Radio România Internațional

Tag: Moldova

February 3, 2024

AGREEMENT The PM
of Romania Marcel Ciolacu and the representatives of farmers and carriers
Friday reached an agreement ending the recent protests. On Monday, the PM’s
office will set up an inter-ministry committee tasked with identifying the best
solutions for the protesters’ demands. Farmers and carriers in Romania
protested for 3 weeks against high business costs, low prices for produce, the
import of cheap foodstuffs from Ukraine and the constraints introduced by the
EU as part of its climate change action.

COMMEMORATION A
ceremony commemorating the prominent politician Iuliu Maniu, a former prime
minister of Romania and leader of the National Christian-Democratic Party, was
held on Saturday at the Memorial for the victims of communism in Sighetu
Marmaţiei (north-west). Maniu died on the night of February 4 1953, in the political
prison in Sighet, where he was serving a life sentence for high treason
pronounced by the communist regime. His name was cleared under a Supreme Court
ruling in 1998, and a monument was erected in his honour in the Revolution
Square in Bucharest.

MOLDOVA Chişinău
extended an entry ban against the leader of the Romanian nationalist party AUR,
George Simion, by another 5 years. Under Moldova’s legislation, foreigners may
be declared undesirables if they have or if there are strong reasons to believe
they intend to conduct activities likely to endanger the country’s national
security or public order. According to the R. of Moldova, the Romanian
authorities have been notified in this respect, and George Simion challenged
the decision in court. The AUR leader was expelled from Moldova in 2018, with
an entry ban in place for a period of 5 years.

MIDDLE EAST The
US conducted scores of air raids against targets operated by Iran-controlled
groups in Iraq and Syria. The Pentagon said the raids were a response to the recent
drone attack by Iran-supported fighters, which killed 3 US troops at a military
base in Jordan, the BBC reports. Taking part in Friday’s raids were B1
long-range bombers, flying out of the US. Iran condemned the strikes, claiming
they violated the sovereignty of Syria and Iraq, AFP reports. In Bagdad, a
government spokesman announced the US strikes in western Iraq killed at least
16 people, including civilians. Meanwhile, the US state secretary Antony
Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the West Bank
between February 4-8, primarily to reach a deal securing the freeing of all the
Israeli hostages kept in Gaza following the Hamas terror attack of October 7.

TENNIS The
Romanian player Marius Copil takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas, no. 10 in the world,
in Athens today, in the first match between Romania and Greece in the playoffs
for the Davis Cup World Group I. The second singles match will be pitting Nicholas
David Ionel against Aristotelis Thanos. The doubles match and 2 other singles
games are scheduled for Sunday. Romania and Greece played twice against each
other in the Davis Cup before, with one win each. Previously in this year’s competition,
in the first round of the World Group I, Romania lost to Taiwan and Greece was
defeated by Slovakia. (AMP)

3 February 2024
Top diplomatic change in the Republic of Moldova

The Moldovan foreign minister, Nicu Popescu, announced on Wednesday that he submitted his mandate as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs in the pro-Western government of the Republic of Moldova. I have successfully fulfilled the foreign policy objectives set upon my appointment and at this stage I need a break, he said. In June 2022, with Popescu as head of the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry, the Republic of Moldova obtained the status of EU accession candidate country, and last month the decision-makers in Brussels gave the green light for the opening of negotiations. On December 26, 2023, President Maia Sandu awarded Nicu Popescu the Order of the Republic, the highest state award. For the moment, the former minister avoided confirming the information circulated in the public space, according to which he would be appointed chief negotiator of the Republic of Moldova for EU accession, a newly created position after the December decision of the EU leaders.

According to the press, Nicu Popescu is perfectly qualified for such a mandate. Before becoming a minister, Popescu was a researcher at the Center for European Political Studies in Brussels, then an analyst and program director at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies of the European Union and a foreign policy and European integration advisor at the office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova. The lastest visit he paid abroad, right on the eve of his resignation, was in Bucharest, where he had meetings with his Romanian counterpart, Luminița Odobescu, and other officials. According to the Moldovan foreign ministry, the foreign ministers of the two neighboring states discussed the development and deepening of the bilateral partnership, as well as the next steps regarding the Republic of Moldovas EU accession negotiations.

The new Foreign Minister in the cabinet headed by Dorin Recean will be the current Vice-President of the Parliament in Chişinău, Mihai Popşoi. A new ministry for European Affairs will also be created for Cristina Gherasimov, until now a Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Mihai Popşoi, who will take over his portfolio next week, already had a first telephone conversation with his Romanian counterpart, Luminiţa Odobescu, who invited him to visit Bucharest and confirmed Romania’s commitment to the development of the strategic partnership, to the advancement of joint projects and bilateral cooperation. Previously, President Klaus Iohannis also stated, at the annual meeting with the heads of accredited diplomatic missions in Bucharest, that Romania would continue to stand by Moldovas side in the process of negotiations for EU accession. He said that the decision to start negotiations represented a strategic objective for Romania and underlined that it was crucial for the Republic of Moldova to continue to receive support. (LS)

25 January 2024
January 24, 2024 UPDATE

Union – Romanians marked on Wednesday, January 24, the Union of the Romanian Principalities of 1859. Achieved under the leadership of the ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the act of political will of 165 years ago by the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia to unite represented the first stage in the creation of the modern Romanian unitary state. This year as well, the Union of the Principalities, was marked by military and religious ceremonies, shows and exhibitions held in the countrys major cities. In Iasi (east), thousands of people came from the early hours of the morning to witness the events – a Te Deum, a ceremony at the statue of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the parade of over 300 soldiers and a traditional music concert. Alongside the residents of Iasi and the neighboring counties, high-ranking state dignitaries and politicians announced their presence at the ceremonies. In Bucharest, President Klaus Iohannis gave a speech in which he stated that the anniversary of the Union of Principalities is not only a retrospective moment, but also an opportunity to project a better future for the nation. The PM Marcel Ciolacu stated that, 165 years after the Romanians united their efforts and laid the foundations of Romania as a nation, unitary and democratic state, Romania has entered a new stage of its modernization process, which will allow it to develop and grow to reach its real potential. The NATO deputy general secretary, the Romanian Mircea Geoană, has called for unity. In his message, he has drawn attention to the fact that only through patriotism and courage the project called Romania can be carried forward.

