Radio România Internațional

Tag: North Korea

November 18, 2022

ENERGY Romania will secure its energy independence in 2027 and will even become a provider of security in the region, including for
the neighbouring Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, said the president of the
National Energy Regulatory Authority, Dumitru Chiriţă.
He added that over the past few years Bucharest invested EUR 3 bln in natural
gas and electricity transport and distribution systems. On the other hand,
investments in production operations only amounted to EUR 30 mln, but this will
change as massive funding will be channelled in this sector. According to the Authority, new production
units will be operational in 3-4 years’ time, with a combined output of over 10,000
MW, and investors are quite interested in the projects, some of which are
funded from loans and others from private sources.

BUDGET The
government of Romania Thursday approved this year’s second public budget
adjustment, with approx. EUR 100 million in additional funding. According to
the government, the budget adjustment covers compulsory spending, operating
expenses and social assistance expenses. According to the finance minister
Adrian Câciu, the budget deficit is reduced from 5.84% to 5.74%. A majority of
funds will be earmarked for the finance, labour, agriculture and economy
ministries. Also, under the new budget, the energy, transport, public
healthcare and interior ministries are set to lose part of their funding.

DEFENCE The
Romanian defence minister Angel Tîlvăr took part this week in a meeting of
South Eastern European defence ministers, held in Sofia under the Bulgarian
presidency of the initiative. The participants analysed the progress in the
projects organised by this initiative and approved a number of documents
concerning the planning of SEDM operations. Angel Tîlvăr reiterated Romania’s
commitment to contribute even more actively to the implementation of the
initiative’s projects. On the sidelines of the meeting in Sofia, the Romanian
official had bilateral meetings with his Moldovan, Bulgarian and Georgian
counterparts.

UKRAINE
Over 10 million Ukrainians were left without electricity, especially in the
Kyiv region, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced. Several
Ukrainian cities, including the capital, were hit by Russian attacks on
Thursday, concurrently with the first snow in a country affected by blackouts,
where temperatures may drop to negative 10°C, AFP reports. The resumed shelling
targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure constantly deprives millions of
Ukrainians of electricity and water supplies.

MISSILE The
missile launched by North Korea on Friday had enough range to hit the US, and a
range capability of 15,000 km, said Japan’s defence minister Yasukazu Hamada,
quoted by Reuters. The intercontinental ballistic missile reached an altitude
of 6,000 km and landed roughly 200 km west of a Japanese island. Over the past
2 months North Korea has tested over 50 missiles, most of them in the
short-range class. Medium and long-range missiles are a direct threat to the US,
as they are designed to carry nuclear warheads to the US mainland, the BBC says.

FOOTBALL
Romania’s national football team lost 2-1 a friendly game played last night in
Cluj-Napoca against Slovenia. On Saturday, Romania is to play another friendly
against the Republic of Moldova, in Chişinău. Romania has failed to qualify to
the Qatar World Cup and is training for the Euro 2024. The national team will
play in Group I against Switzerland, Israel, Kosovo, Belarus and Andorra. Meanwhile,
Romania’s Under-20 football team was defeated by Italy, 2-1, in a friendly
match hosted by the Romanian city of Arad. (AMP)

18 November 2022
April 23, 2019

Land Forces Day — The Romanian Army celebrates on April 23 the Land Forces Day. On this occasion, President Klaus Iohannis conveyed a message in which he underscored the involvement and valour of the land forces’ military that contribute to providing a climate of security and stability for all Romanians and to ensuring security and maintaining peace in the region and in Europe. The Romanian Land Forces continue to contribute soldiers to the missions Romania undertakes in the theatres of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Western Balkans, President Iohannis underlined.

Justice – In Bucharest, the special committee for the justice laws is meeting today to debate the changes to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes. Last week, the senators passed a draft law on the modification of the Criminal Code which eliminated all articles declared unconstitutional by the judges of the Constitutional Court. Today the special committee on the justice laws debates the amendments submitted by the opposition representatives who claim that some of the articles, in spite of being analysed by the Constitutional Court, do nothing but encourage offences. They opposition criticizes the reduction of prescription deadlines, the reduction of deadlines for the release on probation and the abrogation of actionable negligence. In the end of the debates, the special committee will draft a report that will be submitted to the vote in the plenum of the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday.

Migration — In the context of migration, border security and the reform of the asylum policies dominate the agenda of European debates. The Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU is holding this week a conference entitled ‘Operational solutions for ensuring fluid and secure crossing of EU sea and land borders’. Recently, the ambassadors of the member states confirmed, on behalf of the Council, the informal agreement reached by the EP representatives and the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU on a new Border and Coast Guard Regulation at European level. Under this agreement, Frontex’s mandate is extended in the sense of continuing to assist member states in such matters as border protection, controls and return of people without the right to reside and cooperation with third countries. Europe has more than 13 thousand km of external border on land and almost 66 thousand km on sea, hence the need to secure and consolidate borders.

Colombo — Sri Lanka observes a national day of mourning today after Sunday’s blasts on churches and hospitals that killed at least 320 and wounded at least 500 people. Burial services have also been scheduled for today. Shops selling alcohol have been closed, flags have been lowered at half mast and radio and television broadcasts have been adapted to the solemnity of the moment. People in Sri Lanka on Tuesday morning observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims killed by several kamikaze that attacked luxury hotels and churches. A state of emergency was declared in Sri Lanka on Monday, which allows the authorities to apprehend and arrest suspects. Meanwhile, the local police made new arrests. So far 40 people have been apprehended for the investigation into Sunday’s attacks blamed on a local Islamic movement.

