Radio România Internațional

Tag: national

  • Athlete of the week

    Athlete of the week


    Romania’s best performance as part of The
    European Rallies’ Championship in the modern era. This
    is the rating of Romanian Sports Automobile Federation for this past weekend’s
    performance of Simone Tempestini. In the second stage of the European Rallies’ Championship,
    the Azores Islands’ Rally, the Italian-born Romanian rally driver came in 4th.
    For his notable feat as part of the rally in the Atlantic archipelago, Radio
    Romania International has designated Tempestini the Athlete of the Week.


    According to Agerpres News Agency, in the
    Azores islands rally, Simone Tempestini and his co-driver, Sergiu Itu, also won
    two special events, coming in second in other three. The Tempestini / Itu crew,
    driving a Skoda Fabia R5, were outclassed by 50 seconds and 4 tenths of a second
    by the all-Spanish winning crew made of Efren Llarena and Sara Fernandez, who
    clocked 2 hours, 24 minutes, 58 seconds and 3 tenths of a second. The Romanian
    crew’s exceptional trail somehow balanced out their unassuming debut in the ongoing
    season. We recall that two weeks ago Tempestini and Itu had to abandon the race
    in the first stage of the European Rallies Championship held in Portugal, when
    they were a mere 10 kilometers away from finishing the race. At the moment, Tempestini
    is 8th placed according to the general rankings, with 23 points. With 45 points, Portuguese driver Armindo Araujo is at the top of the table. Following in descending order are Spaniards Efren
    Llarena and Nil Solans, with 42 and 32 points, respectively.


    Many-time
    Romania’s national rally champion Simone Tempestini was born on August 12,
    1994, in Treviso, Italy. He came to Romania with his father, Marco Tempestini, who was hired as a professional rally driver as a
    member of the Cluj-based Napoca Rally Academy team. It was also with Napoca
    Rally Academy team that, while still a junior competitor, Simone made his debut
    in 2009. In 2016 Simone became a world juniors’ champion. Simone was granted
    the Romanian citizenship also in 2016.


    (EN)

  • Athlete of the week

    Athlete of the week


    Romania’s best performance as part of The
    European Rallies’ Championship in the modern era. This
    is the rating of Romanian Sports Automobile Federation for this past weekend’s
    performance of Simone Tempestini. In the second stage of the European Rallies’ Championship,
    the Azores Islands’ Rally, the Italian-born Romanian rally driver came in 4th.
    For his notable feat as part of the rally in the Atlantic archipelago, Radio
    Romania International has designated Tempestini the Athlete of the Week.


    According to Agerpres News Agency, in the
    Azores islands rally, Simone Tempestini and his co-driver, Sergiu Itu, also won
    two special events, coming in second in other three. The Tempestini / Itu crew,
    driving a Skoda Fabia R5, were outclassed by 50 seconds and 4 tenths of a second
    by the all-Spanish winning crew made of Efren Llarena and Sara Fernandez, who
    clocked 2 hours, 24 minutes, 58 seconds and 3 tenths of a second. The Romanian
    crew’s exceptional trail somehow balanced out their unassuming debut in the ongoing
    season. We recall that two weeks ago Tempestini and Itu had to abandon the race
    in the first stage of the European Rallies Championship held in Portugal, when
    they were a mere 10 kilometers away from finishing the race. At the moment, Tempestini
    is 8th placed according to the general rankings, with 23 points. With 45 points, Portuguese driver Armindo Araujo is at the top of the table. Following in descending order are Spaniards Efren
    Llarena and Nil Solans, with 42 and 32 points, respectively.


    Many-time
    Romania’s national rally champion Simone Tempestini was born on August 12,
    1994, in Treviso, Italy. He came to Romania with his father, Marco Tempestini, who was hired as a professional rally driver as a
    member of the Cluj-based Napoca Rally Academy team. It was also with Napoca
    Rally Academy team that, while still a junior competitor, Simone made his debut
    in 2009. In 2016 Simone became a world juniors’ champion. Simone was granted
    the Romanian citizenship also in 2016.


    (EN)

  • March 13, 2022 UPDATE

    March 13, 2022 UPDATE

    VISIT The Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid thanked Romania, during a
    visit to Bucharest on Sunday, for the assistance given to Ukrainian refugees,
    especially Israelis, and praised the long-lasting Israeli-Romanian friendship.
    He called on the Russian Federation to resolve the conflict with Ukraine
    through negotiations. We will do everything in our power to reach a solution
    for peace. We are working together with our allies-the US and European
    partners-to try to end this tragedy as soon as possible, the Israeli foreign
    minister said. In turn, the Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu reiterated
    Romania’s commitment to providing continuing assistance for the evacuation of
    Israeli citizens and Jewish people from Ukraine. The severe multidimensional
    crisis caused by Russia’s illegal military aggression against Ukraine is not
    just a regional problem, not only a European problem, but has effects on a
    global scale, Bogdan Aurescu said. During his meeting with the Israeli
    official, the Romanian PM Nicolae Ciucǎ firmly condemned Russia’s unprovoked,
    unjustified and illegal aggression in Ukraine, and praised the EU’s and NATO’s
    strong and unified response to consolidate the eastern flank and to guarantee
    security.