Chisinau – The Foreign Minister of the Romanian-speaking Republic of Moldova, Nicu Popescu, announced his resignation on Wednesday. He stated that he had fulfilled the objective set when he was appointed, and now he needed a break. Among the main achievements during the 2 and a half years of holding the FM position, Nicu Popescu obtained a certain visibility for the Republic of Moldova on the international level and gave a boost to relations with external partners, obtaining for Moldova the status of EU accession candidate country in June 2022 and the opening of negotiations in December 2023. These, despite the Russian aggression in neighboring Ukraine, which affected Moldova from an economic and energy point of view, and Moscows destabilization attempts. The Moldovan official announced that he would continue to support the current pro-European leadership in their effort to bring Moldova into the EU. Following Nicu Popescu’s resignation, the current Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration will be divided into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of European Integration.

US – The favorite of the American right, the former US president, Donald Trump, won, on Tuesday evening, the New Hampshire primary against his rival Nikki Haley, opening the way to his nomination by the Republican Party for the November presidential election against the Democrat Joe Biden. Since his November 2020 defeat by President Biden, which he has never acknowledged, and despite facing four criminal trials, Trump is determined to get revenge. To face Joe Biden on November 5, Trump must be nominated by his party at the end of all primaries in the American states. Last week, Donald Trump also won the Iowa primary.

Ambassadors – The Romanian Foreign Minister, Luminiţa Odobescu, presented, on Tuesday, at the meeting of US ambassadors from the Black Sea region, held in Bucharest, Romanias approach to this area, focusing on its importance for the security of the Euro-Atlantic space and the prosperity of Europe. The head of Romanian diplomacy spoke about the deterioration of the security situation due to Russias war against Ukraine and the need to consolidate the allied presence on the entire Eastern Flank, as shown by a Foreign Ministry press release issued on Wednesday. At the same time, Ms. Odobescu mentioned Romanias constant involvement in supporting Ukraine, including the contribution to facilitating the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products to third markets. The event, hosted by the US Embassy in Bucharest and the US European Command (EUCOM), brought together senior American officials accredited in the states of the region.

NATO – The Turkish Parliament ratified, on Tuesday evening, Swedens accession to NATO, marking the end of 20 months of negotiations that tested the patience of Ankaras Western allies, eager to make a united front against Moscow. To meet Turkeys demands, Sweden has gone to great lengths to reform its constitution and pass a new anti-terrorism law, with Ankara accusing the northern country of leniency towards Kurdish militants who have taken refuge on its territory. The Swedish candidacy now requires the green light from Hungary. Budapest supported, in principle, Sweden’s entry but demands Stockholm to stop its policy of “denigration” of the Hungarian government, accused of authoritarianism. Sweden, one step away from becoming the 32nd member country of the North Atlantic Alliance, announced its candidacy in May 2022, at the same time as Finland, admitted last April. (LS)

24 January 2024
January 24, 2024

Union – Romanians mark on Wednesday, January 24, the Union of the Romanian Principalities of 1859. Achieved under the leadership of the ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the act of political will of 165 years ago by the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia to unite represented the first stage in the creation of the modern Romanian unitary state. This year as well, the Union of the Principalities, is marked by military and religious ceremonies, shows and exhibitions held in the countrys major cities. In Iasi (east), thousands of people came from the early hours of the morning to witness the events – a Te Deum, a ceremony at the statue of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the parade of over 300 soldiers and a traditional music concert. Alongside the residents of Iasi and the neighboring counties, high-ranking state dignitaries and politicians announced their presence at the ceremonies. In Bucharest, President Klaus Iohannis gave a speech in which he stated that the anniversary of the Union of Principalities is not only a retrospective moment, but also an opportunity to project a better future for the nation. The PM Marcel Ciolacu stated that, 165 years after the Romanians united their efforts and laid the foundations of Romania as a nation, unitary and democratic state, Romania has entered a new stage of its modernization process, which will allow it to develop and grow to reach its real potential.

Chisinau – The Foreign Minister of the Romanian-speaking Republic of Moldova, Nicu Popescu, announced his resignation on Wednesday. He stated that he had fulfilled the objective set when he was appointed, and now he needed a break. Among the main achievements during the 2 and a half years of holding the FM position, Nicu Popescu obtained a certain visibility on the international level and gave a boost to relations with external partners, obtaining for Moldova the status of EU accession candidate country in June 2022 and the opening of negotiations in December 2023. These, despite the Russian aggression in neighboring Ukraine, which affected Moldova from an economic and energy point of view, and Moscows destabilization attempts. The Moldovan official announced that he would continue to support the Moldovan President, Maia Sandu, and the current government in their efforts to bring the Republic of Moldova into the European family.

US – The favorite of the American right, the former US president, Donald Trump, won, on Tuesday evening, the New Hampshire primary against his rival Nikki Haley, opening the way to his nomination by the Republican Party for the November presidential election against the Democrat Joe Biden. Since his November 2020 defeat by President Biden, which he has never acknowledged, and despite facing four criminal trials, Trump is determined to get revenge. To face Joe Biden on November 5, Trump must be nominated by his party at the end of all primaries in the American states. Last week, Donald Trump also won the Iowa primary.

Ambassadors – The Romanian Foreign Minister, Luminiţa Odobescu, presented, on Tuesday, at the meeting of US ambassadors from the Black Sea region, held in Bucharest, Romanias approach to this area, focusing on its importance for the security of the Euro-Atlantic space and the prosperity of Europe. The head of Romanian diplomacy spoke about the deterioration of the security situation due to Russias war against Ukraine and the need to consolidate the allied presence on the entire Eastern Flank, as shown by a Foreign Ministry press release issued on Wednesday. At the same time, Ms. Odobescu mentioned Romanias constant involvement in supporting Ukraine, including the contribution to facilitating the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products to third markets. The event, hosted by the US Embassy in Bucharest and the US European Command (EUCOM), brought together senior American officials accredited in the states of the region.

