Radio România Internațional

Tag: Klaus Iohannis

  • November 8, 2024 UPDATE

    November 8, 2024 UPDATE

    SALARIES – The average annual adjusted salary of a Romanian full-time employee is the fourth lowest in the European Union. Eurostat data show an annual increase of approximately 2,500 euros for 2023, but the total value remains less than half of the EU average. On the other hand, the data published by the National Institute of Statistics show that most of the unemployed in Romania are adults between the ages of 25 and 74. The NIS draws attention to the level of unemployment among young people, those aged between 15 and 24, which exceeds 23%. In September, the national unemployment rate stood at 5.5%, similar to that of August, which had, however, increased slightly compared to the previous month.

     

    EPC – On the sidelines of the European Political Community summit held in Budapest, EU leaders called on US president-elect Donald Trump to avoid trade wars, to maintain support for Ukraine and to refrain from disrupting global order. On Friday, talks focused on increasing EU competitiveness, with leaders adopting a joint declaration reflecting a number of goals designed to boost competitiveness, which will guide the activity of EU institutions over the coming period. The president of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, warned that migration remains an important challenge at European level, which requires a common and comprehensive response. Talks during the plenary session stressed the significant impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine on the entire continent, but also at global level. They emphasized the need for coordinated action at European level to support Kyiv. At the meeting on supporting the Republic of Moldova, the European leaders also pledged to keep providing the necessary support so that the state can continue the reforms and the fight against external interference.

     

    INFLATION – The annual inflation rate will go up slightly in the final months of the current year and will see a heightened fluctuation in the first semester of 2025, remaining above the target range and the previously anticipated values, the Central Bank reports. Major uncertainties and risks arise from the impact of fiscal and revenue policies, considering the fiscal and budgetary measures that might be implemented starting next year for the purpose of budgetary consolidation. Labor market conditions and wage dynamics also remain a source of uncertainty and risk. At the same time, significant uncertainty continues to be associated with the evolution of energy and food prices, as well as the future trajectory of the price for crude oil, against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions. The National Bank’s board of directors on Friday decided to maintain the monetary policy interest rate 6.50% per year. The Bank is closely watching developments on the domestic and international levels and is prepared to use the instruments at its disposal in order to fulfill the fundamental goal of ensuring price stability in the medium term, with a view to preserving financial stability.

     

    FLOODS – Madrid authorities announced 78 people are still missing, 10 days after the most devastating storms that occurred in the last century in this country. The most severely affected region was Valencia. The official death toll stands at 219. In Valencia alone, 211 bodies have been recovered so far, the other eight victims being discovered in the neighboring regions of Castilla–La Mancha and Andalusia. Other regions of Spain were subsequently hit by further episodes of severe weather. The clean-up operation is in full swing, but some of the 75 affected towns and villages are still covered in mud. Many buildings are still inaccessible or difficult to access, as the entrances are partially blocked by vehicle debris and household items. (MI&VP)

  • October 23, 2024 UPDATE

    October 23, 2024 UPDATE

    PODGORICA During his formal visit to Montenegro on Wednesday, at the invitation of his counterpart Jakov Milatovic, Romania’s president Klaus Iohannis reiterated Romania’s staunch support for the EU enlargement process with the partners in the Western Balkans and the candidates from the eastern vicinity. The head of the Romanian state said that Montenegro had taken major steps in the negotiation process, its attachment to European values being also visible in its complete alignment with the EU’s common security and foreign policy. At the bilateral level, the two officials have reconfirmed the common readiness to contribute to boosting economic and sectorial cooperation, which may better reflect the potential of the political relations. The two sides have agreed to support a stronger presence of the Romanian companies in Montenegro, an increased number of contracts at the level of the business environment, particularly at the level of the small and medium size enterprises, supported by an effective and periodical dialogue between the authorities. The two officials have also underlined the interest in developing cooperation in various fields with a view to bringing tangible benefits for citizens, such as defence, internal affairs, tourism, energy and agriculture. President Milatovic thanked Romania for supporting Montenegro in its EU integration process and appreciated the visit, the first formal one, by a Romanian president since the country got its independence, which is a strong sign of friendship and partnership between the two countries.

     

    BUDGET MEPs are proposing a budget of roughly 201 billion euros for 2025. According to the project voted on Wednesday by the European Parliament, the budget will be focusing on research, healthcare, education and climate. The formula proposed by Parliament, a higher budget, which benefits the countries with lower contributions to the European budget, like Romania, which benefits from the fund distribution through the programmes of the EU policies. According to MEP Victor Negrescu, one of the two negotiators of the Legislature, who will join the final negotiation between Parliament and the Council, it is the support offered by the European Parliament to the programme devoted to border protection as well as the coordination of the social security system, which would allow the European Diaspora, including the Romanian one to easily transfer their rights and social benefits, including pensions, from one state to another.

