30.

     

    Attack – The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, is today going to Solingen, to the scene of the knife attack for which a Syrian, suspected of links with the Islamic State (IS) organization, was arrested, AFP reports. IS claimed responsibility for the attack and pointed out that the attacker acted to avenge Muslims in Palestine and elsewhere. According to the French news agency, Friday evening’s attack, which left three dead and eight injured during local festivities, increases the pressure on the head of government a week before elections in two states of the former communist Democratic Republic of Germany, where the far-right party AfD is well placed to get an unprecedented score. The party accused the successive governments of causing ‘chaos’ by accepting too many immigrants and called for an expulsion offensive. The suspect arrived in the country in December 2022, according to several German media, and was the subject of an expulsion order to Bulgaria, the European Union state where his entry had been registered and where he should have applied for asylum, in accordance with the community rules. In recent years, Germany has been the scene of several jihadist attacks. The one committed with a truck, in December 2016, at a Christmas market in Berlin, killed 12. (LS)

  • August 19, 2024 UPDATE

    August 19, 2024 UPDATE

    GROWTH According to the Fiscal Council, this year Romania may register an economic growth under the 3.4% the government initially forecast. In its annual report published on Monday, the Council, which is an independent institution, has drawn attention to the fact that the budget deficit at the end of this year will exceed 7% of the GDP. The new pension law and the pay rises in the public sector are expected to generate additional costs in the second half of the year. According to the Council representatives, Romania needs concrete and credible policies to support fiscal-budgetary consolidation on medium term – both in terms of incomes and improving the tax-collection process.

     

    HEAT A persistent heat wave has engulfed Romania, where code red, orange and yellow alerts have been in place for a couple of days now. Extremely high temperatures have been reported in most of the regions with a Temperature-Humidity Index above 80 units. The highs of the day are ranging between 29 and 39 degrees Celsius. For a couple of days now, Romania’s capital city Bucharest has been seeing temperatures of 37-38 degrees Celsius.

     

    ATHENS Romanian firefighters are carrying on operations of putting out wildfires in Greece, especially in the region of Attica. Several fire engines are being employed for this mission, including a special one able to carry 30 thousand liters of water. In this mission, the Romanian firefighters are operating under the coordination of their Greek counterparts who are monitoring the situation in the regions with a higher risk of wildfires. Since August 14th the Romanian Air Forces have also been carrying out firefighting missions in Albania, a country, which is also facing the danger of wildfires.

     

    PENSIONS Millions of Romanian pensioners will receive pension benefits based on a new calculation formula as of September 1st. Authorities promise this new system would remove all inequities in the pension system. According to official data, after recalculation the average public pension benefits will increase from around 460 Euros to around 540 Euros. The finance minister, Marcel Boloș, says that in the forthcoming period the pressure on the public deficit will increase. Under the new regulations, in order to receive public pension benefits in Romania the minimum payment contribution period will be 15 years, with the retirement age planned to reach 65 for both men and women in 2035.

     

    RABLA A new session of the “Rabla Plus” national car scrapping programme, aimed at facilitating the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles by individuals, public institutions and local administration units, was launched on Monday. According to the Environment Fund Authority, applicants receive a voucher for the purchase of a new vehicle, in return for scrapping 1 or 2 vehicles older than 6 years. The voucher for the purchase of an EV is worth approx. EUR 5,000, and the one for a hybrid car or electric motorcycle is around EUR 2,600, irrespective of the number of cars scrapped. For public institutions, the voucher amounts to EUR 24,000.

    (bill)

  • August 19, 2024

    August 19, 2024

    HEAT WAVE A persistent heat wave is reported in Romania, with code red, orange and yellow alerts issued in most regions of the country. The temperature-humidity index is above 80%, while highs range between 29 and 39 degrees Celsius. In Bucharest, the temperature is expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius, after 31 degrees Celsius reported at noon.

     

    EU PM Marcel Ciolacu makes a visit to Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday, to talk with the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, about the seats Romania will hold in the future Commission. According to governmental sources, Bucharest may appoint the new commissioner for enlargement, who will be nominated from among the Social Democratic MEPs. Meanwhile, also this week, the government is scheduled to discuss the national strategy for the defence industry. Its goals are to ensure the development, revamping and upgrading of defence facilities, and to promote research, development and innovation by opening excellence centres and by attracting foreign and Romanian investors.

     

    CAR SCRAPPING A new session of the “Rabla Plus” national car scrapping programme, aimed at facilitating the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles by individuals, public institutions and local administration units, has been launched today. According to the Environment Fund Authority, applicants receive a voucher for the purchase of a new vehicle, in return for scrapping 1 or 2 vehicles older than 6 years. The voucher for the purchase of an EV is worth approx. EUR 5,000, and the one for a hybrid car or electric motorcycle is around EUR 2,600, irrespective of the number of cars scrapped. For public institutions, the voucher amounts to EUR 24,000.

     

    PENSIONS Millions of Romanian pensioners will receive pension benefits based on a new calculation formula as of September 1. The authorities promise this new system would remove all inequities in the pension system. According to official data, after recalculation the average public pension benefits will increase from around EUR 460 to around EUR 540. The finance minister, Marcel Boloș, says that in the forthcoming period the pressure on the public deficit will increase. Under the new regulations, in order to receive public pension benefits in Romania the minimum payment contribution period will be 15 years, with the retirement age planned to reach 65 for both men and women in 2035.

     

    BACCALAUREATE The autumn session of the baccalaureate exam is under way in Romania. After the Romanian language and literature test on Monday, written tests will be held in mathematics and history in the next few days, followed by tests in the subjects chosen by the applicants. The final results will be announced on August 30. Over 33,000 applicants have enrolled for the exam this autumn, following an over 78% pass rate at the June session.