NATO – The Turkish Parliament ratified, on Tuesday evening, Swedens accession to NATO, marking the end of 20 months of negotiations that tested the patience of Ankaras Western allies, eager to make a united front against Moscow. To meet Turkeys demands, Sweden has gone to great lengths to reform its constitution and pass a new anti-terrorism law, with Ankara accusing the northern country of leniency towards Kurdish militants who have taken refuge on its territory. The Swedish candidacy now requires the green light from Hungary. Budapest supported, in principle, Sweden’s entry but demands Stockholm to stop its policy of “denigration” of the Hungarian government, accused of authoritarianism. Sweden, one step away from becoming the 32nd member country of the North Atlantic Alliance, announced its candidacy in May 2022, at the same time as Finland, admitted last April. (LS)

24 January 2024
January 23, 2024

CELEBRATION On January 24 Romanians
will celebrate 165 years since the Union of the Romanian Principalities,
Moldavia and Wallachia, under the rule of Alexandru Ioan Cuza. Military and
religious ceremonies will be held in major cities across the country, as well as performances,
exhibitions, events in museums and other cultural institutions. In Focşani, in
the south-east, a large-scale celebration will be held, including a military
parade and the traditional Union Round Dance in the town’s central square. The
city of Iaşi, in the north-east, will host a ceremony at the statue of ruler Alexandru
Ioan Cuza and a military parade. In Bucharest, the George Enescu Philharmonic
Orchestra will give a special concert. In January 1859, Alexandru Ioan Cuza was
elected ruler both in Moldavia, and in Wallachia, and under the 1866
Constitution, the United Principalities started using the official name of
Romania.

VISIT Moldova’s deputy PM and minister of foreign affairs and European integration, Nicu Popescu, is on a working visit in
Bucharest today, where he is to have talks with his Romanian counterpart,
Luminiţa Odobescu, and other officials, MOLDPRES
news agency reports. The 2 foreign ministers will discuss means to develop and
consolidate the bilateral partnership, and the next steps in Moldova’s EU
accession negotiations. The European Council recommended the start of EU
accession negotiations with Ukraine and the R. of Moldova in December.

DIPLOMACY The president
of Romania Klaus Iohannis said on Tuesday, at the annual meeting with the
ambassadors accredited to Bucharest, that Romania will continue to
stand by Ukraine. Iohannis emphasised that due to Bucharest’s efforts over 33
million tonnes of Ukrainian grains, accounting for more than 60% of the
products carried through the EU’s Solidarity Corridors, transited Romania. Klaus
Iohannis added that Romania will stand by Moldova and Ukraine in their
negotiations for EU accession, and emphasised that it is crucial for the 2
countries to continue to receive financial support and know-how for the
consolidation of their public institutions and economy. As for the situation in
the Middle East, he voiced support for a two-state solution, in line both with
the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and with Israel’s right
to security. In this context, president Iohannis mentioned that Romania conducted
a very difficult operation providing assistance and support to the Romanian
citizens in that region. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the
Romanian authorities involved in the evacuation of the Romanian nationals
there, as well as to thank our partners in Israel, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan for
their support, Klaus Iohannis added.

UKRAINE
The Romanian foreign minister Luminiţa Odobescu stated in Brussels on Monday
that EU member countries must use all means to help Ukraine in its war
against Russia. Attending a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, she
emphasised that Ukraine must remain a priority on the EU agenda. It is
important for us to maintain pressure over Russia, and Romania supports a new
set of sanctions against Russia, the Romanian official added. Meanwhile, the
conflict carries on, with Russia attacking Kyiv and Kharkov with missiles this
morning. Stay tuned for more after the news.

VIETNAM Over 2,000 Vietnamese nationals are legally
employed in Romania, said the president of Romania’s Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Mihai Daraban at the Romania-Vietnam Economic Forum held in Bucharest
in the presence of Vietnam’s PM, Pham Minh Chính. Daraban called on
decision-makers in both countries to create a predictable environment for
employment, because the Romanian economy needs more workforce.

NATO Turkey’s
Parliament is today discussing the ratification of Sweden’s accession to NATO, said
the private tv station CNN Turk, quoted by France Presse. The foreign policy
committee in the Turkish Parliament last month endorsed the ratification, but a
vote in a plenary session is also necessary before the protocol may be signed
by president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey and Hungary are the only NATO
countries yet to ratify Sweden’s NATO accession. Ankara cited Stockholm’s lack
of cooperation in extraditing to Turkey a number of individuals suspected of
ties with terrorist organisations, especially in the Kurdish region, while
Budapest says Swedish politicians have made a habit of criticising Viktor
Orban’s conservative regime, AFP reports.

ISRAEL The
Israeli Army announced today that 24 Israeli troops were killed in the Gaza
Strip clashes in the last 24 hours, making it the worst daily toll for the
Israeli Army since the start of the war against Hamas, Reuters reports. Last
week, Israel launched an offensive to capture the town of Khan Yunis, which
Israel says is now the main stronghold of the Hamas terrorists responsible for
the October 7 attack in the south of Israel in which 1,200 people were killed.
Some 26,000 people died in Gaza since the start of Israel’s military
operations, the healthcare authorities in Gaza announced. (AMP)

23 January 2024
La Roumanie a marqué la Journée de la Culture nationale

Célébrée depuis quatorze ans
déjà, le 15 janvier, à la mémoire du grand poète national, Mihai Eminescu, né
ce jour-là, en 1850, la Journée de la culture roumaine a été marquée aussi bien
en Roumanie qu’en République de Moldova. Nous vous rappelons qu’en 2010, la
Chambre des députés de Bucarest a adopté un projet de loi pour décréter la
Journée de la culture nationale le jour de la naissance d’Eminescu. Poète,
dramaturge, romancier et journaliste, Mihai Eminescu est considéré par la
critique littéraire comme l’une des voix les plus importantes de la littérature
roumaine de tous les temps.