    CONSULTATIONS The Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu is having political
    consultations in Bucharest on Monday with his Italian counterpart Luigi Di
    Maio. The visit takes place in the context of Russia’s illegal military
    aggression in Ukraine and of Italy’s interest in supporting the management of
    the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Bogdan Aurescu and Luigi Di Maio will discuss
    means to manage the multiple effects of the Russian invasion, on efforts to
    stop the conflict, on sanctions against Russia and on consolidating NATO’s
    eastern flank. On the other hand, the 2 foreign ministers will discuss means to
    develop and deepen the Romanian-Italian consolidated strategic partnership and
    the bilateral and sectoral economic cooperation.


    FOODSTUFF The agriculture minister Adrian Chesnoiu once again promised on
    Sunday that Romania does not run the risk of a foodstuff crisis. In a meeting with
    representatives of retail chains and Romanian sunflower oil producers, he said
    Romania produces enough food to cover the national demand. He also recommended
    that people refrain from buying more than they need, so that everybody may have
    access to basic food stuffs. The statements come after substantial amounts of
    sunflower oil were purchased in recent days for fear that shops would run out
    of this product. Speculations on the topic are fuelled by the fact that
    war-affected Ukraine is the world’s biggest sunflower seed exporter. Romanian
    authorities promised that Romania has sufficient foodstuff stocks, including
    sunflower oil. Just days before, for fear of skyrocketing fuel prices,
    unprecedented queuing was reported in petrol stations. The previous weekend,
    foreign currency was heavily purchased in Romania, amid rumours that the
    national currency would plummet. Romanian authorities warned once again that
    such fake news is designed to create panic among people.


    CENSUS Beginning on March 14, for 4 months, data will be collected for a
    population and household census in Romania. The operation is conducted every 10
    years and is necessary for the production of official national and European
    statistics. The census was originally scheduled to take place last year, but
    was postponed over the COVID-19 pandemic. This year brings a novelty, in that
    self-census options are available. Self-census is done online, based on a
    simple procedure, according to the authorities. Citizens are to fill in an
    online pre-registration form at www.recensamantromania.ro, followed by the
    questionnaires for each member of the household. Those who do not want or
    cannot fill in those forms will be assisted by census operators in door-to-door
    visits.


    REFUGEES The Romanian transport ministry launched an app for the Ukrainian
    refugees. The app includes information in Ukrainian, English and Romanian on
    the green transport corridors in Romania, covering areas like the road, railway
    and air network, customs, train stations, petrol stations and airports. Ukrainian
    refugees may travel free of charge in Romania, based on a government resolution
    in this respect. Moreover, the emergency number 112 and the special children
    emergency number, 119, are available for calls in Ukrainian as well. Additional
    measures were taken in border checkpoints to prevent human trafficking. As of
    Friday, another online platform has also been available, centralising
    assistance offers for displaced Ukrainians. On Saturday, several cities in
    Romania saw various solidarity actions with Ukraine. In Bucharest, the National
    Arena hosted a charity concert for refugees, with over 35 Romanian and foreign
    artists taking part, which raised some EUR 800,000. Solidarity events were also
    organised in Constanţa, Iaşi, Cluj-Napoca, Piatra Neamţ and Roman. Around 400,000
    Ukrainian nationals have entered Romania since the start of the Russian
    invasion. Many of them have already left for Western Europe.


    UKRAINE Russian shelling continued in Ukraine on Sunday. NATO expects the
    fighting and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine to get worse in the coming days.
    The Alliance’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has once again called on
    Vladimir Putin to stop the war, to pull out all troops and accept
    diplomacy. In Vatican, Pope Francis voiced on Sunday his harshest
    condemnation yet of the war in Ukraine, saying that the unacceptable
    armed aggression must end. Pope Francis added that bombing hospitals and
    other civilian targets is barbaric and has no valid strategic reason.


    COVID-19 1,626 new SARS-CoV-2 infection cases were reported in Romania for
    the past 24 hours. According to the health ministry, 26 related deaths were
    also registered on Sunday, 5 of them from a previous date. Over 3,700 patients
    are hospitalised, 580 of whom are in intensive care. On March 9th Romania
    lifted all Covid-related restrictions, and no more rules are in place to
    prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (A.M.P.)

  • January 14, 2022 UPDATE

    January 14, 2022 UPDATE

    ENERGY The
    Romanian government is planning an emergency order within the coalition formed
    by the National Liberal Party, the Social Democratic Party and the Democratic
    Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania, to support the citizens affected by the
    rise in electricity and natural gas prices. This announcement was made by prime
    minister Nicolae Ciucă after a meeting of the three-party council for social
    dialogue. He said protection measures will expand beyond 1st April based on a
    special bill. Trade unions say electricity and natural gas prices should be
    capped at the level of December 2020, before deregulation, both at the
    producers’ end, and at the suppliers’ end, for at least another six months,
    even a year. They say the cap should be uniform for the population and small
    businesses.


    FOREIGN POLICY The EU hopes to convince the Russian president Vladimir Putin through
    dialogue to give up his intentions to attack Ukraine, but it is also preparing
    tough sanctions to discourage Russia, the EU foreign ministers convening in
    Brest, France concluded on Friday. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent
    in Paris, the French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, whose country is
    holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council, said Europeans are united
    and determined to make their voice heard. The EU foreign ministers are
    preparing sanctions against Moscow, and new talks on the matter are scheduled
    to take place in Brussels on January 24. Romania was represented in Brest by
    foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu who, according to the Foreign Ministry, pleaded
    for a number of elements that best reflect Romania’s interests. He said the
    EU’s partnership with NATO and the US must be clearly emphasised, and stressed
    the importance of presenting appropriately the current security situation in
    the Eastern Neighbourhood, including the Black Sea region.