     

    UKRAINE Ukraine continues its attacks in Russia’s Kursk region, where it destroyed a second strategic bridge on Sunday. Military analysts quoted by Reuters say there are 3 strategic bridges facilitating military supply for the Russian forces in Kursk. Kyiv claims to have seized some 1,150 square km and over 80 settlements so far. This is the 14th day of the Ukrainian strike, the first by a foreign army in Russia since WWII, with Moscow seemingly unable to initiate large-scale defence operations. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterated that Kyiv’s goal is to create a buffer zone to protect Ukraine’s border regions from Russian bombings. Meanwhile, Belarus announced the mobilisation of one-third of its army at the border, in response to the Ukrainian operations. At the start of the offensive in Kursk, Belarus, Russia’s closest ally and the country that allowed Russia to use its territory to attack Ukraine, claimed that Ukrainian military drones had violated its air space. (AMP)

  • August 15, 2024 UPDATE

    August 15, 2024 UPDATE

    DAY Speaking in Constanta (the biggest Romanian sea port) during the festivities staged on Navy Day, the country’s president Klaus Iohannis said that Romania is acknowledged and appreciated by allies as a solid pillar of regional security and a major contributor to the process of consolidating NATO’s deterrence posture on the eastern flank. Here on the Black Sea coast, close to the aggression war, Russia is waging on Ukraine, we are clearly seeing more than ever the political, diplomatic and military efforts of Bucharest in the past years, the president went on to say. Thanks to these, Romania is today benefitting from the most solid guarantees of security, and its citizens are defended and protected against any potential threats. Iohannis told the sailors that the devotion, tenacity and the spirit of sacrifice, which define them, are an example of excellence, and the Romanian Naval Forces are a symbol of the national strength and resilience. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also congratulated and thanked the sailors. ‘Many happy returns’ on this holy day of August 15th the day of St. Mary, the protector of sailors all over the world, Ciolacu wrote on a social network. On Thursday, 122 years since the first celebration of Navy Day, Romania’s Naval Forces staged a series of events, such as demonstrative exercises, exhibitions of armament and military equipment, interactive workshops, cultural activities and concerts of military music in the major cities on the Black Sea coast, on the Danube and even in capital city Bucharest.

     

    St. MARY Orthodox believers, who are a majority in Romania, and Catholics, on Thursday celebrated the Assumption of Mary, or St. Mary, an event which marks the Assumption into Heaven of Mary, the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ. St. Mary is the most appreciated human being by Christians after the Holy Trinity, whom they frequently invoke in their prayers. St. Mary is the patron saint of the largest number of monasteries in Romania and pilgrims, in large numbers, took to these monasteries, which are renowned for their miracle-working icons and relics.

     

    WEATHER Romania’s Administration of Meteorology on Thursday issued a series of code red, yellow and orange alerts for extremely hot weather in most of the Romanian territory. Temperatures are expected to range between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius in seven counties in the west and south-west. Another orange alert has been issued for the counties in the north-west, center and south with a temperature-humidity index over 80 units. The lows of the day will not go below 18 degrees Celsius in most regions and  Bucharest is in for more hot days and tropical nights, with soaring temperatures up to 39 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists say that the heat wave presently affecting the country is going to be felt for the next several days in most of its territory.

     

    TALKS The Romanian Defence Minister, Angel Tîvăr, on Thursday held talks with Admiral Ercument Ratlioglu, commander of the Turkish Navy, during the latter’s visit in Romania. High on the talks agenda were security in the Black Sea region and opportunities of bilateral, regional and allied cooperation. According to a communiqué by Romania’s Ministry of Defence, Minister Tîlvăr appreciated the good cooperation between the Turkish and Romanian armed forces materialized in large-scale joint drills, air policing missions, naval operations and military presence in the multinational structures deployed on the territories of the two countries. The ‘Operative Group for Combating Mines in the Black Sea represents the outcome of the two countries’ joint efforts being also proof of the cohesion and solidarity of riparian countries: Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. It’s imperative that we work in coordination for strengthening security at the Black Sea and the naval field is one of the main interest points,’ Minister Tîlvăr says.

     

    (bill)

  • August 15, 2024

    August 15, 2024

    DAY Speaking in Constanta (the biggest Romanian sea port) during the festivities staged on Navy Day, the country’s president Klaus Iohannis said that Romania is acknowledged and appreciated by allies as a solid pillar of regional security and a major contributor to the process of consolidating NATO’s deterrence posture on the eastern flank. Here on the Black Sea coast, close to the aggression war, Russia is waging on Ukraine, we are clearly seeing more than ever the political, diplomatic and military efforts of Bucharest in the past years, the president went on to say. Thanks to these, Romania is today benefitting from the most solid guarantees of security, and its citizens are defended and protected against any potential threats. Iohannis told the sailors that the devotion, tenacity and the spirit of sacrifice, which define them, are an example of excellence, and the Romanian Naval Forces are a symbol of the national strength and resilience. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has also congratulated and thanked the sailors. ‘Many happy returns’ on this holy day of August 15th the day of St. Mary, the protector of sailors all over the world, Ciolacu wrote on a social network. Today, 122 years since the first celebration of Navy Day, Romania’s Naval Forces are staging a series of events, such as demonstrative exercises, exhibitions of armament and military equipment, interactive workshops, cultural activities and concerts of military music in the major cities on the Black Sea coast, on the Danube and even in capital city Bucharest.

     

    St. MARY Orthodox believers, who are a majority in Romania, and Catholics are today celebrating the Assumption of Mary, or St. Mary, an event which marks the Assumption into Heaven of Mary, the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ. St. Mary is the most appreciated human being by Christians after the Holy Trinity, whom they frequently invoke in their prayers. St. Mary is the patron saint of the largest number of monasteries in Romania and pilgrims, in large numbers, have already taken to these monasteries, which are renowned for their miracle-working icons and relics.

     

    WEATHER Romania’s Administration of Meteorology has today issued a series of code red, yellow and orange alerts for extremely hot weather in most of the Romanian territory. Temperatures are expected to range between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius in seven counties in the west and south-west. Another orange alert has been issued for the counties in the north-west, center and south with a temperature-humidity index over 80 units. The lows of the day will not go below 18 degrees Celsius in most regions and  Bucharest is in for more hot days and tropical nights, with soaring temperatures up to 39 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists say that the heat wave presently affecting the country is going to be felt for the next several days in most of its territory.