     

    ELECTION On Wednesday, the US expressed its concern about Russia’s interference in the second round of the November 3 presidential election in the Republic of Moldova, a competition which is going to be very tight. The US is concerned that Russia will try, once again, to prevent the Moldovans from exercising their sovereign right to choose their own leaders, said the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in a statement quoted by AFP. Washington has already denounced that Russia did everything in its power to disrupt the first round of the presidential election and last Sunday’s referendum, with the aim of undermining democracy in the small ex-Soviet Republic with a majority Romanian-speaking population, especially through illegal financing, vote buying, disinformation and malicious cyber activities. We remind you that the Moldovans approved by a tiny margin, with a little over 50% of the votes, amending the Constitution with a view to their country’s EU accession. At the same time, the current president, the pro-European Maia Sandu, ranked first, with 42.45% of the votes, in the first round of the presidential election, but she is preparing for a difficult second round, in which she will fight with the representative of the Socialist Party, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who obtained 25.98%.

     

    SALARY Romania’s Chamber of Deputies adopted, as a decision-making body, the draft law on the minimum wage. It transposes a European directive that aims to improve the working and living conditions of employees. The document stipulates that the minimum basic gross salary guaranteed to be paid should be established annually, through periodic updating, after consultations with the nationally-representative unions and employers’ associations and should take into account the cost of living and economic and social indicators.

    (bill)

  • October 21, 2024 UPDATE

    October 21, 2024 UPDATE

    MOLDOVA – The fate of the Republic of Moldova is only for its citizens to decide, Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, wrote on X on Monday, hailing the result of the referendum on Moldova’s EU integration. A little more than half of total participants in the referendum, 50.46%, answered yes to the question “Do you support the review of the Constitution with a view to the Republic of Moldova joining the European Union?” At the same time, the incumbent president of Moldova, pro-European Maia Sandu, who is seeking a new term in office with support from the ruling Action and Solidarity Party, grabbed some 42.45% of the vote, while her main contender, Alexandr Stoianoglo, the candidate of the Party of Socialists, grabbed over 25.98%. The two will face each other in the second round of the presidential election slated for November 3. Facing Russia’s hybrid tactics, Moldova has shown it is independent, strong and wants a European future, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said. In turn, the European Parliament president, Roberta Metsola, congratulated Maia Sandu for her leadership and courage that shaped the course of history. In turn, the White House spokesperson on national security, John Kirby, said the results in Moldova show that the country’s democracy remains strong, despite Russia’s attempts at undermining it.

     

    REACTION – The Romanian Foreign Ministry on Monday hailed the manner Moldovan authorities organized Sunday’s ballot and referendum, in line with the highest democratic standards. At the same time, the Ministry expressed concern with the massive, systematic and concerted interference from the Russian Federation, signaled even before the ballot. The scope, complexity and toxicity of this interference was unprecedented, to the extent it sought to compromise the election, undermine democracy, promote anti-democratic and anti-European narratives and sway voters through illegal means. Moldova’s international partners must continue their support for this country to combat external actions designed to undermine key democratic process, such as the right to vote. Romania will continue to invest efforts and expertise to support Moldova’s European integration ambitions and consolidate its resilience against Russia’s ingressions, the Romanian MFA also states.

     

    REFERENDUM – The General Council of the City of Bucharest on Monday has voted in favor of holding a local referendum on the same day as the first round of the presidential election, on November 24, with 47 votes in favor and 2 against. Bucharest dwellers will be asked to answer three questions. The first two were proposed by Mayor General Nicuşor Dan and are related to the way in which state funds are divided between the Bucharest City Hall and the city districts and to the issuing of building permits in Bucharest, while the third, proposed by the Social Democratic Party, refers to combating drug use in schools. The three questions are: “Should the General Council of Bucharest decide on the distribution of revenues and local taxes between the Bucharest City Hall and city districts?”; “Should the Mayor General issue building permits for the entire capital city?” and “Do you agree that the Bucharest City Hall finance and implement a health education and drug use prevention programme in all schools in Bucharest?”

     

    INVESTIGATIONS – The Senate’s legal committee on Monday greenlit the prosecutors’ request to lift the immunity and search the digital records of Liberal Senator Eugen Pîrvulescu. Last week the Justice Ministry addressed a request to the Senate Speaker to lift Pîrvulescu’s immunity, which will now be subject to a secret vote in the Senate plenary sitting. Eugen Pîrvulescu is being prosecuted in an investigation where he stands accused of abettment of influence peddling. Last week the Chamber of Deputies voted to lift the immunity of former Health Minister Nelu Tătaru from the Liberal Party, who is accused of bribe taking.

     

    FESTIVALS – The Astra International Documentary Film Festival has kicked off in Sibiu. Over 100 documentary films are being screened in this year’s edition, which is held this week in various venues across the city, cinemas, performance halls and a special place called New Cinema Dome in the city’s main square. In the meantime, Bucharest is playing host to the National Theatre Festival, which will come to an end on October 28. (CM&VP)

  • October 18, 2024

    October 18, 2024

    ELECTION – October 17 was the deadline for political parties to submit their lists of candidates for the parliamentary election, slated for December 1. 21 parties have enrolled in the race. To be represented in Parliament, they must secure a minimum of 5% of the total number of votes.

     

    EUROPEAN COUNCIL – On the sidelines of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, has called on the EU to convey a strong message of support for Moldova’s EU integration process, particularly ahead of this Sunday’s presidential election in Moldova, condemning Moscow’s interference and destabilization attempts. The list of topics on the two-day summit’s agenda includes the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, EU competitiveness, migration, as well as prospects on Georgia, supporting the multilateral system and international rules-based order and energy tariffs. President Iohannis underlined the importance of ensuring affordable energy prices, the need to boost connectivity and do away with structural gridlocks at the level of energy transport networks.