    COVID-19 Romania reported on Friday almost 9,900 new Covid cases, 60% more than a
    week ago, as well as 30 deaths, including three recorded earlier. Some 450
    Covid patients are in intensive care. 230 outpatient centres are now available
    across the country for the persons infected with Covid to check their health
    condition and receive free antiviral medicine based on daytime hospitalisation,
    irrespective of whether they have health insurance. Health minister Alexandru
    Rafila says it is very important for patients to use these centres, unless they
    are in critical situation, thus lowering pressure on hospitals.


    LIST The National Committee for Emergency Situations updated the list of
    high COVID risk countries. All countries in the EU and the European Economic Area
    remain in the red tier, along with non-EU countries like Turkey, Israel and the
    US. South Africa, Brazil and India are no longer included in the red list. Among
    Romania’s neighbouring countries Serbia is on the yellow list, whereas Ukraine
    and the Republic of Moldova are now in the green tier. The new list takes
    effect on January 16.


    CULTURE DAY Romania’s National
    Culture Day is again celebrated this year through numerous concerts,
    performances, exhibitions, guided tours and workshops. We have a sacred
    duty. To honour our personalities, our works of art and our national
    heritage, said culture minister Lucian Romaşcanu, adding: I’m
    encouraging all Romanians, of all ages, to continue to respect their history,
    national identity and traditions, for they are the only visiting card that
    never loses its currency. National Culture Day has been celebrated for
    the last 12 years on 15th January, on the anniversary of the birth of national
    poet Mihai Eminescu. As part of the programme of events held this year, the
    Romanian Academy Friday hosted a special event attended by leading local
    cultural figures. (tr. A.M.P., C.M.)

  • Sports roundup

    Sports roundup


    In the regional ice-hockey competition Erste Liga,
    Sport Club Miercurea Ciuc Sunday defeated the Hungarian side Dunaújvárosi
    Acélbikák, 7-2. In a separate game, Braşov Wolves beat Újpest Budapest 3-1. Sport
    Club tops the competition ranking with 59 points out of 26 games. Next comes Újpest,
    with 53 points in 27 games, and Ferencváros Budapest, with 52 points in 23 matches.


    Also in hockey, this week the city of Brașov is
    hosting the World Junior Championships, 2nd Division, Group A
    matches. The competition brings together players of under 20 years of age. Taking
    part are the national junior teams of Italy, the UK, South Korea, Spain,
    Lithuania and Romania.


    In men’s handball, Dinamo Bucharest saw its first
    defeat in the current National League season. The defending champions lost on Saturday,
    away from home, to Minaur Baia Mare, 27-29. Dinamo had won its first 12 matches
    in the championship. Topping the current standings are Dobrogea Sud Constanța, which
    defeated HC Buzău 21-19 in an away match on Sunday. The Constanţa team has 40
    points in 15 matches, and are followed by Dinamo, with 36 points in 13 games, and
    Steaua, with 36 points in 14 games.



    Over
    the weekend, matches were played counting towards the 19th leg of
    Romania’s top football league. On Friday, Academica Clinceni beat FC U Craiova 2-1,
    while Rapid won against FC Argeș, 2-0 on Bucharest’s National Arena. On Saturday,
    UTA Arad and FC Botoșani drew 0-all, with another draw reported in the match
    between FC Voluntari and Universitatea Craiova. Also on Saturday, FCSB beat Gaz
    Metan Mediaș, 1-0. On Sunday, Sepsi Sfântul Gheorghe defeated Farul Constanța 1-0,
    the same score reported in the match pitting CFR Cluj against CS Mioveni.

    CFR
    Cluj are top of the tables, with 51 points, followed by FCSB, with 43. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • Sports roundup

    Sports roundup


    In the regional ice-hockey competition Erste Liga,
    Sport Club Miercurea Ciuc Sunday defeated the Hungarian side Dunaújvárosi
    Acélbikák, 7-2. In a separate game, Braşov Wolves beat Újpest Budapest 3-1. Sport
    Club tops the competition ranking with 59 points out of 26 games. Next comes Újpest,
    with 53 points in 27 games, and Ferencváros Budapest, with 52 points in 23 matches.


    Also in hockey, this week the city of Brașov is
    hosting the World Junior Championships, 2nd Division, Group A
    matches. The competition brings together players of under 20 years of age. Taking
    part are the national junior teams of Italy, the UK, South Korea, Spain,
    Lithuania and Romania.


    In men’s handball, Dinamo Bucharest saw its first
    defeat in the current National League season. The defending champions lost on Saturday,
    away from home, to Minaur Baia Mare, 27-29. Dinamo had won its first 12 matches
    in the championship. Topping the current standings are Dobrogea Sud Constanța, which
    defeated HC Buzău 21-19 in an away match on Sunday. The Constanţa team has 40
    points in 15 matches, and are followed by Dinamo, with 36 points in 13 games, and
    Steaua, with 36 points in 14 games.



    Over
    the weekend, matches were played counting towards the 19th leg of
    Romania’s top football league. On Friday, Academica Clinceni beat FC U Craiova 2-1,
    while Rapid won against FC Argeș, 2-0 on Bucharest’s National Arena. On Saturday,
    UTA Arad and FC Botoșani drew 0-all, with another draw reported in the match
    between FC Voluntari and Universitatea Craiova. Also on Saturday, FCSB beat Gaz
    Metan Mediaș, 1-0. On Sunday, Sepsi Sfântul Gheorghe defeated Farul Constanța 1-0,
    the same score reported in the match pitting CFR Cluj against CS Mioveni.