     

    FOOTBALL Romania’s vice-champions, CFR Cluj, today take on the Israeli side Maccabi Petach Tikva in the second round of the third preliminary leg of the Conference League. The first match went to CFR 1-0. On Wednesday, Romania’s Cup holder Corvinul Hunedoara came a cropper 6-1 to FC Astana of Kazakhstan and left the competition. The Romanians also lost the first game 2-1. We recall that title holder FCSB was knocked out of the Champions League 3-2 on Tuesday in Bucharest by Czech side Sparta Prague. The first match ended in one-all draw and FCSB will be playing in the Europa League’s play-off against Austrian side Lask Linz.

    (bill)

  • August 14, 2024 UPDATE

    August 14, 2024 UPDATE

    WEATHER Romania has again been struck by a heat wave, which is here to stay at least until the end of the week. Meteorologists have issued new code orange and yellow alerts for high temperatures in the country’s southern and western regions, including in Bucharest where the highs of the day are expected to soar up to 39 degrees centigrade. The Temperature Humidity Index (THI) will exceed 80 units and these regions, which are bracing for more tropical nights with highs ranging between 21 and 22 degrees Celsius. The noon reading in Bucharest will be around 37 degrees.

     

    LAW The government in Bucharest has discussed a draft law on the implementation in universities and pre-university education institutions of a series of amendments to the regime of solving petitions and notifications. The Prime Minister wants that even the anonymous notifications concerning crimes, such as sexual aggressions, be submitted to police and prosecutors. The Executive has endorsed and submitted to Parliament a draft on changing the regime of petitions and notifications as its spokesman Mihai Constantin has announced. He explains that anonymous petitions concerning sexual harassment cases are no longer to be cancelled but submitted for investigation. If the investigation reveals that criminal deeds have been committed, the president of the committee in charge of solving these petitions and notifications shall notify the criminal prosecution institutions a.s.a.p.

     

    FOOTBALL Romania’s Cup holder, Corvinul Hunedoara came a cropper 6-1 to FC Astana of Kazakhstan in Europa Conference League. The Romanians also lost the first match 2-1 and thus failed to qualify for the competition’s next stage. Another Romanian side, CFR, will be up against Israeli team Maccabi Petach Tikva in the second round of the Conference League’s third preliminary leg, after a one-nil win in the first game. Romania’s champions FCSB was knocked out of the Champions League by the Czech side Sparta Prague who secured a 3-2 win in the return match in Bucharest. FCSB will next take on Austrian side LASK Linz in Europa League’s play offs. The Romanians will be playing their first match away on August 22nd and the return match a week later in Bucharest.

     

    FAIR As of Wednesday the city of Sibiu, in central Romania, is hosting the Gaudeamus Book Fair, organized by Radio Romania. For 5 days, in the Big Square of the historical center of the city, locals and tourists are invited to choose from a rich editorial offer. In the 15 pavilions, the Gaudeamus Book Fair brings together over 40 exhibitors. The most famous publishing houses in Romania will be present, as well as distributors of books, games, music and educational materials. Seven publishing events, book launches and autograph sessions will be organized during the fair. Those who cannot attend can follow the fairs offers and events online, on the gaudeamus.ro website.

    (bill)

  • July 20, 2024 UPDATE

    July 20, 2024 UPDATE

    HEAT WAVE – Meteorologists on Saturday issued two alerts, one yellow and one orange, against thunderstorms, in place until Sunday morning for the west and center. Powerful thunderstorms, accompanied by strong wind and hail will be expected during the interval. Several other weather alerts against extreme heat are in effect for Saturday in the south, where temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius and the THI will exceed the critical level of 80 units. The capital city is under a code yellow alert against severe heat, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees.

     

     

    ENERGY – The heat wave affecting Romania in recent weeks has led to an increase in energy consumption, seriously testing the national electricity grid. While no major blackouts occurred, the Romanian authorities are preparing a series of measures with short and medium-term effect to secure energy input, regardless of weather conditions. In a session of the Energy Task Force, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called for accelerating investments in the national network for electricity transport and for expanding production and storage capacities. In turn, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said that, after 15 years, Romania is ready to adopt a national energy strategy, which could help the authorities plan and prioritize investments and relevant projects to ensure national energy security with competitive prices for electricity and natural gas.

     

     

    AVIATION – Romania on Saturday marked the National Day of Aviation and Air Forces, traditionally held on the Feast Day of Saint Elijah, the patron saint of Romanian aviators. A military and religious ceremony was held in Bucharest on this occasion, with Romanian officials bringing floral tributes to the memory of Romanian aviators. A number of aircraft overflew the proceedings, including F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules, C-27J Spartan, IAR-330 and IAR-99 jets, EC-135 SMURD and S-70M Black Hawk helicopters, a Learjet 75 aircraft of the Interior Defense Ministry, SA-365 Dauphin gunships of the Romanian Intelligence Service, and an Extra 300 aircraft belonging to the Romanian Air Club. Attending the air show was also a C-17 Globemaster aircraft from Hungary and F-18 Hornet fighter jets of the Finnish Air Forces.

     

     

    TECH OUTAGE – Users and companies in various essential industries around the world, including banking, air travel, mass-media and healthcare are resuming their normal activity on Saturday in the wake of the largest global tech outage in history. A faulty updated to Microsoft Windows systems operated by Crowdstrike grounded thousands of flights, stalled banking and healthcare services, and badly hit other sectors on Friday. The problem was eliminated at its root, although some systems will take a while to automatically return to normal operating parameters, Crowdstrike officials say. Governments and public services were also impacted by the incident, which could prompt lawmakers to pass special laws to protect the population against similar outages in the future. Romania was also impacted by the tech outage, with several international flights reporting delays.

     

     

    CRIME STATISTICS – In the first quarter of 2024, law enforcement and anti-crime prosecutors organized a total of 900 operations, a third of which were large-scale, up by 2.5% compared to the first six months of 2023, the head of the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, Cătălin Şerban, told a press briefing on Saturday. The operations targeted 3,400 people, of whom 1,275 were detained for 24 hours. Over 1,000 people were temporarily arrested, up by 8.9% compared to the same period last year. The Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) took part in EUROPOL policy cycles, taking on coordination roles and conducting operations in the fields of human and immigrant trafficking, cyber crime and drug traffucking. (VP)

  • July 20, 2024

    July 20, 2024

    HEAT WAVE – Meteorologists on Saturday issued two alerts, one yellow and one orange, against thunderstorms, in place until Sunday morning for the west and center. Powerful thunderstorms, accompanied by strong wind and hail will be expected during the interval. Several other weather alerts against extreme heat are in effect for Saturday in the south, where temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius and the THI will exceed the critical level of 80 units. The capital city is under a code yellow alert against severe heat, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees.