     

    MOLDOVA – 3.3 million voters are expected to hit the polls on October 20 in the Republic of Moldova for a historic ballot: a presidential election and a referendum on Moldova’s EU accession. According to the Central Election Commission, some 2,219 polls have been set up, and for the first time the ballots are printed in Romanian and 5 minority languages: Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Găgăuz, Russian and Romani. 231 stations are open in 37 countries, 60 in Italy, 26 in Germany, 20 in France and 17 in Great Britain. Moldovans can also vote in one of the 16 stations open in Romania, the same as in the United States. For security reasons, only two stations will be available in Russia, both in Moscow. 2 stations will be made available in Ukraine, in Kyiv and Odesa. The incumbent president, Maia Sandu, is favorite to win the presidential election, with approximately 29.5% of voters’ choice. A former World Bank official, Sandu won her first term in November 2020, capitalizing on her growing approval rating as an anti-corruption reformer with a pro-European governing program. Polls also show that over 54% of Moldovan citizens support the idea of introducing EU accession in the country’s Constitution. Since the collapse of the USSR, the Republic of Moldova has constantly oscillated between a pro-Western and a pro-European orientation.

     

    ROME FILM FEST – Held until October 28, the Film Festival in Rome this year also includes a Romanian production: the documentary “Nasty” delving into the life and career of Romanian tennis player Ilie Năstase, produced by Tudor Giurgiu in cooperation with Cristian Pascariu and Tudor D. Popescu. Having reached its 19th edition, Rome Film Fest celebrates the latest international productions and young European filmmakers. The list of special guests this year includes American director Fancis Ford Coppola and actors Johnny Depp and Viggo Mortensen. Filmmakers Tudor Giurgiu and Cristian Pascariu will travel to Rome for the event and will meet with the public on October 21 and 22 for the two film screening events. Joining them will be the legendary ATP manager and tennis lobbyist Vittorio Slemi, as well as one of the most reputed sports journalists in Italy, Ubaldo Scanagatta. Both are featured in “Nasty”, speaking about the glory days of the Romanian player.

     

    THEATRE FESTIVAL – The National Theatre Festival kicks off in Bucharest today. The 34th edition is held this year under the motto “The Drama of the Possible”. Until October 28, theatre afficionados will be able to attend performances that express “possibilities”, organizers say. Over 30 shows from Bucharest and other cities are included on the festival’s agenda, including “The Anthology of Disappearance”, written and directed by Radu Afrim, “The Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare, directed by Andrei Șerban, or Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler” directed by Thomas Ostermeier.  Five plays produced by theatre companies from Germany, Ireland, Poland and Belgium will also be staged. The National Film Festival is organized by the Theatre Union of Romania (UNITER) and funded by the Ministry of Culture.

     

    MEN’S HANDBALL – Romania’s handball champions, Dinamo Bucharest, lost 35-32 to Paris Saint-Germain of France on Thursday away from home, in a Group A fixture in the men’s Champions League. This is the second consecutive defeat for Dinamo after three straight wins. The team from Bucharest will next play Sporting Lisbon of Portugal at home on October 23. Ranking first in the group tables is Sporting Lisbon with 9 points, followed by Veszprém HC of Hungary with 8 points, Paris Saint-Germain Handball of France with 8 points, Füchse Berlin of Germany with 6 points, Dinamo Bucharest with 6 points, Orlen Wisla Plock of Poland with 2 points, Eurofarm Pelister of North Macedonia with 1 point, and Fredericia Håndbold Klub of Denmark with 0 points. (VP)

  • October 17, 2024 UPDATE

    October 17, 2024 UPDATE

    COUNCIL – Romania’s President, Klaus Iohannis, is attending the two-day European Council meeting in Brussels. The agenda includes such topics as the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, EU competitiveness, migration, foreign affairs, as well as developments in the Republic of Moldova. European leaders will discuss the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression, as well as multidimensional support for Ukraine. Regarding the Middle East, participants will also address the ‘alarming’ situation and the ‘risks of escalation of violence in the region’. At Romania’s proposal, the agenda of the meeting will also include talks about the situation in the Republic of Moldova, as well as support for its accession to the European Union, especially for supporting internal reforms and for strengthening resilience and stability. Ahead of the upcoming election and the referendum on the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, the issue of Russian interference in the election process will also be discussed.

     

    WAGES – The minimum wage in Romania will be 810 EUR starting January 2025, the government announced after talks with civil society. Minimum wage in Romania is thus approach EU levels, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said, adding that Romania complies with the directive according to which the minimum level must be somewhere between 47% and 52% of the European minimum wage.