    CFR
    Cluj are top of the tables, with 51 points, followed by FCSB, with 43. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • National Day, celebrated in Romania and abroad

    National Day, celebrated in Romania and abroad

    On the 1st December 1918, in Alba Iulia,
    central Romania, Transylvania joined the Kingdom of Romania, and that day is
    now celebrated by all Romanians as National Day.


    More than a century later, Romanians everywhere marked
    their National Day amid restrictions entailed by the coronavirus pandemic. In his
    address, president Klaus Iohannis said the country’s main goals are democracy, a
    future within the EU and strengthening the rule of law, so as to produce prosperity
    for all citizens. We are celebrating National Day at a time of suffering and concern.
    The COVID-19 pandemic is still the painful reality of our times, said Klaus
    Iohannis, but he also sent a message of encouragement, respect and gratitude:


    Klaus Iohannis: The lesson of solidarity is more useful and timely than
    ever. History has proved, time and again, that united we can adapt to any trends
    and occurrences and that overcoming all challenges depends on our determination,
    as a nation. Just like in so many other critical moments in our past, we have today
    the necessary resources, the right instruments and the will to succeed. So I urge
    you all to look ahead with hope!


    In Bucharest, some 1,500 troops and over 100 vehicles
    took part in the traditional military parade at the Arch of Triumph, while
    around 30 military aircraft flew over the city. It was the second parade since
    the pandemic broke out, but the first that the public were able to attend.


    Thousands also attended the military parade in Alba
    Iulia, in which over 500 troops, accompanied by land and air combat equipment,
    took part. The ceremonies continued with folklore performances and a drone show.


    In Timișoara (west), National Day was celebrated with
    a military and religious ceremony, followed by a brief march by the Guard of
    Honour.


    On the National Day of Romania, we thank you for your
    friendship and for all the good things we have done and will do together in the
    future, the president of the neighbouring Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu said
    in a message.


    Celebrations were organised around the world, either
    by Romania’s diplomatic offices abroad or by Romanian communities. In Israel, National
    Day was marked in Tel Aviv by Romanian and Israeli officials, who praised the
    bilateral relations and the growing cooperation between the 2 countries.

    The Romanian
    Embassy in Italy organised a concert in the presence of over 600 Romanian and
    Italian politicians, diplomats, and other participants. Romania’s National Day reminds
    us, first and foremost, of the will of our forefathers, of our cultural,
    political and diplomatic elites, to fight for the ideal of national unity, the
    Ambassador of Romania to London, Laura Popescu, said in turn in a message to
    all Romanians. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • November 30, 2021 UPDATE

    November 30, 2021 UPDATE

    COVID-19 Over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours were reported on
    Tuesday in Romania, along with 147 deaths, 17 of which from a previous date. Doctors
    warn that although ambulance services are receiving fewer requests for home
    testing, a large number of teams are still being deployed. After several states
    announced finding the Omicron variant of the virus, which has over 50 mutations,
    tests in Romania are now taking into account this strain as well. Meanwhile,
    the vaccination rate remains low, with only around 9,500 people getting the
    first dose and almost twice as many the booster dose on Tuesday. However, the
    low number may be owing to the fact that October 30 was a banking holiday in
    Romania.


    REPATRIATION The Romanian nationals stranded in South Africa following
    the suspension of flights to the EU over the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, were
    brought to the country on Tuesday. The Tarom aircraft that brought them landed
    at the Military Base 90 instead of Otopeni Airport near Bucharest, as
    originally announced. The measure was taken because of concerns with infection
    risks. All the passengers will be tested and quarantined. The seats available
    in the Tarom aircraft that flew to Pretoria were offered to other EU member
    states to repatriate their own citizens, as part of the European civil
    protection mechanism. In related news, PM Nicolae Ciuca said the 72 Romanian
    tourists stranded in Morocco will also be repatriated by a Tarom aircraft on
    Thursday. Meanwhile, the authorities will try to find out whether there are any
    other Romanian nationals in the area. The foreign ministry urges citizens to
    analyse the situation carefully before traveling to countries affected by the
    new coronavirus variant and to check out the COVID-19 Travel Warnings section
    on the institution’s home page.


    NATO A meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Riga, Latvia,
    continues on Wednesday, with the Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu taking
    part. The meeting is a major landmark in preparing negotiations on NATO’s new
    Strategic Concept and for the summit due in Madrid next year. Minister Bogdan
    Aurescu will reiterate Romania’s support for preparing the new Strategic Concept,
    able to provide adequate response instruments to the challenges of the current
    security environment. According to the foreign ministry, Aurescu will also
    discuss the latest security developments in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the
    need to carry on efforts to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in
    a coherent and comprehensive manner for the entire Eastern Flank, including the
    Black Sea region.


    ST. ANDREW Christians around the world
    celebrated on Tuesday St. Andrew’s feast day. Andrew the Apostle is the patron
    saint of Romania. He spread the word of God and baptized the first people in
    today’s Dobrogea, on
    the Black Sea coast. St. Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped
    cross in the city of Patras, in Greece. Over 900,000 Romanians are named
    after St. Andrew the Apostle.


    NATIONAL DAY 1,500 troops, Interior and Defence Ministry staff, as well
    as foreign military will take part on Wednesday in a parade celebrating
    Romania’s National Day in Bucharest. According to the defence ministry, 100
    combat vehicles will also participate. In turn, the city of Alba Iulia will
    host a military parade, a photo exhibition and concerts to mark the occasion. Proclaimed
    a national holiday after the 1989 anti-communist revolution, December 1 marks the completion of the
    Romanian nation state in 1918, after World War 2, by the union of all
    territories with predominantly Romanian population.