     

    AVIATION – Romania on Saturday marked the National Day of Aviation and Air Forces, traditionally held on the Feast Day of Saint Elijah, the patron saint of Romanian aviators. A military and religious ceremony was held in Bucharest on this occasion, with Romanian officials bringing floral tributes to the memory of Romanian aviators. A number of aircraft overflew the proceedings, including F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules, C-27J Spartan, IAR-330 and IAR-99 jets, EC-135 SMURD and S-70M Black Hawk helicopters, a Learjet 75 aircraft of the Interior Defense Ministry, SA-365 Dauphin gunships of the Romanian Intelligence Service, and an Extra 300 aircraft belonging to the Romanian Air Club. Attending the air show was also a C-17 Globemaster aircraft from Hungary and F-18 Hornet fighter jets of the Finnish Air Forces.

     

    TECH OUTAGE – Users and companies in various essential industries around the world, including banking, air travel, mass-media and healthcare are resuming their normal activity on Saturday in the wake of the largest global tech outage in history. A faulty updated to Microsoft Windows systems operated by Crowdstrike grounded thousands of flights, stalled banking and healthcare services, and badly hit other sectors on Friday. The problem was eliminated at its root, although some systems will take a while to automatically return to normal operating parameters, Crowdstrike officials say. Governments and public services were also impacted by the incident, which could prompt lawmakers to pass special laws to protect the population against similar outages in the future. Romania was also impacted by the tech outage, with several international flights reporting delays.

     

    CRIME STATISTICS – In the first quarter of 2024, law enforcement and anti-crime prosecutors organized a total of 900 operations, a third of which were large-scale, up by 2.5% compared to the first six months of 2023, the head of the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, Cătălin Şerban, told a press briefing on Saturday. The operations targeted 3,400 people, of whom 1,275 were detained for 24 hours. Over 1,000 people were temporarily arrested, up by 8.9% compared to the same period last year. The Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) took part in EUROPOL policy cycles, taking on coordination roles and conducting operations in the fields of human and immigrant trafficking, cyber crime and drug traffucking.

     

    INCIDENT – Romania’s general consul in Manchester maintains permanent contact with the family of Romanian citizens involved in a violent altercation in Leeds, UK, as well as with the local police, the Romanian Foreign Ministry announced after information and images appeared in public space depicting several Romanians involved in the violent clashes. The altercation broke out after child protection services in Leeds attempted to take a number of Romanian minors into state care, after being notified beforehand regarding possible cases of abuse. An inquiry is underway. According to the Foreign Ministry, a number of Romanian citizens involved in the violent events of July 18 have been placed under arrest. As talks continue with representatives of British social services in Leeds, currently managing the investigation targeting the Romanian children and the Romanian family, Romania’s diplomatic representatives have assured local authorities of their full cooperation with a view to identifying a long-term, viable solution to the children’s best interest, in compliance with the observance of provisions adopted by the relevant British authorities.

     

    TENNIS – Romania’s Irina Begu on Friday advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA 250 tournament in Palermo, Italy, totaling some 233 thousand EUR in prizes, after knocking out Ann Li of the USA in straight sets. On Saturday, Begu will take on second-seed Karolina Muchova of Czechia in the semis. Another Romanian player, Jaqueline Cristian, was ousted in the quarterfinals by the top seed Qinwen Zheng of China in straight sets. (VP)

  • July 16, 2024

    July 16, 2024

    HEAT WAVE – A code red alert remains in place in Romania, with severe thermal discomfort reported during the interval and the THI expected to exceed 80 units. Thunderstorms are expected to hit mountainous areas, accompanied by strong wind and hail. Temperatures are expected to reach and exceed 42 degrees Celsius during the interval. Restrictions for heavy road traffic have been set in place between 11 AM – 7 PM on all national roads, express roads and motorways, with the exception of four counties in the north. Trains are also running at lower speeds, the National Rail Company saying the measure will remain in force when temperatures at ground level reach 50 degrees Celsius. The authorities have called on the population to use drinking water responsibly. The heat wave has exacerbated the draught, which caused water supply restrictions in nearly 300 settlements. Romania’s 40 reservoirs are now at 80% capacity, and water levels are expected to further drop by the end of the month, authorities say. The Danube River is also reporting decreasing water levels, although no supply issues have so far been reported at the Cernavodă NPP. Extreme heat is also exerting additional pressure on Romania’s energy grid. Romania increased its electricity output by 400 MW amidst growing energy demand, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said at the end of the Energy Ministry Committee meeting. Despite high temperatures and the high demand for electricity at present, there is no risk of blackouts, the Romanian official pointed out

     

     

    BEAR HUNTING – The Chamber of Deputies on Monday approved a draft law tabled by UDMR amending legislation on bear hunting, a document voted last year by the Senate. Under the new law, some 400 brown bears can be shot over 2024-2025, mostly in Covasna, Brașov, Harghita and Mureș counties. The initiative follows last week’s tragedy, when a 19-year-old girl was mauled down by a bear on a popular hiking trail.

     

     

    EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT – The new European Parliament starts its activity today. The first plenary session is scheduled today in Strasbourg. MEPs have three days to elect their president, vice-presidents and members of special committees. On Thursday, MEPs are voting on Ursula von der Leyen’s candidacy for a second term at the helm of the European Commission. Von der Leyen has already secured the support of heads of state and government from EU Member States, and needs at least 361 of the total number of 720 eligible votes. The European People’s Party remains the number one political force in the European Parliament, having won 188 seats in the June election. The Social-Democrats won 136 seats, while Renew grabbed 177. The three parties together hold enough votes to get von der Leyen re-elected. Not all MEPs representing these parties are expected to vote for her, which is why the former European Commission president is trying to secure the support of the Greens. The 720 MEPs are today voting to elect their new president, with Roberta Metsola of the EPP favorite to win a new term in office. Also today, MEPs will choose the structure of the Permanent Bureau, consisting of 14 vice-presidents and 5 quaestors. Two Romanian MEPs are running for the position for vice-president – Social-Democrat Victor Negrescu and Nicolae Ștefănuță, an unaffiliated MEP backed by the Greens.