     

    ELECTION – Thursday is the deadline for submitting candidacies for the parliamentary election in Romania. 21 parties have enrolled in the race. PSD’s lists for the Senate opens with Adrian Streinu-Cercel and starts with Mihai Ghigiu for the Chamber of Deputies.  The Liberals field Sorin Cîmpeanu in top position for the Senate and Sebastian Burduja for the Chamber of Deputies. USR has picked Clotilde Armand at the top of its list for the Senate and Claudiu Năsui for the Chamber of Deputies. The Right Force has chosen Ludovic Orban in top position for the Chamber of Deputies and Eugen Tomac for the Senate. Eduard Novak is running for a position of deputy in Bucharest on behalf of UDMR. AUR has designated its president, George Simion, as its top candidate for the Chamber of Deputies, and Petrișor Peiu at the top of its list for the Senate. According to the Central Election Bureau, USR, the Right Force and UDMR will be the first to appear on the ballots.

     

    DEFENSE – The Romanian Minister of National Defense, Angel Tîlvăr, is participating, on October 17 and 18, in the meeting of the NATO defense ministers, taking place in Brussels. The meeting’s agenda includes topics of importance for the Alliance, in order to implement the decisions adopted by the heads of state and government at the NATO Summit of July in Washington DC.

     

    CAR INDUSTRY – The Association of Car Manufacturers and Importers today hosted a new edition of the Sustainable and Accessible Mobility Forum in Bucharest. Representatives of car manufacturers, political leaders, decision-makers and other stakeholders from 35 countries attended the event. The car industry must be supported more by the government and the European Commission, as the next couple of years will be difficult for this sector, which is shaping up as an engine of economic growth, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said. Bucharest is preparing support programmes, considering the entire car industry is shrinking. Without state intervention, the industry could see massive layoffs in a few years. The Prime Minister also recalled that Romania’s reindustrialization plans includes facilities for the national car industry, designed to turn Romania into a hub of technology and innovation in Southeastern Europe in the next 10 years.

     

    MOLDOVA – 3.3 million voters are expected to hit the polls on October 20 in the Republic of Moldova for a historic ballot: a presidential election and a referendum on Moldova’s EU accession. According to the Central Election Commission, some 2,219 polls have been set up, and for the first time the ballots are printed in Romanian and 5 minority languages: Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Găgăuz, Russian and Romani. 231 stations are open in 37 countries, 60 in Italy, 26 in Germany, 20 in France and 17 in Great Britain. Moldovans can also vote in one of the 16 stations open in Romania, the same as in the United States. For security reasons, only two stations will be available in Russia, both in Moscow. 2 stations will be made available in Ukraine, in Kyiv and Odesa. The incumbent president, Maia Sandu, urged Moldovans to take part in the referendum, arguing the process will only take 3 minutes, compared to the decades Moldova had to wait to join the free and developed world.

     

    OECD – Romania’s accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will spell benefits in terms of investment, and the Republic of Moldova might also take advantage of this position, Moldova’s Central Bank governor Anca Dragu said. Investment are safer, clearer and more dynamic at OECD level, while the best practices Romania is currently learning will also transfer to the Republic of Moldova. 65% of Moldova’s external trade is EU-bound, while half of it goes through Romania. (VP)

  • September 30, 2024 UPDATE

    September 30, 2024 UPDATE

    VISIT Romanian president Klaus Iohannis received in Bucharest on Monday the Prime Minister of the German state Baden-Wurttemberg, Winfried Kretschmann. The head of the Romanian state described the visit as an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Romanian-German cooperation and dialogue emphasizing the tight political, economic and cultural relations between Romania and Baden Wurttemberg. The social and human relations were high on the talks agenda with emphasis on the essential role played by the German minority in Romania and the Romanians who settled in Germany, in the consolidation of the relations and cooperation including at social and economic levels. The German official was also received on Monday by the country’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Two joint statements were signed on this occasion on strengthening cooperation between the Romanian government and the government of the Baden Wurttemberg state and on bilateral cooperation in the field of civil protection. The trade exchange volume reached 8.32 billion Euros last year.

     

    EDUCATION Most state universities in Romania kicked off courses on Monday, while private universities set their own date for the start of the academic year. 52 state universities offer over 2,200 different degrees and study programmes, and 34 private universities offer 338 degrees and specialisations.

     

    PARLIAMENT Romanian senators and deputies are meeting in a joint parliamentary session on Tuesday to appoint the members of the National Bank’s board of directors. Political sources say the current governor Mugur Isărescu, who has held this post since 1990, has the backing to secure yet a new term. Also on Tuesday, Parliament will discuss two requests from president Klaus Iohannis, one regarding the participation of the Romanian Army in the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine command and another referring to the creation on national territory of a maritime training facility for Ukrainian personnel. The two chambers of Parliament will also be briefed on Romania’s allowing the transition of equipment and material assets donated by Sweden to Ukraine and on its hosting a US naval forces special operations contingent for a period of two years.

     

    COAL The UK ends coal power as it shut down its last coal-fired power plant on Monday. Reuters news agency notes that the UK thus becomes the first G7 country to give up coal power. London announced in 2015 that it intended to phase out its coal-fired power plants, which at the time accounted for 30% of the country’s energy. Phasing out coal power has led to a drop in greenhouses gas emissions in the UK, which intends to completely eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector by 2030 and become greenhouse neutral by 2050. The other 6 most industrialised states in the world are also set to close their coal-fired power plants by 2035 at the latest, under an agreement signed in April.