Des manifestations culturelles ont été organisées
pour l’occasion dans des dizaines de musées, de bibliothèques, de salles de
spectacle et de centres culturels aussi bien en Roumanie, qu’à l’étranger.
L’Académie roumaine, en partenariat avec l’Académie des Sciences de la République
de Moldova, a organisé une réunion en format hybride déroulée simultanément
dans la grande salle de l’Académie roumaine et dans la Salle bleue de
l’Académie moldave des sciences.
« la Journée de la Culture nationale est placée sous le signe de la
personnalité de Mihai Eminescu, un esprit visionnaire dont l’œuvre reste fidèle
à l’esprit du peuple roumain, tout en reflétant l’harmonie universelle » a
affirmé dans son discours le président de l’Académie roumaine, Ioan- Aurel Pop.
« Eminescu n’a pas écrit pour un pays ou une époque particulière. Il a
écrit pour l’éternité. C’est la raison pour laquelle le jour de la naissance de
cet enfant prodige de la littérature roumaine mérite d’être proclamé Jour de la
Culture nationale » a encore ajouté Ioan-Aurel Pop.

L’importance d’une telle
journée a été mise en avant par le président de l’Académie moldave des
sciences, M. Ion Tighineanu. Dans son allocution, celui-ci a encouragé la
poursuite des efforts communs roumains et moldaves pour renforcer les liens
culturels des deux côtés du Prut, jusqu’à la disparition totale des frontières
imposées de force par les anciens régimes dictatoriaux.

Pour marquer la Journée de
la Culture roumaine, le Musée national d’Histoire roumaine a lancé l’exposition
« Les monuments de la culture roumaine ancienne et de la langue
roumaine », tandis que le Musée de la cartographie a accueilli une
conférence sur la manière d’expliquer l’histoire à travers l’art contemporain.
Un événement très important s’est déroulé à l’Opéra national de la capitale qui
a célébré la Journée de la culture roumaine par la première du spectacle
« Œdipe », écrit par le compositeur roumain George Enescu.
L’orchestre a évolué sous la baguette du grand chef, Tiberiu Soare.
Parallèlement, le Théâtre national de Bucarest a proposé au public des lectures
des textes de Mihai Eminescu et de son grand ami, Ion Creanga, un des grands
classiques de la littérature roumaine.

A l’occasion de la Journée
de la culture nationale, les professeurs et leurs élèves de la localité
d’Ipotesti, là où le poète Mihai Eminescu a vu la lumière du jour, ont organisé
plusieurs manifestations culturelles. Des concerts, des expositions, des
spectacles de théâtre et des récitals de poésie ont été mis en place à
l’étranger aussi, grâce aux antennes de l’Institut culturel roumain.

16 January 2024
Maia Sandu, awarded for promoting European values

The
president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, Saturday received the ‘Timişoara
Award for European Values, established this year by the authorities of the
2023 European Capital of Culture to honour personalities who champion or uphold
European values within and outside the Union.

I
accept this prize, Maia Sandu said at the award ceremony, as a vote of
confidence in Moldova’s and its citizens’ capacity to see through their fight
for freedom. She also thanked Romania for its unwavering support, and said she
wanted for her country the prosperity enjoyed by the other EU member states.

Maia
Sandu: I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise the gratitude and high
appreciation for the support we have received from Romania, an unconditional,
brotherly support for which we will always be grateful. What we see here in Timişoara,
what we see in the European Union’s cities, is what we want for the Republic of
Moldova as well. Let the living standards I see in your city, the freedom of
thought and of speech, the European values become undefeatable, here and in the
Republic of Moldova.

The
Moldovan official also highlighted that the eastward enlargement of the EU has
been a large-scale historical reparation, which will not be complete as long as
countries like Moldova and Ukraine are left outside the bloc. The nations that
choose freedom, she argued, belong together with the states and peoples of the
free world, and not in a grey area, subject to constant threats to their
sovereignty and independence.

We all know that in the Republic of Moldova such
threats, be they direct or via disloyal agents, oligarchs willing to sell out
their fellow countrymen without shame, will not disappear, but rather they will
strengthen unless we break our harmful ties with the past. But we are not
afraid and we are not wavering. Over the past few years, we have managed to end
our dependence on Russian natural gas, we have redirected our exports to new
markets, we have been building and restoring bridges and roads connecting us to
the EU. The Republic of Moldova is no longer at the service of Kremlin;
instead, it is taking its fate in its own hands and stepping resolutely on the
path of European integration, Moldova’s president added.

She
also said that this has been acknowledged by the EU member countries in
December 2023, when they decided that Moldova and Ukraine deserve to start
accession negotiations.

In
these troubled times, Maia Sandu is not only a strong leader for her nation,
but a role model for millions of Europeans outside Moldova as well, the Mayor
of Timişoara Dominic Fritz emphasised. According to him, Maia Sandu believed in
Moldova’s European aspirations when many were dismissing them as utopian and, with
unbelievable effort and courage, she is fighting resolutely to shape a European
future for Moldova. (AMP)

15 January 2024
Maia Sandu – prix pour des valeurs européennes

Samedi dernier,
la Présidente de la République de Moldova, Maia Sandu, a reçu le Prix
« Timişoara pour des valeurs européennes », créé cette année par la
municipalité de la capitale culturelle européenne en 2023 pour honorer les
personnalités qui soutiennent ou défendent les valeurs européennes à l’intérieur
et en dehors de l’Union européenne.

« Je reçois ce prix comme un vote
de confiance dans la capacité de la République de Moldova et de ses citoyens de
mener à bien la lutte pour la liberté » a déclaré Maia
Sandu lors de la cérémonie de remise. La présidente moldave a remercié la
Roumanie pour l’aide constante accordée à son pays. Et elle de déclarer
souhaiter à son propre pays de la prospérité dont jouissent les autres pays
européens.