     

     

    TRUMP – The Republican Party on Monday nominated Donald Trump as the official candidate for the US presidential election, scheduled for November 5. The announcement was made at the Republican Convention in Milwaukee, held over July 15-18. In turn, Donald Trump nominated Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his vice-president should he win the election. A former critic of Trump turned staunch supporter, J.D. Vance (39) is a former US serviceman and successful writer. As a Senator, he has constantly militated for topics close to Donald Trump, such as combating migration and defending economic protectionism. The Republican Convention is held after last weekend Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. The gunman fired a bullet at Trump, piercing his left ear and killing a member of the audience. Another two people were gravely injured before Secret Service staff killed the attacker. According to the FBI, the 20-year-old gunman had acted alone and used a legally bought firearm.

     

     

    FOOTBALL – Romania’s football champions, FCSB are today playing Virtus AC of San Marino at home in the return leg of the Champions League first preliminary round. FCSB won 7-1 in the first leg. If it qualifies to the next round, FCSB will play Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel. Romanian Cup winners Corvinul Hunedoara, CFR Cluj and Universitatea Craiova are the other teams representing Romania in European inter-club competitions. (VP)

  • July 15, 2024 UPDATE

    July 15, 2024 UPDATE

    HEAT WAVE – A code red alert remains in place for the next 24 hours in Romania, with severe thermal discomfort reported during the interval and the THI expected to exceed 80 units. Thunderstorms are expected to hit mountainous areas, accompanied by strong wind and hail. Authorities are taking measures to protect the population from the effects of the heat wave. Road traffic restrictions have been set in place on certain road segments, particularly for heavy traffic, while trains will run at lower speeds.

     

     

    ENERGY – Romania increased its electricity output by 400 MW amidst growing energy demand, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said at the end of the Energy Ministry Committee meeting. Despite high temperatures and the high demand for electricity at present, there is no risk of blackouts, the Romanian official pointed out, adding that certain works on the electrical grid have been postponed to prevent power cuts. As regards energy prices, Burduja said Romania’s access to energy imports offsets price hikes, although it is normal for prices to go up when demand is high. Right now, Romania’s energy input is by 1,000 MW higher than domestic production, mostly due to the near-continuous functioning of air-conditioning appliances, the Association of Energy Prosumers and Communities says. On the other hand, Romania’s primary energy resources dropped by 5%, while its electricity resources also went down 2.4% in the first five months of the year compared to the similar period of 2023, the National Statistics Institute reports.

     

     

    FDI – Foreign direct investments from non-Romanian residents went up by over 35% in the first five months of the year compared to the similar period of 2023, exceeding 3.3 bln EUR, the National Bank of Romania reports. Some 2,900 entities with foreign capital were set up in Romania during the interval, down by 1.2% compared to the first five months of 2023, according to Trade Registry data. 26% of enterprises with foreign capital were registered in the fields of wholesale and retail, car and motto repairs, followed by professional, administrative, scientific and technical activities with 21.5%, transport, storage and communication with 17.8%. At the end of May 2024, over 254 thousand companies with foreign capital operated in Romania, with the total value of subscribed capital standing at over 70.6 bln USD.

     

     

    BEAR HUNTING – The Chamber of Deputies on Monday approved a draft law tabled by UDMR amending legislation on bear hunting, a document voted last year by the Senate. Under the new law, some 400 brown bears can be shot over 2024-2025, mostly in Covasna, Brașov, Harghita and Mureș counties. The initiative follows last week’s tragedy, when a 19-year-old girl was mauled down by a bear on a popular hiking trail. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu gave assurances the amendment will not greenlight bear hunting, as some NGOs fear, as the legislative initiative was designed to prevent bear attacks and damages in human settlements.

     

     

    WAR IN UKRAINE – Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has for the first time agreed to Moscow participating in a new international peace summit, which he wants to host. According to international media, the second summit is expected to pick up talks held last month in Switzerland, when Moscow was not invited to attend. Zelenskyy is expected to propose a new peace plan, which Kyiv will finalize by November. We recall Moscow rejected the peace plan announced by president Zelenskyy in Switzerland, calling on Kyiv to renounce the four territories annexed by Russia in addition to Crimea and demanding guarantees Ukraine would not join NATO.

     

     

    TRUMP – Former US president Donald Trump on Monday scored another legal victory after a Florida judge dismissed the criminal case accusing Trump of keeping classified documents after leaving the White House. Prosecutors are likely to appeal the ruling. Trump was brought to court along with two of his personal assistants for manipulating       sensitive national security documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Donald Trump hailed the court ruling on his social network, Truth Social, describing it as “just the first step”, calling for the dismissal of all four criminal cases against him. The former White House leader was accused of having compromised national security by keeping the documents, which included military plans and information on nuclear weapons, instead of handing them over to the National Archives, as stipulated by the law. Another law on espionage prevents officials from keeping confidential documents in unauthorized and insecure places. Donald Trump is also accused of having tried to destroyed case evidence, and faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years. (VP)

  • Romania – the effects of the heat wave

    Romania – the effects of the heat wave

    Romania continues to be under the influence of a tropical air mass. By Wednesday, maximum temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius are expected in the shade. Moreover, the minimum temperatures will also be very high and will not drop below 20 degrees C. As of Thursday, temperatures will drop, but then the weather will change, the National Meteorological Administration says. There will be torrential downpours, electrical discharges, isolated hail, more significant amounts of water in all regions. The thermal discomfort will continue to be accentuated, this time against the background of the higher level of humidity.

     

    Due to the extremely high temperatures, tonnage restrictions were introduced on national roads, expressways and highways across Romania. Until Wednesday, vehicles with an authorized weight of more than 12 tons will not be allowed in the traffic. On some road sectors, even cars over 7 and a half tons were not allowed in traffic, and the drivers were dissatisfied. Railway traffic was also affected. Trains run at a lower speed of 20-30 kilometers per hour due to high temperatures on the tracks, and because of this many arrive late at the destination.