     

    TENNIS Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian lost to Karolina Muchova in straight sets on Monday, 6-1, 6-3, in the third round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing, worth almost 9 million dollars in prize money. Last Saturday, Jaqueline Cristian defeated world no. 10 Barbora Krejcikova in three sets, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5.

     

    (bill)

  • The Romanian president speaks at the United Nations Organisation

    The Romanian president speaks at the United Nations Organisation

    In the speech he delivered before the UN General Assembly in New York, president Klaus Iohannis pleaded for maintaining dialogue as an essential element for regional and global security. Iohannis also highlighted Romania’s contribution to solving the present global issues from security crises, such as the war in Ukraine or the Middle East conflict, to major challenges for mankind like climate change, the erosion of human rights or cyber threats. Speaking before the world leaders in New York, Klaus Iohannis said that Romania would always support the international world order with the UNO at its core. According to Iohannis, the main challenge of the world organization is to find the much needed solutions for reestablishing and protecting peace. Otherwise, the international order and law are wasted. Romania is fully backing the peace initiative of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky as being the only alternative for obtaining a just and durable peace perfectly in accordance with the UN charter and international law, Iohannis said in New York.

    He underlined that security isn’t regional but global and the war Russia is waging on Ukraine has affected nations and people the world over.

    “This war has caused the biggest security crisis in Europe’s recent history, violating the international law and having implications far beyond Europe.

    In this context, Romania has provided a staunch multidimensional support to Ukraine and its people and pledged to keep it as long as needed” Iohannis went on to say mentioning the essential role played by Romania in easing the export of Ukrainian grain through its Danube and Black Sea ports.

    “If we want to find solutions, we must have a more responsible outlook over the world and understand its challenges. We regrettably notice that insecurity, violence, conflicts and even war have conquered our world”, Iohannis also said.

    The Romanian official also pleaded for more cooperation and solidarity, which would always represent a response to the world issues. Klaus Iohannis also referred to the conflict in Gaza calling for the cessation of violence and standing for the two-state solution. “We are backing all the efforts of resuming the political process based on the two-state solution, coexisting in peace and security within recognized and safe borders, the Romanian president underlined.  And ‘protecting all the civilians must remain our common objective’, Iohannis said in front of the UN General Assembly.

    (bill)

  • September 23, 2024 UPDATE

    September 23, 2024 UPDATE

    BUDGET The government in Bucharest on Monday endorsed the first budget adjustment this year. The new positive adjustment will be bringing the GDP deficit up to 6.9%, even though the Finance Ministry also forecasts income raises. The money will be mainly used for co-funding investment projects and also for pay rises approved amid a series of protests this year. According to Prime Minister Ciolacu, Europe’s developed countries, Germany and France, supported investment concurrently with the rising budget deficit. Ciolacu described this raise as sustainable, given that 8.5 lei out of 10 will be used for funding motorways, hospitals, schools, gas and water distribution networks and other objectives of local interest. Ciolacu went on to say that the invested sums would be returned eightfold to the budget as it happened in the case of the motorways built.

     

    FUNDS Romania is to receive 21.6 million Euros from the European Commission for the farmers who incurred losses from the bad weather this summer. The decision was made at the AgriFish Council, which takes place in Brussels and where Romania is being represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Florin Barbu. The European Executive has proposed the allotment of 120 million Euros out of its agriculture reserve in order to directly support farmers from Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia and Italy. According to Barbu, it’s for the first time when farmers get compensations in the same year with the calamities. Data released by the Agriculture Ministry in Bucharest says that over 16 thousand farmers have applied for investigations and the assessment of their destroyed crops. Minister Barbu says that roughly 2 million hectares of corn and sunflower crops have been affected by the extreme weather in Romania plus 100 thousand hectares of autumn crops like wheat and rape.

     

    UN President Klaus Iohannis will be heading Romania’s delegation at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly taking place in New York on the 24th and 25th September. The main theme is “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere”. According to a statement from the Romanian president’s office, Klaus Iohannis will give an address on Wednesday, in which he will call for maintaining multilateral dialogue, especially in a UN format, as an essential element of regional and global security. He is also expected to highlight his country’s efforts and contribution, at all levels, to finding solutions to current global challenges, from security crises like the war in Ukraine or the conflict in the Middle East, to major challenges facing the world, including the climate emergency and cyber threats.

     

    HANDBALL The Romanian women’s handball vice-champions CS Rapid Bucharest lost 37-29 to the German side HB Ludwigsburg at home on Sunday evening, in a Champions League Group B match. Rapid will next play Team Esbjerg away on 6th October. The Romanian side are in 4th place in their group, with 3 points in 3 matches. Previously, the Romanian champions CSM Bucharest defeated the Croatian side RK Podravka Vegeta Koprivnica 29-28 away, while CS Gloria Bistriţa-Năsăud lost at home to the Slovenian side Krim Mercator Ljubljana 30-35. CSM have four points in three matches played, and Gloria two points. The latter will play their next match away against FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria on 5th October, while CSM will face the Danish side Nykobing Falster Handbold at home on 6th October.

     

    ELECTIONS The Romanian foreign ministry has published a guide for postal voting ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections this year. The voter registration deadline for Romanian citizens with their domicile or residence abroad is 10th October for the presidential elections and 17th October for the parliamentary elections. Registration is made by filling in an online form available at votstrăinătate.ro, a website managed by the Permanent Electoral Authority.