Maia
Sandu :

« Je souhaite profiter de cette occasion pour souligner la
gratitude et la vraie appréciation pour l’appui que j’ai reçu de la part de la
Roumanie, un soutien inconditionnel et fraternel, pour lequel nous serons
toujours reconnaissants. Ce que nous voyons ici à Timisoara, ce que nous voyons
dans les villes européennes nous souhaitons aussi voir en République de
Moldova. Que le niveau de vie que je vois dans votre ville, la liberté de penser
et de s’exprimer, les valeurs européennes deviennent invincibles, ici et à
République de Moldova ! »

Plus loin de Moscou…

Et la cheffe de
l’état moldave de souligner que l’expansion de l’Union européenne vers l’est a
représenté une réparation historique à grande échelle qui ne sera jamais
complète si d’autres pays, tels la République de Moldova ou l’Ukraine restent
en dehors de l’espace communautaire.

Aux dires de
Maia Sandu, la place des personnes qui choisissent la liberté est auprès des
Etats et des peuples du monde libre et pas dans une zone grise ou à l’ombre de
menaces permanentes à la souveraineté et à l’indépendance :

« Nous
savons tous qu’en République de Moldova ces menaces, soit directes, soit par
intermédiaire de traîtres, d’oligarques, prêts à vendre leurs concitoyens sans aucune
honte, ne s’arrêteront mais tout au contraire, s’intensifieront lorsque nous
coupons les liens toxiques avec le passé. Mais nous n’aurons pas peur et nous n’allons
pas nous éloigner de notre chemin. Au cours des dernières années nous avons
réussi à éliminer la dépendance du gaz russe, nous avons réorienté nos
exportations vers de nouveaux marchés, nous construisons et nous réparons des
routes et des ponts qui font nous relient à l’Union européenne. La République
de Moldova n’est plus asservie au Kremlin, mais elle décide seule de son avenir
et se dirige d’une manière déterminée vers l’intégration européenne. » a déclaré
la présidente de la République de Moldova.

… plus proche de l’Union européenne

Selon elle, ce
fait a été reconnu par les Etats de l’Union lorsqu’en décembre 2023 ils ont
décidé que la République de Moldova, aux côtés de l’Ukraine, méritait de
démarrer les négociations d’adhésion.

« Dans cette époque tumultueuse, Madame Maia Sandu
apparaît non seulement comme un leader fort pour son peuple, mais aussi comme
un modèle pour des millions d’européens en dehors de la République de
Moldova. » a souligné à son tour le maire de Timisoara, Dominic Fritz.
Selon lui, la présidente Maia Sandu a fait confiance aux aspirations
européennes de la République de Moldova lorsque beaucoup d’autres les
considéraient utopiques et, avec un travail incroyable et avec du courage, elle
lutte avec persévérance dans le but de construire une voie européenne pour la
République de Moldova.

15 January 2024
Polițiștii români reprezintă cu onoare România, în 7 teatre de operaţii sau zone de conflict

23 de poliţişti români reprezintă cu onoare România, în perioada sărbătorilor de iarnă, în misiuni internaţionale, în 7 teatre de operaţii sau zone de conflict din Africa, Asia şi Europa.

3 poliţişti îşi desfăşoară activitatea în cadrul Misiunii Multidimensionale Integrată pentru Stabilizare din Republica Centrafricană (M.I.N.U.S.C.A.), 9 poliţişti acţionează în cadrul Misiunii Organizaţiei Naţiunilor Unite din Republica Democrată Congo (M.O.N.U.S.C.O.), 5 poliţişti în cadrul Misiunii de Monitorizare a Uniunii Europene din Georgia (E.U.M.M.), un poliţist în cadrul Misiunii Organizaţiei Naţiunilor Unite din Sudanul de Sud (U.N.M.I.S.S.), 3 poliţişti sunt în Misiunea Organizaţiei Naţiunilor Unite de Menţinere a Păcii din Cipru (U.N.F.I.C.Y.P.), un poliţist este în Misiunea Uniunii Europene din Niger (E.U.C.A.P. SAHEL NIGER) şi unul în Misiunea Uniunii Europene de Asistenţă la Frontieră în Moldova şi Ucraina (E.U.B.A.M.), potrivit unui comunicat al Inspectoratului General al Poliţiei Române (IGPR).

Celor 23 de poliţişti aflaţi în misiuni internaţionale, organizate sub egida organizaţiilor pentru securitate mondială, IGPR le transmite Un An Nou fericit şi să ne vedem cu bine acasă .

1 January 2024
Référendum pour l’Europe en République de Moldova

La Présidente de la
République de Moldova voisine, la pro-occidentale Maia Sandu, a fait part de
son intention de se porter candidate pour un nouveau mandat en 2024, s’engageant
mener à bout sa mission d’intégration européenne du pays. Après avoir pris ses
fonctions en 2020, elle avait demandé au Parlement d’organiser un référendum
sur l’adhésion à l’UE.

« Au cours des trois
années de mon mandat, nous avons réussi, aux côtés des citoyens, à maintenir la
paix dans notre pays, à consolider son l’indépendance, nous avons un
gouvernement et nous avons entamé les négociations pour l’adhésion de la
République de Moldova à l’UE. Notre avenir appartient à la famille européenne
et il est nécessaire de déclarer clairement à tous les citoyens du pays la voie
que nous choisissons pour la République de Moldova. Je demande donc au
Parlement d’initier l’organisation d’un référendum, l’automne prochain, au
cours duquel le vote des citoyens sera décisif » – a souligné Maia
Sandu.

Et d’ajouter que Chisinau
devra parcourir de nombreuses étapes importantes dans sa mission d’intégration
européenne, se disant prête à poursuivre dans cette voie.

Troisième candidature de Maia Sandu à la présidence de la
République de Moldova et parcours de l’Etat vers l’EU et l’OTAN

Ce serait la troisième fois
que Maia Sandu se porta candidate à la présidence, après avoir été vaincue par
le socialiste pro-russe Igor Dodon en 2016 et pris sa revanche par une victoire
décisive contre lui en 2020.

Pour rappel, en 2020, la cheffe
du Parti pro-occidental Action et Solidarité (PAS), Maia Sandu, est devenue
présidente de la République de Moldova. Un an plus tard, le Parti Action et
solidarité (PAS) parvenait à obtenir la majorité au Parlement après des
élections anticipées et à intensifier sa politique de rapprochement de l’UE et des
Etats-Unis.