    FAIR Romania is taking part, until December 2, in the 2nd
    edition of Egypt’s International Defence Expo, EDEX 2021, hosted by Cairo. Public
    defence companies as well as private operators will be present. Some 400
    companies from around the world are taking part in this year’s edition,
    showcasing the latest technologies in the field of defence. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • November 30, 2021

    November 30, 2021

    COVID-19 Over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours were reported on
    Tuesday in Romania, along with 147 deaths, 17 of which from a previous date. Doctors
    warn that although ambulance services are receiving fewer requests for home
    testing, a large number of teams are still being deployed. After several states
    announced finding the Omicron variant of the virus, which has over 50 mutations,
    tests in Romania are now taking into account this strain as well. Meanwhile,
    the vaccination rate remains low, with only around 12,800 people getting the
    first dose on Monday, and almost twice as many booster doses administered on
    the same day.


    REPATRIATION The Romanian nationals stranded in South Africa following
    the suspension of flights to the EU over the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, are
    scheduled to land today on Otopeni Airport near Bucharest. All the passengers
    will be tested and quarantined. The around 50 seats available in the Tarom aircraft
    that flew to Pretoria were offered to other EU member states to repatriate
    their own citizens, as part of the European civil protection mechanism. The
    Romanian foreign ministry announced today that after Moroccan authorities
    decided to suspend commercial flights to that country over Omicron concerns, the
    Romanian Embassy to Rabat is handling the situation of 72 Romanian tourists
    whose flights have been cancelled. The Romanian embassy has already taken steps
    to identify alternative flights. The foreign ministry urges citizens to analyse
    the situation carefully before traveling to countries affected by the new
    coronavirus variant and to check out the COVID-19 Travel Warnings section on
    the institution’s home page.


    NATO The Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu takes part on
    Tuesday and Wednesday in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers held in Riga, Latvia.
    The meeting is a major landmark in preparing negotiations on NATO’s new
    Strategic Concept and for the summit due in Madrid next year. Minister Bogdan
    Aurescu will reiterate Romania’s support for preparing the new Strategic Concept,
    able to provide adequate response instruments to the challenges of the current
    security environment. According to the foreign ministry, Aurescu will also
    discuss the latest security developments in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the
    need to carry on efforts to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in
    a coherent and comprehensive manner for the entire Eastern Flank, including the
    Black Sea region.


    ST. ANDREW Christians around the world
    celebrate today St. Andrew’s feast day. Andrew the Apostle is the patron saint
    of Romania. He spread the word of God and baptized the first people in today’s Dobrogea, on the Black Sea coast.
    St. Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross in the city of Patras,
    in Greece. Over 900,000 Romanians are named after St. Andrew the Apostle.


    FAIR Romania is taking part, until December 2, in the 2nd
    edition of Egypt’s International Defence Expo, EDEX 2021, hosted by Cairo. Public
    defence companies as well as private operators will be present. Some 400
    companies from around the world are taking part in this year’s edition,
    showcasing the latest technologies in the field of defence.


    NATIONAL DAY 1,500 troops, Interior and Defence Ministry staff, as well
    as foreign military will take part on December 1 in a parade celebrating
    Romania’s National Day in Bucharest. Alba Iulia will also host a military
    parade, a photo exhibition and concerts to mark the occasion. Proclaimed a
    national holiday after the 1989 anti-communist revolution, December 1 marks the completion of the
    Romanian nation state in 1918, after World War 2, by the union of all
    territories with predominantly Romanian population. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • November 30, 2021

    November 30, 2021

    COVID-19 Over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours were reported on
    Tuesday in Romania, along with 147 deaths, 17 of which from a previous date. Doctors
    warn that although ambulance services are receiving fewer requests for home
    testing, a large number of teams are still being deployed. After several states
    announced finding the Omicron variant of the virus, which has over 50 mutations,
    tests in Romania are now taking into account this strain as well. Meanwhile,
    the vaccination rate remains low, with only around 12,800 people getting the
    first dose on Monday, and almost twice as many booster doses administered on
    the same day.


    REPATRIATION The Romanian nationals stranded in South Africa following
    the suspension of flights to the EU over the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, are
    scheduled to land today on Otopeni Airport near Bucharest. All the passengers
    will be tested and quarantined. The around 50 seats available in the Tarom aircraft
    that flew to Pretoria were offered to other EU member states to repatriate
    their own citizens, as part of the European civil protection mechanism. The
    Romanian foreign ministry announced today that after Moroccan authorities
    decided to suspend commercial flights to that country over Omicron concerns, the
    Romanian Embassy to Rabat is handling the situation of 72 Romanian tourists
    whose flights have been cancelled. The Romanian embassy has already taken steps
    to identify alternative flights. The foreign ministry urges citizens to analyse
    the situation carefully before traveling to countries affected by the new
    coronavirus variant and to check out the COVID-19 Travel Warnings section on
    the institution’s home page.


    NATO The Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu takes part on
    Tuesday and Wednesday in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers held in Riga, Latvia.
    The meeting is a major landmark in preparing negotiations on NATO’s new
    Strategic Concept and for the summit due in Madrid next year. Minister Bogdan
    Aurescu will reiterate Romania’s support for preparing the new Strategic Concept,
    able to provide adequate response instruments to the challenges of the current
    security environment. According to the foreign ministry, Aurescu will also
    discuss the latest security developments in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the
    need to carry on efforts to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in
    a coherent and comprehensive manner for the entire Eastern Flank, including the
    Black Sea region.