    (bill)

     

     

     

  • September 21, 2024 UPDATE

    September 21, 2024 UPDATE

    SUMMIT – The president of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, will lead Romania’s delegation at the summit of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, which will take place in New York. The central theme of the session is “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere”. According to a Presidency release, Klaus Iohannis will give a speech on Wednesday, when he will plead for the maintenance of multilateral dialogue, especially in the UN format, as a key element of regional and global security. The president will also highlight Romania’s efforts and contribution at all levels with a view to solving current global problems, from security crises such as the war in Ukraine or the conflict in the Middle East, to major challenges for humanity, including climate emergency or cyber threats.

     

    ADJUSTMENT – The Romanian government is next week discussing a budget adjustment proposal presented by the Ministry of Finance. Although it is based on an increase in revenues, expenses have also significantly increased, which will lead to a deficit of 7%, two percentage points above the authorities’ estimate at the start of the year. Meanwhile, the economic growth forecast was downgraded from 3.4 to 2.8% of GDP. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu gave assurances the adjustment is sustainable, as investment-related expenses account for 84% of the deficit. According to the draft decree published on the website of the Ministry of Finance, healthcare, transports and education will receive additional funds. The social insurance budget will also be increased, to ensure the payment of recalculated pensions, as well as unemployment benefits and related social insurance contributions.

     

    MEETING – In Toronto, Romania’s Foreign Minister, Luminiţa Odobescu, presented Romania’s experience in terms of promoting equal opportunities, combating discrimination and stereotypes, eliminating all forms of violence and abuse. The Romanian official attended the “Women Foreign Ministers’ Meeting”, organized by the Canadian and Jamaican Foreign Ministers, Melanie Joly, and Kamina Johnson Smith, respectively. Luminiţa Odobescu reiterated the importance of equal opportunities in Romanian diplomacy, a fact that has led to a situation of parity between women and men, both at the level of the Ministry staff, and in terms of management positions. On the other hand, the Romanian official met with representatives of the Romanian community in Toronto and with a group of students from York University, at a lecture given by university professor Dan Berbecel.

     

    FLOODS – The Danube floods peaked on Saturday in Budapest, with water flows reaching 8,200 cubic meters per second, which could significantly reduce flows on the Romanian segment, Romanian Water Administration officials say. Experts expect a maximum flow below 9,000 cubic meters per second, to be reached by September 29. In 2006, the Danube flow reached 15,600 cubic meters per second. In Budapest, the Danube overflowed, the streets and buildings near the embankment were flooded, and the Parliament building was also flooded. The Danube also overflowed in Slovakia and Austria. The European Commission has promised an emergency aid of 10 bln EUR for countries in Central and Eastern Europe affected by the floods.

     

    CLEANUP DAY – Over 200,000 volunteers and thousands of employees from institutions subordinated to the Environment Ministry took part in Saturday’s national campaign “National Cleanup Day, Let’s Do It, Romania!”, Environment Minister Mircea Fechet said. This year saw the launch of the  “Let’s Do It, Romania!” mobile app, available on iOS and Android, which allows users to report the existence of waste or ragweed and send notifications to the relevant authorities to ensure the cleaning of these areas. This app represents an essential element in efforts to protect the environment, facilitating the direct and quick involvement of citizens. According to data gathered by the “Let’s Do It, Romania!” team, from 2009 until now, over 2.4 million volunteers took part in greening actions on National Cleanup Day, carried out at national level. Romania thus joins 198 other countries in this global effort, which seeks to reduce waste and promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

     

    BUCHAREST DAYS – The Bucharest Days Festival has kicked off, marking the anniversary of 565 years since the city was first documented. Concerts, theater shows, acrobatics and animation performances, installations and art exhibitions are organized on this occasion, as well as various interactive activities for children. This weekend, the George Enescu Square hosts the 12th edition of “Bucharest Music Film Festival”, including performances by prestigious ensembles and artists. Also, children are invited on Sunday to take part in the workshop “Remi and the adventure of sounds: drums and rhythm, small percussion instruments”, where they will be able to experience various sounds and rhythms. (VP)

  • September 19, 2024

    September 19, 2024

    B9 NATO has to react to Russia’s incursions into the airspace of the member countries, in the context of the war in Ukraine – Romania’s Defence Minister, Angel Tilvar said at the B9 meeting of the defence ministers of the allied countries in NATO’s Eastern Flank, held in Bucharest on Wednesday. In turn, the Polish representative said that next month, the allied defence ministers would be tackling the destruction of the drones violating the airspace of NATO. Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia and Slovakia are part of the B9 initiative. Talks on security in the area but also assistance in defending the independence of Ukraine through Romania’s decision to donate a Patriot system to the neighboring Ukraine were also hold by Romania’s Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, who received in Bucharest her Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha.

     

    POLL Most of the Romanians believe the immigrants who come to work in Romania are rather an opportunity than a threat to employment in that country, a recent poll says. Roughly 68%  of the interviewees says the immigrants are actually helping the economy by taking over the vacant jobs whereas 25% believes they are taking the jobs of the Romanians, who have thus to leave the country for a better job. The most tolerant seem to be the young people up to 20 years old, people with higher education and Bucharesters. The poll says that 67% of the interviewees have agreed with the financial incentives aimed at bringing back the Romanians in the Diaspora whereas 31% is against the idea.