En 2022, la République de
Moldova a reçu le statut de pays candidat à l’adhésion à l’UE, aux côtés de
l’Ukraine. Le 14 décembre 2023, les dirigeants européens ont décidé qu’il
étaite temps de démarrer les négociations avec la République de Moldova et, en
attendant, une nouvelle évaluation de la Commission européenne aura lieu en
mars 2024.

La menace russe et la Transnistrie

Sur toile de fond du conflit
ukrainien, Chisinau a commencé à parler de la « menace russe » et à
diminuer les relations avec la Communauté des Etats Indépendants. En mai dernier,
Maia Sandu a notamment accusé Moscou de tenter de « renverser » les
autorités de Chisinau. En même temps, l’opposition, y compris le Parti
socialiste de l’ancien président moldave Igor Dodon, accuse l’actuelle
gouvernance d’agir sur ordre de l’Occident.

Pour rappel, en 1991, la
République de Moldova avait déclaré son indépendance face à l’Union soviétique
et la Roumanie a été le premier Etat à la reconnaître. Une année plus tard, la
région séparatiste de Transnistrie, située entre le Dniestr (Nistru) et
l’Ukraine, sortait de facto du contrôle des autorités de Chisinau après un
conflit armé qui a fait des centaines de morts, et tranché par l’intervention
des troupes de Moscou sur le territoire, du côté des rebelles sécessionnistes.
Les soldats russes se trouvent toujours en Transnistrie, qui fonctionne presque
comme un Etat indépendant, avec un territoire d’environ 4 100 kilomètres carrés
(l’équivalent d’un département de Roumanie) et une population pro-russe d’un
demi-million d’habitants. La Transnistrie possède sa propre monnaie, ses
propres passeports et des plaques d’immatriculation spécifiques, même si elle
n’est pas reconnue par la communauté internationale. Autant de défis à relever
par la République de Moldova, petit pays à population majoritaire roumanophone
voisin de la Roumanie et un des plus pauvres d’Europe.

27 December 2023
December 16, 2023 UPDATE

BUDGET The 2024 state budget and social security budget bills will be reviewed by Parliament’s specialist committees as of Monday. On Tuesday the draft laws will be discussed in a joint plenary
meeting, with a final vote expected on Wednesday. The budget is based on a 3.4%
economic growth rate, with investments amounting to 7% of GDP and the largest
appropriations in history for public education. PM Marcel Ciolacu dismissed
claims that the figures are over-optimistic, and voiced his confidence that budget
revenues would be raised from 27% to 30% of GDP. Under the bill, as of June 1
whole-economy minimum wages will be around EUR 745. Ciolacu also said he was
counting on better EU fund absorption, on improved tax collection and on
curbing tax evasion.

EU President Klaus Iohannis says the EU winter summit, which came to an
end in Brussels on Friday, will be remembered for the historic decision to
initiate accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. The
Romanian official encouraged the government of Moldova to step up the reforms
required for EU integration. As for Ukraine, the president of the European
Commission,Ursula von der Leyen, says
the decision was a promise kept and an investment in stability and security. EU
leaders also discussed the Israel-Hamas war, and condemned the continuing
hostilities with growing numbers of victims among Palestinian civilians in Gaza
and the West Bank. They argued that peace will only be achieved through a
two-state solution. A revision of the 2021-2027 Multi-Annual Financial
Framework, support for Ukraine, security and defence, migration and the future
EU Strategic Agenda were also discussed at the European Council meeting on
Thursday and Friday in Brussels.

COMMEMORATION In Timişoara (west) events were organised to mark 34 years
since the start of the 1989 Revolution which eventually led to the fall of
dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu’s communist regime. The rally in support of the
Reformed pastor László Tőkés, who was under political police (Securitate)
surveillance, turned into an uprising against the communist dictatorship. In
this context, the Revolution Memorial was opened to the public in Timişoara on
Saturday. The organisers prepared a complex programme, providing information on
the events of 1989. The commemoration also includes exhibitions, concerts, a
special meeting of the Local Council, and a commemorative march. In this
context, the Senate Speaker Nicolae Ciucă said in a message that the sacrifice
and courage of Timişoara’s heroes were the foundation of today’s free and
democratic Romania.

UNEMPLOYMENT Around 63% of the Romanians aged 15 to 64 had a job in
July-September, according to the National Statistics Institute. The
unemployment rate was 5%, but among youth aged 15 to 24 the rate reaches 22%. The
economic analyst Constantin Rudniţchi says the INS data is not very different
from previous reports and that the Romanian labour market is below its
potential. As for unemployment, he believes the overall trend is to look for
and to create jobs. Rudniţchi believes the most urgent issue to be the one
million Romanians who are outside the social and employment system, i.e. who
are neither in school nor employed.

AGREEMENT Romania, Turkey and Bulgaria intend to sign an agreement on
January 11, 2024, concerning a joint plan to remove mines floating in the Black
Sea as a result of the war in Ukraine, the Turkish defence minister Yasar Guler
said, according to Reuters. Officials from the 3 NATO member states met with
the authorities of Georgia, Poland and Ukraine in April 2022 to discuss the
issue, and also discussed the plan in a NATO meeting in Brussels in October and
in Ankara, last month. Yasar Guler explained that the initiative will only
include Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria for the time being, and the signing
ceremony will take place in Istanbul.

FAIR A special Christmas fair was opened at the Săvârşin Castle of
Romania’s late King Michael I. The organiser, Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of
the Crown of Romania, said the event was intended to promote and preserve the
authenticity of Christmas traditions. It is something spiritual, and we often
forget that Christmas has grown a little too commercial. So we are glad to have
valuable people here, she said. On the estate in Arad County, western Romania,
a Royal Automobile Museum, a souvenir shop, the auto repair shop of King
Michael I and a Tea House are also opened to the public. During the event, carol
performances and handicraft exhibitions are also organised for the visitors. (AMP)

16 December 2023
December 16, 2023

BUDGET The 2024 state budget and social security budget bills will be reviewed by Parliament’s specialist committees as of Monday. On Tuesday the draft laws will be discussed in a joint plenary
meeting, with a final vote expected on Wednesday. On Thursday night the
government passed the two bills, which rely on better spending of EU funds and
on improving tax collection by means of a more efficient operation of the
national tax agency and on curbing tax evasion. PM Marcel Ciolacu, the leader
of the Social Democratic Party, spoke about an increase of budget revenues from
27% to 30% of GDP. According to him, the 2024 budget earmarks the largest
funding in Romania’s history for education and investments. The Opposition, on
the other hand, says the budget is based on unrealistic figures and that
payment of public pensions will be a major problem next year.