    ST. ANDREW Christians around the world
    celebrate today St. Andrew’s feast day. Andrew the Apostle is the patron saint
    of Romania. He spread the word of God and baptized the first people in today’s Dobrogea, on the Black Sea coast.
    St. Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross in the city of Patras,
    in Greece. Over 900,000 Romanians are named after St. Andrew the Apostle.


    FAIR Romania is taking part, until December 2, in the 2nd
    edition of Egypt’s International Defence Expo, EDEX 2021, hosted by Cairo. Public
    defence companies as well as private operators will be present. Some 400
    companies from around the world are taking part in this year’s edition,
    showcasing the latest technologies in the field of defence.


    NATIONAL DAY 1,500 troops, Interior and Defence Ministry staff, as well
    as foreign military will take part on December 1 in a parade celebrating
    Romania’s National Day in Bucharest. Alba Iulia will also host a military
    parade, a photo exhibition and concerts to mark the occasion. Proclaimed a
    national holiday after the 1989 anti-communist revolution, December 1 marks the completion of the
    Romanian nation state in 1918, after World War 2, by the union of all
    territories with predominantly Romanian population. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • November 30, 2021

    November 30, 2021

    COVID-19 Over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours were reported on
    Tuesday in Romania, along with 147 deaths, 17 of which from a previous date. Doctors
    warn that although ambulance services are receiving fewer requests for home
    testing, a large number of teams are still being deployed. After several states
    announced finding the Omicron variant of the virus, which has over 50 mutations,
    tests in Romania are now taking into account this strain as well. Meanwhile,
    the vaccination rate remains low, with only around 12,800 people getting the
    first dose on Monday, and almost twice as many booster doses administered on
    the same day.


    REPATRIATION The Romanian nationals stranded in South Africa following
    the suspension of flights to the EU over the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, are
    scheduled to land today on Otopeni Airport near Bucharest. All the passengers
    will be tested and quarantined. The around 50 seats available in the Tarom aircraft
    that flew to Pretoria were offered to other EU member states to repatriate
    their own citizens, as part of the European civil protection mechanism. The
    Romanian foreign ministry announced today that after Moroccan authorities
    decided to suspend commercial flights to that country over Omicron concerns, the
    Romanian Embassy to Rabat is handling the situation of 72 Romanian tourists
    whose flights have been cancelled. The Romanian embassy has already taken steps
    to identify alternative flights. The foreign ministry urges citizens to analyse
    the situation carefully before traveling to countries affected by the new
    coronavirus variant and to check out the COVID-19 Travel Warnings section on
    the institution’s home page.


    NATO The Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu takes part on
    Tuesday and Wednesday in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers held in Riga, Latvia.
    The meeting is a major landmark in preparing negotiations on NATO’s new
    Strategic Concept and for the summit due in Madrid next year. Minister Bogdan
    Aurescu will reiterate Romania’s support for preparing the new Strategic Concept,
    able to provide adequate response instruments to the challenges of the current
    security environment. According to the foreign ministry, Aurescu will also
    discuss the latest security developments in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the
    need to carry on efforts to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in
    a coherent and comprehensive manner for the entire Eastern Flank, including the
    Black Sea region.


    ST. ANDREW Christians around the world
    celebrate today St. Andrew’s feast day. Andrew the Apostle is the patron saint
    of Romania. He spread the word of God and baptized the first people in today’s Dobrogea, on the Black Sea coast.
    St. Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross in the city of Patras,
    in Greece. Over 900,000 Romanians are named after St. Andrew the Apostle.


    FAIR Romania is taking part, until December 2, in the 2nd
    edition of Egypt’s International Defence Expo, EDEX 2021, hosted by Cairo. Public
    defence companies as well as private operators will be present. Some 400
    companies from around the world are taking part in this year’s edition,
    showcasing the latest technologies in the field of defence.


    NATIONAL DAY 1,500 troops, Interior and Defence Ministry staff, as well
    as foreign military will take part on December 1 in a parade celebrating
    Romania’s National Day in Bucharest. Alba Iulia will also host a military
    parade, a photo exhibition and concerts to mark the occasion. Proclaimed a
    national holiday after the 1989 anti-communist revolution, December 1 marks the completion of the
    Romanian nation state in 1918, after World War 2, by the union of all
    territories with predominantly Romanian population. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • November 30, 2021

    November 30, 2021

    COVID-19 Over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours were reported on
    Tuesday in Romania, along with 147 deaths, 17 of which from a previous date. Doctors
    warn that although ambulance services are receiving fewer requests for home
    testing, a large number of teams are still being deployed. After several states
    announced finding the Omicron variant of the virus, which has over 50 mutations,
    tests in Romania are now taking into account this strain as well. Meanwhile,
    the vaccination rate remains low, with only around 12,800 people getting the
    first dose on Monday, and almost twice as many booster doses administered on
    the same day.