     

    HANDBALL On Wednesday night Romanian handball side Dinamo Bucharest clinched a 28-26 away win against Polish side Orlen Wisla Plock in Group A of the Champions League. The Romanian champions have obtained two wins out of the competition’s two legs. Dinamo will be taking on Macedonian side Eurofarm Pelister Bitola in a home match on September 26.

     

    CSAT Romania’s Higher Defence Council (CSAT) has been summoned by the country’s president Klaus Iohannis for talks in Bucharest on the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine and its implications for Romania. The CSAT members are also tackling the opportunities offered by the new geopolitical context for the consolidation of the strategic partnership with the ex-soviet, Romanian-speaking Republic of Moldova in order to ensure the irreversibility of its European roadmap. Last, but not least, the CSAT is expected to tackle the national plan of fitting the Romanian armed forces with proper equipment.

     

    TALKS The government in Bucharest is focusing on the country’s reindustrialization and is working on the national Plan aimed at streamlining the country’s main industry. The plan, which is worth 2 billion Euros, will be centred on three main pillars; support for the strategic investment in the processing industry, state aid for the big companies, with investments aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption and support for the companies producing raw materials. According to Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu the Executive wants to strengthen the model of investment-based economic development.

     

    RISK According to the Romanian Institute of Hydrology the Danube’s level on its entry into Romania is expected to rise significantly until September 24thmore than double than the multiannual average of the month of September. However, authorities have given assurances the Iron Gates dam is ready to take over and transit the waters resulted from the heavy rainfalls in central Europe. The risk of flooding in eastern Romania, heavily affected by Cyclone Boris, remains high with orange and yellow alerts in place.

    (bill)

     

  • September 5, 2024 UPDATE

    September 5, 2024 UPDATE

    VISIT Romania supports Israel’s right to self-defence – Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said during the meeting he had on Thursday with the head of the Israeli government, Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Radio Romania correspondent, Ciolacu voiced concern regarding the security situation and the danger of regional escalation. The Romanian Prime Minister paid a working visit in Israel where he was accompanied by the Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Economy. It was the second visit, Ciolacu paid to Israel since October 17th last year, ten days after Israel had been attacked by the Islamist group Hamas.

     

    DONATION The Romanian president Klaus Iohannis on Thursday promulgated a law on donating a US surface-to-air Patriot missile system to third parties. The law, which was earlier endorsed by Parliament, refers to the donation, agreed upon with the US partner, of such a system to the neighboring Ukraine, a country currently invaded by the Russian troops. The new law enables the Romanian government to commence the required moves aimed at rebuilding the country’s ground-based air-defence capabilities by submitting the contracts on the purchase of another Patriot missile system to the US government.

     

    TOURISM The total number of tourists who got accommodation in Romania’s travel structures in the first seven months of this year stood at 7.666 million, 3.8% higher than the same period in 2023, data released by the National Institute for Statistics shows. According to official statistics, between January 1 and July 31 2024, Romanian tourists accounted for 82.9 % out of the total number of arrivals, whereas the number of foreign tourists stood at 17.1%. The cities with the largest number of visitors were Bucharest, Constanta in the south-east and Brasov in central Romania. Most of the foreign tourists came from Germany (128,900), Italy (117,800) and Israel (83,100). 81.1 % of the foreign tourists came from EU countries.

     

    MOLDOVA Moldova’s EU accession process would make good progress next year during Poland’s term at the helm of the EU Council, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during his Wednesday’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.

     

    FOOTBALL Romania’s national football team is playing its debut match in the 2024-2025 season of Nations League on Friday. 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 Iordănescu resigned at the end of EURO 2024, a tournament where Romania reached the round of 16.

    (bill)

     

  • July 24, 2024

    July 24, 2024

    DIPLOMACY – Bucharest is hosting the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy, this year themed “Diplomatic Action in a Turbulent World”. The list of guests includes the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Cristina Gherasimov. Discussions are chaired by Romania’s Foreign Minister, Luminița Odobescu. Attending are heads of diplomatic and consular offices abroad, as well as members of the Romanian MFA leadership, high-ranking Romanian officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Bucharest and opinion leaders. The agenda will include such topics as economic diplomacy and Romania’s OECD accession.

     

    ALERT – The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations last night issued a RO-ALERT warning message for the population of Tulcea County (southeast), regarding the possibility of falling debris in territories close to the Ukrainian border. The alert was issued after the Border Police signaled several drones approaching from the north. According to an Inspectorate release, no territory of Romania is targeted by attacks from the Russian Federation, while defense and public order structures are ready to provide assistance to people in need.

     

    WILDFIRES – Romanian firefighters were involved in Tuesday’s operation designed to put out a wildfire in a tourist area in Argelès-sur-Mer, France. Their mission was to prevent the fire from spreading and to maintain a buffer zone between the wire and affected areas. The Romanian unit effectively contributed to put out the fire and ensure the safety of the local population, allowing local authorities to keep traffic fluid with no restrictions. We recall a number of Romanian firefighting units are taking part in a joint operation to prevent and put out wildfires in France, at the request of the French authorities. Overall, 100 firefighters, two helicopters and a special flying boat used in aerial forest firefighting were used in the operation.