EU President Klaus Iohannis says the EU winter summit, which came to an
end in Brussels on Friday, will be remembered for the historic decision to initiate
accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. The Romanian
official encouraged the government of Moldova to step up the reforms required
for EU integration. As for Ukraine, the president of the European Commission,Ursula von der Leyen, says the
decision was a promise kept and an investment in stability and security. EU
leaders also discussed the Israel-Hamas war, and condemned the continuing
hostilities with growing numbers of victims among Palestinian civilians in Gaza
and the West Bank. They argued that peace will only be achieved through a
two-state solution. A revision of the 2021-2027 Multi-Annual Financial
Framework, support for Ukraine, securitaty and defence, migration and the
future EU Strategic Agenda were also discussed at the European Council meeting
on Thursday and Friday in Brussels.

COMMEMORATION Romania marks today 34 years since the start of the 1989 Revolution
in Timişoara (west) which eventually led to the fall of dictator Nicolae
Ceauşescu’s communist regime. In this context, the Revolution Memorial was
opened to the public in Timişoara on Saturday. The organisers prepared a
complex programme, providing information on the events of 1989, with a special
section for the visually impaired.

ISRAEL Hundreds of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Friday night,
following an announcement that 3 Gaza hostages had been accidentally killed by
Israeli troops. The protesters demanded that the government immediately signed
a deal to free the remaining hostages. Over 100 people are still captive in
Gaza, after being kidnapped by Hamas in the October 7th attacks on Israel.
Meanwhile, humanitarian aid will reach Gaza via an Israeli checkpoint, for the
first time since the start of the war, after Israel authorised access through
the Kerem Shalom checkpoint. So far humanitarian aid could only go through the Rafah
checkpoint from Egypt. After more than 2 months of armed conflict and the siege
imposed by Israel since October 9th, living standards in Gaza Strip
are described by the UN and NGOs for Palestinian civilians as a nightmare. According
to the UN, some 1.9 million people, accounting for 85% of the region’s
population, have been relocated. (AMP)

16 December 2023
Romania supports the Republic of Moldova

Romania firmly supports the start of EU accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova the president Klaus Iohannis reiterated. In a post on a social network, Iohannis announced that he had a telephone conversation with the Moldovan president, Maia Sandu, on the most important European issues, with focus on the preparation of decisions regarding the Republic of Moldova at this weeks European Council. These days, Klaus Iohannis is participating in European summits in Brussels, a context in which he will support decisions related to the start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, which obtained the status of candidate countries last year.

According to Klaus Iohannis, the European Union must get closer and give clear signs both to the Western Balkans states and to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, especially in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Recently, the Moldovan prime minister, Dorin Recean, has admitted that opening EU accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova might be postponed until March. He insisted, however, that postponing these negotiations would be a big strategic mistake, which Moscow will take advantage of.

In a telephone conversation with his Moldovan counterpart, the Romanian PM Marcel Ciolacu gave assurances that the Romanian government would continue to strongly support Chișinăus European path. In the context of the European Council in Brussels, he emphasized the active support that Romania gives to the Republic of Moldova for the start of EU accession negotiations. The Romanian Government will continue to strongly support the European path of the Republic of Moldova and to be a reliable partner in the entire accession process Marcel Ciolacu said.

Also, during the phone conversation, the two also discussed bilateral cooperation projects, especially in the fields of cross-border energy interconnections and the financial assistance that Romania provides for the development of the Republic of Moldova. In support of the neighboring state, the two governments also signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the implementation of projects necessary to interconnect the natural gas and electricity networks. Thus, according to the Romanian energy minister, Sebastian Burduja, Romania will contribute decisively to the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and to its integration into the European energy market. Through this Memorandum and through the recent steps, the Republic of Moldova totally and irreversibly integrates into the single European energy market, at the same time increasing its energy security.

In Brussels, Klaus Iohannis will also support the granting of candidate status to Georgia, as well as the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Romania will also support the rapprochement and integration of these states based on merits and accession criteria, and in this sense Ukraine and Moldova are, by far, the favorites for a Council decision regarding the start of accession negotiations, thanks to the reforms they made. (LS)

13 December 2023
December 12, 2023 UPDATE

MOLDOVA The president of Romania Klaus Iohannis had talks on Tuesday with
his Moldovan counterpart, Maia Sandu, during which he reiterated Romania’s
support for Moldova’s EU accession efforts. Romania, Iohannis emphasised, firmly
supports the opening of EU accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova.
Wednesday through Friday president Iohannis takes part in the EU – Western Balkans
Summit and the European Council meeting in Brussels, in which context he will
plead for a decision with respect to the start of accession negotiations with
Ukraine and Moldova. Also on Tuesday, the Romanian PM Marcel Ciolacu had a telephone
conversation with the Moldovan PM Dorin
Recean, in which he reiterated Bucharest’s steady support for the neighbouring
country’s EU accession. The two prime ministers also discussed bilateral
cooperation projects, especially in the field of cross-border energy
interconnection and the financial assistance provided by Romania for Moldova’s
development.

SCHENGEN The Romanian interior
minister Cătălin Predoiu highlighted, in a statement following the Salzburg
Forum in Slovenia on Tuesday, the progress made in the talks concerning Romania’s
Schengen accession. He said he had talks regarding the technical options for a
decision to be made in December. As regards the fears concerning the transfer
of illegal migrants in Austria, Predoiu explained that those concerns exclusively
relate to the migrants originally registered in Romania. According to the
current Dublin regulation, once captured in Austria and proved to be illegal
migrants, these individuals are returned to the country from which they came, the
Romanian official added. In 2023, 120 people were in this situation, Predoiu
mentioned.