     

    The heatwave also affects the health of the population, especially children, the elderly and people with disabilities or chronic diseases. On the streets with hot asphalt and among the buildings radiating heat, even the healthiest body can fail. Without proper hydration, which keeps the body temperature around 37 degrees Celsius, heat cramps, heatstroke, exhaustion or hyperthermia shock can occur, doctors say. In many cities, the authorities have installed first aid points for those who need to leave the house.

     

    Throughout the country, the number of calls to the ambulance service has increased in recent days. The heatwave and drought left thousands of households without drinking water. In some localities, water is distributed according to a well-established schedule, and mayors appeal to the population to consume water responsibly, avoiding watering vegetables or filling swimming pools. To cope with the sweltering temperatures of recent weeks, more and more people are using air conditioners. To cool the temperature in the room and maintain it, the air conditioners must run between 4 and 7 hours a day, which leads to considerably higher electricity bills during this period.

     

    In the context in which electricity consumption has increased a lot, the authorities warn that there is a risk of power outages. In addition, several fluctuations were recorded in different areas of the country, because the electricity grid is overheating. Experts say that such events will become much more frequent in the coming years due to climate warming. Besides Romania, the extremely strong heatwave is currently affecting several countries in South-Eastern Europe. High temperatures were recorded in Athens, Skopje, Belgrade, Sofia, Zagreb, Budapest and Istanbul. (LS)

  • July 14, 2024 UPDATE

    July 14, 2024 UPDATE

    HEAT WAVE – With the exception of a few counties in the center, north and southeast, the entire Romanian territory is under a code red alert against extreme heat, the widest such warning issued so far in Romania. A new code red alert is expected to take effect on Monday, targeting the entire country with the exception of nine counties in the north, where a code orange alert will be in place. Highs during the interval are expected to reach or exceed 42 degrees, with heat persisting throughout the night and the THI exceeding the critical level of 80, thus creating severe thermal discomfort. Central and local authorities are making efforts to cope with the effects of the heat wave. First aid and water supply tents have been set up in several towns and villages. Road and rail traffic are subject to certain restrictions. Doctors recommend the population observe special rules, particularly vulnerable categories such as elderly, children, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases. People are urged to avoid going out at noon, wear light clothing and drink lots of water. Some outdoor events have been cancelled, and only means of public transport with air conditioning will remain in service in Bucharest during the interval.

     

     

    TRUMP SHOOTING – World leaders reacted on Sunday to the attempted assassination of former US president Donald Trump. European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her “deep shock” at the news. Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said the attack on Donald Trump is a despicable act. In turn, the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, labeled the attack as “a tragedy for our democracies”, while the head of Italy’s ultraconservative government, Giorgia Meloni, expressed “solidarity” with Trump, hoping that “dialogue and responsibility will prevail over hatred and violence”. In turn, UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, “unequivocally” condemned the assassination attempt. “Violence and aggression are not the attributes of a democracy”, Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, said in turn, condemning the horrific attack.  Donald Trump was shot in the ear on Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania. The gunman and one person in attendance were killed, while another two people sustained critical injuries. This was the last rally ahead of the Republican Convention scheduled next week, where Donald Trump is expected to be officially designated the Republican candidate in the US presidential election. The FBI have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a native of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, registered as a Republican voter.

     

     

    BUSINESS – Over 9,000 companies in Romania suspended their activity in the first five months of the year, up by a third compared to the similar period of 2023. According to data published by the Trade Registry, most such companies are operating in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov and Iași. Broken down in fields of activity, most companies that suspended their activity operated in wholesale and retail, car and motorcycle repairs, but also in scientific, technical and construction fields. This year a number of measures adopted by the government at the end of last year took effect, prompting criticism from the business sector and leading to tax hikes and new bureaucratic obligations for businesses.

     

     

    BACCALAUREATE – High-school graduates who failed to pass the Baccalaureate exam in the first session can sign up for the August session, set to take place over August 8-22. The registration phase will take place over July 15-22, according to the timetable approved by the Education Ministry. Digital and linguistic skill tests will first take place over August 8-14, with the written exams scheduled for August 19-22.

     

     

    VOTE – MEPs next week are voting on Ursula von der Leyen’s candidacy for a second term at the helm of the European Commission.  A debate will also be held ahead of the vote. To get re-elected, the 65-year-old German president of the European Commission needs at least 361 of the total number of 720 eligible votes. This week, two new far-right parties were set up in the European Parliament, one of them totaling enough members to become the third political force of the current legislature. The EPP, S&D, RENEW and the Greens together hold 454 seats and are planning to isolate the two extremist groups – The Patriots for Europe and the Europe of Sovereign Nations. Both oppose support for Ukraine, are viewed as friendly towards Moscow and accused of comprising authoritarian parties. Also next week, MEPs will also cast their votes to elect the new president of the European Parliament, as well as 14 vice-presidents and quaestors. Born in 1979, Roberta Metsola of Malta is favorite to secure a new term in office.  (VP)

  • July 14, 2024

    July 14, 2024

    HEAT WAVE – With the exception of a few counties in the center, north and southeast, the entire Romanian territory is under a code red alert against extreme heat, the widest such warning issued so far in Romania. A new code red alert is expected to take effect on Monday, targeting the entire country with the exception of nine counties in the north, where a code orange alert will be in place. Highs during the interval are expected to reach or exceed 42 degrees, with heat persisting throughout the night and the THI exceeding the critical level of 80, thus creating severe thermal discomfort. Central and local authorities are making efforts to cope with the effects of the heat wave. First aid and water supply tents have been set up in several towns and villages. Road and rail traffic are subject to certain restrictions. Doctors recommend the population observe special rules, particularly vulnerable categories such as elderly, children, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases. People are urged to avoid going out at noon, wear light clothing and drink lots of water. Some outdoor events have been cancelled, and only means of public transport with air conditioning will remain in service in Bucharest during the interval.