    REPATRIATION The Romanian nationals stranded in South Africa following
    the suspension of flights to the EU over the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, are
    scheduled to land today on Otopeni Airport near Bucharest. All the passengers
    will be tested and quarantined. The around 50 seats available in the Tarom aircraft
    that flew to Pretoria were offered to other EU member states to repatriate
    their own citizens, as part of the European civil protection mechanism. The
    Romanian foreign ministry announced today that after Moroccan authorities
    decided to suspend commercial flights to that country over Omicron concerns, the
    Romanian Embassy to Rabat is handling the situation of 72 Romanian tourists
    whose flights have been cancelled. The Romanian embassy has already taken steps
    to identify alternative flights. The foreign ministry urges citizens to analyse
    the situation carefully before traveling to countries affected by the new
    coronavirus variant and to check out the COVID-19 Travel Warnings section on
    the institution’s home page.


    NATO The Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu takes part on
    Tuesday and Wednesday in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers held in Riga, Latvia.
    The meeting is a major landmark in preparing negotiations on NATO’s new
    Strategic Concept and for the summit due in Madrid next year. Minister Bogdan
    Aurescu will reiterate Romania’s support for preparing the new Strategic Concept,
    able to provide adequate response instruments to the challenges of the current
    security environment. According to the foreign ministry, Aurescu will also
    discuss the latest security developments in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the
    need to carry on efforts to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in
    a coherent and comprehensive manner for the entire Eastern Flank, including the
    Black Sea region.


    ST. ANDREW Christians around the world
    celebrate today St. Andrew’s feast day. Andrew the Apostle is the patron saint
    of Romania. He spread the word of God and baptized the first people in today’s Dobrogea, on the Black Sea coast.
    St. Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross in the city of Patras,
    in Greece. Over 900,000 Romanians are named after St. Andrew the Apostle.


    FAIR Romania is taking part, until December 2, in the 2nd
    edition of Egypt’s International Defence Expo, EDEX 2021, hosted by Cairo. Public
    defence companies as well as private operators will be present. Some 400
    companies from around the world are taking part in this year’s edition,
    showcasing the latest technologies in the field of defence.


    NATIONAL DAY 1,500 troops, Interior and Defence Ministry staff, as well
    as foreign military will take part on December 1 in a parade celebrating
    Romania’s National Day in Bucharest. Alba Iulia will also host a military
    parade, a photo exhibition and concerts to mark the occasion. Proclaimed a
    national holiday after the 1989 anti-communist revolution, December 1 marks the completion of the
    Romanian nation state in 1918, after World War 2, by the union of all
    territories with predominantly Romanian population. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • November 30, 2021

    November 30, 2021

    COVID-19 Over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours were reported on
    Tuesday in Romania, along with 147 deaths, 17 of which from a previous date. Doctors
    warn that although ambulance services are receiving fewer requests for home
    testing, a large number of teams are still being deployed. After several states
    announced finding the Omicron variant of the virus, which has over 50 mutations,
    tests in Romania are now taking into account this strain as well. Meanwhile,
    the vaccination rate remains low, with only around 12,800 people getting the
    first dose on Monday, and almost twice as many booster doses administered on
    the same day.


    REPATRIATION The Romanian nationals stranded in South Africa following
    the suspension of flights to the EU over the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, are
    scheduled to land today on Otopeni Airport near Bucharest. All the passengers
    will be tested and quarantined. The around 50 seats available in the Tarom aircraft
    that flew to Pretoria were offered to other EU member states to repatriate
    their own citizens, as part of the European civil protection mechanism. The
    Romanian foreign ministry announced today that after Moroccan authorities
    decided to suspend commercial flights to that country over Omicron concerns, the
    Romanian Embassy to Rabat is handling the situation of 72 Romanian tourists
    whose flights have been cancelled. The Romanian embassy has already taken steps
    to identify alternative flights. The foreign ministry urges citizens to analyse
    the situation carefully before traveling to countries affected by the new
    coronavirus variant and to check out the COVID-19 Travel Warnings section on
    the institution’s home page.


    NATO The Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu takes part on
    Tuesday and Wednesday in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers held in Riga, Latvia.
    The meeting is a major landmark in preparing negotiations on NATO’s new
    Strategic Concept and for the summit due in Madrid next year. Minister Bogdan
    Aurescu will reiterate Romania’s support for preparing the new Strategic Concept,
    able to provide adequate response instruments to the challenges of the current
    security environment. According to the foreign ministry, Aurescu will also
    discuss the latest security developments in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the
    need to carry on efforts to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in
    a coherent and comprehensive manner for the entire Eastern Flank, including the
    Black Sea region.


    ST. ANDREW Christians around the world
    celebrate today St. Andrew’s feast day. Andrew the Apostle is the patron saint
    of Romania. He spread the word of God and baptized the first people in today’s Dobrogea, on the Black Sea coast.
    St. Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross in the city of Patras,
    in Greece. Over 900,000 Romanians are named after St. Andrew the Apostle.


    FAIR Romania is taking part, until December 2, in the 2nd
    edition of Egypt’s International Defence Expo, EDEX 2021, hosted by Cairo. Public
    defence companies as well as private operators will be present. Some 400
    companies from around the world are taking part in this year’s edition,
    showcasing the latest technologies in the field of defence.