ECONOMY Romania’s budget deficit in 2024 will be
below 5% of GDP, lower than at the end of this year. According to the Romanian
government made up of the Social Democratic Party and the National Liberal
Party, next year substantial additional funding will be earmarked for public
education, healthcare, transports and investments. Under the draft 2024 state
budget, salaries in the public sector as well as pensions will be raised. The
government promises that all these increases will be operated without
concurrent tax raises. The leaders of the ruling coalition parties rely on a
planned set of measures to increase budget revenue collection and curb tax
evasion, as well as on the digitization of the national tax agency.

AGREEMENT
The Romanian foreign ministry took note of the publication of the Russian
Federation’s government decision to withdraw from the bilateral agreement of
2005 concerning the opening of a Romanian consulate general in Rostov-on-Don. According
to a news release issued on Tuesday, Romania has not been officially notified
yet on this decision. At present, apart from the embassy in Moscow, Romania
also operates a consular office in Rostov-on-Don and one in Sankt Petersburg. This
summer the Romanian foreign ministry requested Moscow to reduce the number of
diplomatic personnel at the Russian embassy in Bucharest by 40.

VISIT The PM of
Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, Tuesday received the foreign minister and deputy PM of
the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, in which context the head of the
Romanian government emphasised that the excellent dynamics of bilateral
relations ensure great potential to the bilateral cooperation towards the
interconnection between Europe and the Caspian Sea region. According to a news
release issued by the Romanian government, the Romanian PM hailed the upward
trend of the political dialogue and economic cooperation between the two
countries and mentioned that Kazakhstan is Romania’s largest economic partner
in Central Asia. As regards the cooperation in the energy sector, the two
parties agreed to encourage cooperation in order to enhance the security of
energy supplies for the EU member states as well as for the Republic of Moldova
and Ukraine, reads the news release. The two officials also discussed the
regional security situation in the context of Russia’s military aggression in
Ukraine.

TENNIS The
Romanian tennis player Simona Halep will be heard at the Court of Arbitration
for Sport in Lausanne on February 7-9, in proceedings initiated by Halep
against the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). In October, the twice
Grand Slam winner lodged an appeal with the CAS against her 4-year suspension
for doping. The Romanian athlete was penalised for two separate violations of
the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme, the first one concerning the identification
of a banned substance at the 2022 US Open, and the second one concerning
irregularities in her biological passport. (AMP)

12 December 2023
December 9, 2023

Ukraine — The Romanian FM, Luminiţa Odobescu, reiterated, on Friday, Romanias support for opening accession negotiations between the EU and Ukraine, a topic which, along with the launch of a similar action for the Republic of Moldova, will dominate the European summit scheduled, in one week, in Brussels. During the discussions in Bucharest, the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Ştefanișina thanked Romania for the constructive dialogue related to the prospects of accession and pointed out that her country made enormous efforts to overcome the obstacles in the way of reforms. The deputy prime minister also recalled that the Ukrainian parliament adopted, on Friday, the amendments to the National Minorities Law, in order to implement the latest recommendations of the European institutions. On November 8, 2023, the European Commission positively assessed Ukraines reforms in the field of rule of law and fighting corruption, but asked Kyiv to make rapid improvements to the law on the use of national minorities languages in the education system and the public space, according to the Venice Commissions recommendations. The decision to launch accession negotiations requires unanimity from the 27 member states, but is threatened by the opposition of the Hungarian PM Viktor Orban.

Timişoara – 80,000 people have so far visited the Brâncusi Exhibition, open at the National Art Museum in Timişoara (western Romania) until January 28, 2024. According to the authorities, it is the most successful event of the European Capital of Culture program and represents the debut of major artistic projects. Timişoara officially ended the European Capital of Culture program with a festive gala held on Friday evening at the Palace of Culture. “Timişoara 2023 has shown that we can imagine a creative and prosperous future of solidarity, not just for our city, but for the entire Europe”, said the mayor of the city, Dominic Fritz. “A future of Europe where our unity is built on diversity, not uniformity. A future of Europe in which we lead from cross-border regions, not just from the capitals. Investments in culture are not a luxury, but the very foundation on which we build” Dominic Fritz went to say. The events that mark the end of the Timişoara European Capital of Culture program continue tonight with a concert by Katie Melua and an aerial acrobatics show, and on Sunday Jessie J and Roisin Murphy, international stars with thousands of fans around the world, will take the stage.

Swimming – At the European Short Course Swimming Championships Otopeni 2023, Andrei Ungur won, on Friday evening, the first medal for Romania, bronze in the 100m backstroke. Today, David Popovici is participating in the final of the 200 m freestyle, in which he qualified with the best time. Romania is participating in the European Championships with a team of 21 athletes (7 girls and 14 boys), selected based on the performance shown at the National Short Course Championships from November 9-12, also held in Otopeni. At the previous edition of the European short course championship, which took place in Kazan (Russia), in 2021, David Popovici won the gold medal in the 200 m freestyle, and Robert Glința won silver in the 100 m backstroke and bronze in the 50m backstroke. At the 2022 Short Course World Championships in Melbourne, Popovici won silver in the 200m freestyle.

Tel Aviv – Fighting has intensified in Gaza, with Israeli forces launching strikes across the GAza Strip. The deathtoll in Gaza reached almost 17,500, according to the Palestinians. In Ramallah, in the West Bank, the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, called for an immediate ceasefire and a lasting peace, guaranteed by the great powers. A cease-fire was also requested by a resolution put to a vote in the UN Security Council, but it was blocked by a veto by the US, while 13 countries voted in favor and Great Britain abstained. On the other hand, Washington is putting pressure on Israel to take measures to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza and supports the idea of shorter-term ceasefires. Pressure for a ceasefire is also building in Israel, where the families of hostages still in Hamas hands fear that they might be killed during the clashes. (LS)

9 December 2023