     

     

    TRUMP SHOOTING – World leaders reacted on Sunday to the attempted assassination of former US president Donald Trump. European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her “deep shock” at the news. Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said the attack on Donald Trump is a despicable act. In turn, the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, labeled the attack as “a tragedy for our democracies”, while the head of Italy’s ultraconservative government, Giorgia Meloni, expressed “solidarity” with Trump, hoping that “dialogue and responsibility will prevail over hatred and violence”. In turn, UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, “unequivocally” condemned the assassination attempt. “Violence and aggression are not the attributes of a democracy”, Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, said in turn, condemning the horrific attack.  Donald Trump was shot in the ear on Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania. The gunman and one person in attendance were killed, while another two people sustained critical injuries. This was the last rally ahead of the Republican Convention scheduled next week, where Donald Trump is expected to be officially designated the Republican candidate in the US presidential election. The FBI have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a native of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, registered as a Republican voter.

     

     

    CELEBRATION – Romanian Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, on Sunday conveyed his congratulations to the French people, who celebrated the National Day of France. Romania and France are bound by the same democratic values, based on the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity, the Romanian official said. France on Sunday marked its National Day, less than two weeks before the kick-off of the Olympics. The celebration this year consisted of the traditional parade on Champs-Élysées, with a fireworks display slated for the evening in the absence of the public, due to road traffic restrictions already set n place by French authorities. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, the opening ceremony will not be held on a stadium, but rather on the Seine River. Numerous Olympic events will be hosted in the city center, on temporary stadiums built close to major landmarks. France celebrates 80 years since the liberation of France from Nazi occupation, the hosting of the Olympic Games and the French military.

     

     

    EXPORTS – Exports for 2024 are estimated to stand at 100 bln EUR, Minister for Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Radu Oprea, said. Exports in 2023 reached 93 bln EUR, with the car-making industry being the number one exporter, the Romanian official added. The value of exports can be boosted through dialogue and promoting the interests of Romanian industry, but also by opening new markets, the Romanian Minister said. On Tuesday, Minister Oprea will meet with representatives of large retailers as part of the authorities’ efforts to encourage the exports of Romanian products using these networks.

     

     

    VOTE – MEPs next week are voting on Ursula von der Leyen’s candidacy for a second term at the helm of the European Commission.  A debate will also be held ahead of the vote. To get re-elected, the 65-year-old German president of the European Commission needs at least 361 of the total number of 720 eligible votes. This week, two new far-right parties were set up in the European Parliament, one of them totaling enough members to become the third political force of the current legislature. The EPP, S&D, RENEW and the Greens together hold 454 seats and are planning to isolate the two extremist groups – The Patriots for Europe and the Europe of Sovereign Nations. Both oppose support for Ukraine, are viewed as friendly towards Moscow and accused of comprising authoritarian parties. Also next week, MEPs will also cast their votes to elect the new president of the European Parliament, as well as 14 vice-presidents and quaestors. Born in 1979, Roberta Metsola of Malta is favorite to secure a new term in office.

     

     

    EURO 2024 – England is today playing Spain in the EURO 2024 final. Spain and England have each three victories in head-to-head encounters since 1950. Spain won the European Championship in 1964, 2008 and 2012, while England is playing the second consecutive final after the 2021 edition lost to Italy at the penalty shootout. We recall Romania was knocked out in the round of 16 by the Netherlands, 0-3. Romania qualified to the round of 16 after winning Group E, defeating Ukraine 3-0, losing 0-2 to Belgium and drawing 1-1 against Slovakia.

  • July 13, 2024 UPDATE

    July 13, 2024 UPDATE

    HEAT WAVE – Territories in the center, north and southeast are under a code orange alert against extreme heat, while the capital city and the remaining counties are under a code red alert, both in place until Sunday. A new code red alert is expected to take effect on Monday, targeting the entire country with the exception of nine counties in the north, where a code orange alert will be in place. Highs during the interval are expected to reach or exceed 42 degrees, with heat persisting throughout the night and the THI exceeding the critical level of 80, thus creating severe thermal discomfort. Central and local authorities are making efforts to cope with the effects of the heat wave. First aid and water supply tents have been set up in several towns and villages. Traffic restrictions for vehicles with a mass exceeding 7 tons are in place over the weekend on motorways, express roads and certain national road segments.

     

     

    DRUG TESTING – The Government has amended the Emergency Decree on drug testing of drivers, after civil society harshly criticized the document. In the event lab tests of biological samples are not ready within 72 hours, drivers can have their licenses back. Authorities said all drivers will be submitted to a drug test if road traffic agents find illegal substances in their vehicle or in their possession. Should final lab tests turn positive, drivers will lose their licenses again and will bear the full consequences of the law.

     

     

    NATIONAL DAY OF FRANCE – Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Friday thanked France for assuming command of the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Romania and for its sizable contingent deployed to Romania, arguing that NATO’s advanced presence on the Eastern Flank is a major component of the Alliance’s deterrence and defense posture. The Romanian official attended a reception celebrating the National Day of France. Marcel Ciolacu referred to the Strategic Partnership between the two states, which next year will celebrate 145 years of diplomatic ties, during which time “we have become a family”, the Romanian official said.  France is one of Romania’s top investors, the Prime Minister added, also thanking France for its unwavering support for Romania’s efforts to join Schengen and the OECD.

     

     

    ASSISTANCE – A second brigade of 40 firefighters from Romania left for France on Saturday to replace the first brigade, which for the past couple of weeks has been assisting French counterparts by monitoring the risk of forest wildfires in at-risk areas. Over July 1-31, the Department for Emergency Situations with the Interior Ministry is taking part in a pre-positioning program organized by the Directorate General for European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), aimed at consolidating the resilience of French authorities in managing wildfires. Therefore, a specialized brigade consisting of 40 firefighters and 8 special fire-fighting vehicles (3 3,000-liter trucks, 1 30,000-liter water tanker, 1 10,000-liter truck, 1 first-response and command vehicle and 1 bus) reached France on June 30.