    NATIONAL DAY 1,500 troops, Interior and Defence Ministry staff, as well
    as foreign military will take part on December 1 in a parade celebrating
    Romania’s National Day in Bucharest. Alba Iulia will also host a military
    parade, a photo exhibition and concerts to mark the occasion. Proclaimed a
    national holiday after the 1989 anti-communist revolution, December 1 marks the completion of the
    Romanian nation state in 1918, after World War 2, by the union of all
    territories with predominantly Romanian population. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • July 29, 2021

    July 29, 2021

    EXTREME WEATHER Meteorologists have issued a code orange alert against storms and hailstorms, valid on Thursday in the eastern part of the country. Strong wind, hail and thunderstorms are expected, with rainfalls between 25 and 40 litres per square metre. A code yellow alert against unstable weather is also in place on Thursday in the centre, north and south of the country, while a code orange alert against extreme heat and thermal discomfort is in place until Sunday in seven counties in the south and the capital Bucharest. Heavy storms hit several towns and villages on Wednesday, including the capital city Bucharest. The wind brought down trees, damaging cars and leaving many houses without roofs. The storms disrupted railway traffic, with many trains delayed for hours or even cancelled.




    COVID-19 The number of new COVID-19 cases announced on Wednesday was 50% higher than on the corresponding day last week, namely 159. 47 patients are in intensive care, and one COVID-related death was reported. The Government meanwhile approved plans to further ease COVID-related restrictions starting August 1. Arts, sports and private events are generally open for vaccinated people, for those who have recovered from the disease or for those who test negative for it. The new measures valid as of August 1 will be applicable in areas with an infection rate below 2 per thousand, as against 3 per thousand at present. The maximum number of participants in outdoor events will also be raised to 75,000.




    AMBULANCE Every person who gets immunised contributes to ending this severe health crisis, president Klaus Iohannis said on National Ambulance Day. On the same occasion, he decorated 45 physicians and nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, even if the number of new cases is lower these days, the head of state emphasised, as he once again urged citizens to get vaccinated. Romania is getting near the target of 5 million people who received at least one dose of anti-COVID vaccine, with 10,700 people getting the jab in the past 24 hours. On the other hand, president Iohannis mentioned that the pandemic shed light on many problems in the healthcare system, but said this is a chance to rebuild it.




    ANTHEM Romania celebrates National Anthem Day today, with special events organised in many cities to mark this holiday first introduced in 1998. The capital Bucharest hosted a public ceremony in which successive national anthems have been performed. Wake up, ye Romanian! was first officially performed in Râmnicu Vâlcea on 29 July 1848, by a group of young revolutionaries, and was chosen as national anthem shortly after the anti-communist uprising of December 1989. The lyrics were written by poet, journalist and translator Andrei Mureşanu (1816-1863) and the music by the poet, musician and ethnographer Anton Pann (1796-1854).




    SEARCHES Prosecutors and police are today conducting over 20 house searches in view of dismantling an organised crime group operating in the field of human trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal border crossing and facilitating illegal stay in Romania. Sources in the judiciary say the group was made up of Syrian, Iraqi, Egyptian and Romanian citizens, who helped illegal migrants to cross the border into Bulgaria and Serbia. The group would charge up to 5,000 euro per migrant.




    OLYMPICS Romania has today won a new medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Rowers Marius Cozmiuc and Ciprian Tudosă won the silver in the mens coxless pair final. This is the 3rd medal for Romanias rowing team, after the gold won by Ancuţa Bondar and Simona Radiş in the women’s double scull event, and the silver brought home by the mens four crew, made up of Mihăiţă Ţigănescu, Mugurel Semciuc, Ştefan Berariu and Cosmin Pascari. Romania was represented in the Tokyo rowing competition by 36 athletes and 9 boats. Adding to this performance is Ana-Maria Popescu’s silver medal in the women’s epee event. (tr. A.M. Popescu)

  • National Recovery and Resilience Plan under debate

    National Recovery and Resilience Plan under debate

    The National Recovery and Resilience Plan, under which Romania may access European funding for development, was discussed on Monday by the right-of-centre ruling coalition, after having been analysed earlier the same day with president Klaus Iohannis as well.



    As all coalition leaders underscored, negotiations with the European Commission on this document are ongoing, and the Plan will be submitted at the end of May. The one-month postponement of the submission has to do with both technicalities and political issues in various areas, such as irrigation systems, transport or natural gas infrastructure, which the Commission does not want funded under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the minister for investments and European funding Cristian Ghinea explained.



    He said several other member states will also submit their national plans after the original deadline set by the Commission, 30 April. As the Liberal PM Florin Cîțu said in turn,



    Florin Cîțu: “Romania has a number of priorities, and we stand by them, but obviously these priorities must be placed within this system that the European Commission has put together for making these funds available.



    Deputy PM Dan Barna (USR/Plus) in turn dismissed the criticism against the ruling coalition, and said there were no mistakes as regards the Plan:



    Dan Barna: “Some of the components were found to be quite mature and well designed and will certainly be included in the final version of the document. Some other elements are being discussed these days, and this was the very topic of the talks in Cotroceni with the president.



    As for the deputy PM Kelemen Hunor (Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians), he said this is not a matter of Romanias Plan being rejected by the European Commission.



    Moreover, the coalition leaders called on the Social Democrats in opposition not to endanger the negotiations with the EC with various statements. Previously, the announcement that the Plan must be altered triggered a downpour of political reactions, mostly, and the most critical of them, from the Social Democrats, who claim the current Cabinet are unable to see this project through. The Social Democrat leader Marcel Ciolacu:



    Marcel Ciolacu: “Unless they present this Plan before Parliament, I will ask my colleagues to go on parliamentary strike. We will take part in floor group sessions and committee meetings, but not in plenary sessions.



    MEP Victor Negrescu (Social Democratic Party) said some of the projects under the Plan submitted by Romania were rejected by the European Commission and require substantial changes, which is why he called on the Government to open negotiations with social partners, civil society and political parties. (translated by: A.M. Popescu)