     

    ENERGY – Romania can become a bone fide supplier of energy security in Central and Eastern Europe, the president of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, said on the sidelines of the 5th ministerial meeting of the Partnership for Trans-Atlantic Cooperation in the field of energy and climate change, hosted by Bucharest. “Romania has a lot of major opportunities, and its energy sector boasts huge potential”, the president argues, adding that in recent years, Romania has displayed solidarity, supplying transit and energy support to neighboring Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Romania seeks to develop its own nuclear energy program by boosting the capacity of the Cernavodă NPP (southeast), as well as by exploring innovative solutions, such as SMRs, the head of state further noted. By means of offshore natural gas projects, the Black Sea region can become a genuine “round table” for energy diplomacy, a point of reference in terms of solidarity and cooperation, fostering long-term stability and prosperity, Klaus Iohannis also pointed out, arguing that energy transition is currently key to providing sustainability to national economies.

     

    STATISTICS – Romania imported natural gas the equivalent of 660 thousand tons of oil, by 12% more compared to the same period last year, the National Statistics Institute reports. Romania also reported a slight increase in domestic production during the interval, although the country is expected to maintain a downward trend in that respect over the next three years, according to estimates published by the National Forecast Committee, which also says imports will slightly go down until 2027.

     

    INCIDENT – The four Romanian children taken in by child protection services in Leeds will temporarily be returned to their families, Romanian authorities say. Pending an official inquiry, the children will stay with an uncle on their fathers’ side, according to a British court ruling. We recall a major altercation broke out last week in Leeds, when several Romanian nationals protested violently against the British authorities’ decision to take the children away from their families after one of them received hospital care for a head injury.

     

    FOOTBALL – Romania’s football champions FCSB on Tuesday drew 1-1 against Maccabi Tel-Aviv of Israel at home in the first leg of Champions League’s second preliminary round. The return leg will be played on July 31 in Budapest, Hungary, due to security developments in Israel, preventing home clubs from hosting international matches on home turf. In the first preliminary round, FCSB won 11-1 on aggregate against Virtus of San Marino. On Thursday, Romanian Cup holders Corvinul Hunedoara, currently playing in the second tier of the Romanian football championship, will take on Croatia’s champions, HNK Rijeka in the first leg of the second preliminary round of Europa League. The return leg is scheduled next week in Croatia. In the first round, Corvinul ousted Hungary’s vice-champions, Paksi FK 4-2 on aggregate. Also on Thursday, another two Romanian teams are competing in the first leg of the second preliminary round of Conference League: CFR Cluj will play Neman Grodno of Belarus at home while Universitatea Craiova will go up against NK Maribor of Slovenia away from home.

     

    WEATHER – Temperatures remain high in the south and the east, with the THI expected to reach the critical level of 8- units. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong wind and hail are expected across the country. Highs range between 23-34 degrees Celsius. (VP)

     

  • 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.

  • NATO support of Ukraine

    NATO support of Ukraine

    On the sidelines of the anniversary summit in Washington, NATO decided to continue the integration process of the Ukrainian army and approved an assistance package worth 40 bln EUR for 2025. At the same time, the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands, long requested by Kyiv, is underway. Also, Ukraine will receive 5 new Patriot systems donated by the United States, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania. They will be used to help protect Ukrainian cities, civilians and soldiers. At the same time, NATO announced the establishment of the Security Assistance and Training Mission for Ukraine (NSATU), which will coordinate the supply of military equipment and training for the former Soviet republic by allied and partner states, as well as a new training center in Poland. NATO leaders adopted the final resolution of the summit, according to which Ukraine’s path to NATO is “irreversible”. The document shows that the Alliance supports the NATO accession of Ukraine, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, said. “Ukraine’s future is in NATO.  Ukraine has become increasingly interoperable and politically integrated with the Alliance.  We welcome the concrete progress Ukraine has made since the Vilnius Summit on its required democratic, economic, and security reforms.  As Ukraine continues this vital work, we will continue to support it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership”, the final statement reads. Romania’s president Klaus Johannis in turn called for stepping up support given to Kyiv in the war against Russia and supported the confirmation of the irreversible trans-Atlantic trajectory of Ukraine. The president hailed the fact that negotiations are underway to replace the system donated to Ukraine. Romania wants another Patriot system instead, the Romanian head of state explained. Negotiations are underway in that respect, and some progress has already been achieved.

     

    “We discussed this issue in detail a few days ago in the country’s Supreme Defense Council and we tasked the Ministry of Defense. Negotiations are underway and our desire is to receive another Patriot system in exchange. Of course, not immediately, but in the relatively near future. But to compensate the absence of the system we are giving now, I think we will manage to get systems that will be delivered faster and will ensure better surveillance of the national airspace”.

     

    The President of Romania also referred to the aid that Allies give to Ukraine and emphasized that approximately half of the promised ammunition has been delivered, which is insufficient. In his opinion, Allies must continue to help Kyiv lest it should lose the war. According to experts, without NATO, which provides almost all of its military support, Ukraine risks sustaining defeat on the battlefield. (VP)