     

     

    VOTE – MEPs next week are voting on Ursula von der Leyen’s candidacy for a second term at the helm of the European Commission.  A debate will also be held ahead of the vote. To get re-elected, the 65-year-old German president of the European Commission needs at least 361 of the total number of 720 eligible votes. This week, two new far-right parties were set up in the European Parliament, one of them totaling enough members to become the third political force of the current legislature. The EPP, S&D, RENEW and the Greens together hold 454 seats and are planning to isolate the two extremist groups – The Patriots for Europe and the Europe of Sovereign Nations. Both oppose support for Ukraine, are viewed as friendly towards Moscow and accused of comprising authoritarian parties. Also next week, MEPs will also cast their votes to elect the new president of the European Parliament, as well as 14 vice-presidents and quaestors. Born in 1979, Roberta Metsola of Malta is favorite to secure a new term in office.

     

     

    CULTMUSE – The National History Museum of Romania will be hosting the „Cultures and Heritage through Museum Education” (CultMuse) project for the next month. Saturday’s agenda included a treasure-hunting activity. 14 volunteers from Romania, France, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Latvia will take part in various activities designed to encourage the public to discover the world of museums, broken down into three categories: implementation, logistics and advertising. The team of volunteers will try to offer guests an appealing experience at the museum, also highlighting the museum’s role as an informal source of education. CultMuse seeks to encourage the organization of educational activities within museums, improve understanding of these cultural institutions and provide the public with an opportunity of taking part in cross-disciplinary activities organized by EU volunteers with different intellectual and professional backgrounds. The project is funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps programme. (VP)

  • July 13, 2024

    July 13, 2024

    HEAT WAVE – Territories in the center, north and southeast are under a code orange alert against extreme heat, while the capital city and the remaining counties are under a code red alert, both in place until Sunday. A new code red alert is expected to take effect on Monday, targeting the entire country with the exception of nine counties in the north, where a code orange alert will be in place. Highs during the interval are expected to reach or exceed 42 degrees, with heat persisting throughout the night and the THI exceeding the critical level of 80, thus creating severe thermal discomfort. Central and local authorities are making efforts to cope with the effects of the heat wave. First aid and water supply tents have been set up in several towns and villages. Traffic restrictions for vehicles with a mass exceeding 7 tons are in place over the weekend on motorways, express roads and certain national road segments.

     

     

    DRUG TESTING – The Government has amended the Emergency Decree on drug testing of drivers, after civil society harshly criticized the document. In the event lab tests of biological samples are not ready within 72 hours, drivers can have their licenses back. Authorities said all drivers will be submitted to a drug test if road traffic agents find illegal substances in their vehicle or in their possession. Should final lab tests turn positive, drivers will lose their licenses again and will bear the full consequences of the law.

     

     

    NATIONAL DAY OF FRANCE – Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Friday thanked France for assuming command of the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Romania and for its sizable contingent deployed to Romania, arguing that NATO’s advanced presence on the Eastern Flank is a major component of the Alliance’s deterrence and defense posture. The Romanian official attended a reception celebrating the National Day of France. Marcel Ciolacu referred to the Strategic Partnership between the two states, which next year will celebrate 145 years of diplomatic ties, during which time “we have become a family”, the Romanian official said.  France is one of Romania’s top investors, the Prime Minister added, also thanking France for its unwavering support for Romania’s efforts to join Schengen and the OECD.

     

     

    BACCALAUREATE – The admission rate of the Baccalaureate exam went up by 1.8%, reaching 78.2% after all re-examination requests have been solved, the Education Ministry reports. Most participants in the Romanian Baccalaureate (18.852) obtained average scores ranging between 9 and 9.49, while 59 pupils grabbed a perfect score – 10. The second session of the Romanian Baccalaureate is scheduled for August 8-30, with the registration stage set for July 15-22.

     

     

    CULTMUSE – The National History Museum of Romania will be hosting the „Cultures and Heritage through Museum Education” (CultMuse) project for the next month. Saturday’s agenda included a treasure-hunting activity. 14 volunteers from Romania, France, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Latvia will take part in various activities designed to encourage the public to discover the world of museums, broken down into three categories: implementation, logistics and advertising. The team of volunteers will try to offer guests an appealing experience at the museum, also highlighting the museum’s role as an informal source of education. CultMuse seeks to encourage the organization of educational activities within museums, improve understanding of these cultural institutions and provide the public with an opportunity of taking part in cross-disciplinary activities organized by EU volunteers with different intellectual and professional backgrounds. The project is funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps programme.

     

     

    INVESTIGATION – The former leftist Prime Minister of Romania in the 1990s, Petre Roman, on Friday appeared before prosecutors for a deposition in the so-called 1990 Miners Raid investigation, where he stands accused of crimes against humanity. The former president Ion Iliescu, deputy Prime Minister Gelu-Voican Voiculescu and former Romanian intelligence chief Virgil Măgureanu are also prosecuted in the investigation.

     

     

    ASSISTANCE – A second brigade of 40 firefighters from Romania left for France on Saturday to replace the first brigade, which for the past couple of weeks has been assisting French counterparts by monitoring the risk of forest wildfires in at-risk areas. Over July 1-31, the Department for Emergency Situations with the Interior Ministry is taking part in a pre-positioning program organized by the Directorate General for European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), aimed at consolidating the resilience of French authorities in managing wildfires. Therefore, a specialized brigade consisting of 40 firefighters and 8 special fire-fighting vehicles (3 3,000-liter trucks, 1 30,000-liter water tanker, 1 10,000-liter truck, 1 first-response and command vehicle and 1 bus) reached France on June 30.

     

     

    VOTE – MEPs next week are voting on Ursula von der Leyen’s candidacy for a second term at the helm of the European Commission.  A debate will also be held ahead of the vote. To get re-elected, the 65-year-old German president of the European Commission needs at least 361 of the total number of 720 eligible votes. This week, two new far-right parties were set up in the European Parliament, one of them totaling enough members to become the third political force of the current legislature. The EPP, S&D, RENEW and the Greens together hold 454 seats and are planning to isolate the two extremist groups – The Patriots for Europe and the Europe of Sovereign Nations. Both oppose support for Ukraine, are viewed as friendly towards Moscow and accused of comprising authoritarian parties. Also next week, MEPs will also cast their votes to elect the new president of the European Parliament, as well as 14 vice-presidents and quaestors. Born in 1979, Roberta Metsola of Malta is favorite to secure a new term in office.  (VP)