Visit — North Korea announced its leader Kim Jong-un would pay a visit to Russia for his first summit with President Vladimir Putin. According to the BBC, North Korea’s state agency announced that news about the summit would be made public soon, and the Russian press writes that the summit will be held on Thursday on an island south of Vladivostok. The BBC also writes that, following the failure of talks on denuclearisation between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Hanoi in February, this visit is seen as a chance for Pyongyang to show that it has strong allies and that its economic future does not depend on an agreement with Washington alone. (translation by L. Simion)

23 April 2019
June 11, 2018

VENICE COMMISSION – A Venice Commission delegation is in Romania on a 2-day visit focusing on the changes to the justice laws. The delegation will have meetings with President Klaus Iohannis, with Parliament members, and officials from the Justice Ministry, High Court of Cassation and Justice, the Constitutional Court, the Prosecutor Generals Office, the National Anti-corruption Directorate, the Higher Council of Magistracy, judge and prosecutor associations and civil society organisations. Both President Iohannis, and the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe have requested the opinion of this body, which comprises independent experts in constitutional law, with respect to the Romanian laws on the organisation of courts, the operation of the Higher Council of Magistrates and the status of judges and prosecutors. The requests came after the right-wing opposition, the media and civil society claimed that these laws are used by the ruling coalition made up of the Social Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in order to stop the fight against corruption and get control over magistrates.

TRADE – Romanias exports totaled over 22 billion Euros in January – April 2018, while imports reached nearly 26 billion euros, according to data made public today by the National Statistics Institute. The trade deficit reached 3.7 billion euros in the first 4 months of the year, as against 3.3 billion euros last year. According to the Institute, in the first 4 months most of the imports and exports were accounted for by vehicles and transport equipment and other manufactured products.

EXERCISE – A large-scale military exercise involving more than 800 Romanian and British troops is taking place until June 22 in the counties Braşov (in central Romania) and Prahova (in the south). The troops are training as part of Sarmis 18, which is coordinated by the Brasov-based 2nd Mountain Troops Brigade. Also taking part are members of Battalion 47 Communications and IT and 1st Battalion, The Rifles from the UK. The exercises are designed to simulate military interventions in case of hybrid threats.

THEATRE – In Sibiu (central Romania), the 25th International Theatre Festival continues. This is the largest performing arts event in Romania and one of the most important in Europe. Today, on the 4th day of the festival, over 40 events will take place, including the opening of the performance exchange, a structure launched 22 years ago in Romania, which brings together companies and festival directors from around the world. Thousands of artists from over 70 countries are performing every day both in theatre halls and in unconventional venues.

SUMMIT – The North-Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and US President Donald Trump are in Singapore, where they will hold a historic meeting tomorrow morning. The summit is the first one between a Kim dynasty member and a US president in office. The talks, whose outcome is uncertain, will focus on the achievement of a special agreement regarding, above all, a full, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea in exchange for relaxing international economic and diplomatic sanctions. President Donald Trump has today voiced optimism about the eagerly awaited meeting, which was unimaginable just months ago, when Trump and the Pyongyang leader were exchanging harsh lines that made the world fear the worst.

TENNIS – The Romanian tennis player Simona Halep, number 1 in the world, returns to Bucharest today, when she is to present her first Grand Slam trophy, won in Roland Garros on Saturday, to the Romanian public. We remind you that Halep defeated the American Sloane Stephens in the final.

(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

11 June 2018
November 30, 2017

CELEBRATIONS – Romanians have todays started a four-day mini-holiday occasioned by St. Andrews’ Day, the patron saint of Romania, followed by Romania’s National Day, on December 1st. Most Romanians have chosen local destinations to spend these days off from work, their favourites being the resorts on the Prahova Valley, in the Southern Carpathians, Bukovina, in the north as well as spas and treatment resorts. The average budget allocated for this travels across the country stands at some 170 Euros per person. Romanians spending their mini-holiday abroad will however spend around 320 Euros per person. Celebrated by both the Romanians living in the country and abroad, December 1st, the National Day of Romania, is, as every year, a moment of joy. The highlight of the day is the traditional military parade in Bucharest. The approximately 3,500 Romanian military, accompanied by 50 aircraft and over 300 fighting vehicles will parade in Romania’s capital city. 300 other troops from allied and partner countries will also join the parade.

VISAS – The Romanian Foreign Ministry recalls that, as of December 1st, Romanian citizens will be able to travel to Canada visa free, for periods of maximum 6 months, for tourist purposes. Those who intend to travel by plane will have to first get an Electronic Travel Authorization — eTA. The others will only have to have a valid passport. The Romanian Foreign Ministry hails the decision made by the Canadian authorities to liberalize the visa regime for the Romanian citizens, the outcome of years of diplomatic cooperation, also with the participation of the European Commission.

ST. ANDREW’S DAY — Orthodox, Greek Catholic and Roman Catholic believers from all over the world, Romania included, are today celebrating St. Apostle Andrew. He is the first of Jesus Christ’s apostles who preached Christianity in the south of Romania. This way Saint Andrew is also considered the patron saint of the country. Saint Andrew preached in Dobruja and in today’s Ukrainian territory, in Great Scythia, and then in Byzantium. He then went to Greece and preached the Gospel, going up to Patras town where he died a martyr’s death. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross. Over 700 thousand Romanians named after St. Andrew celebrate their name day today.

WARNING – The United States has urged all countries to sever economic and diplomatic ties with North Korea. Speaking at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss North Korea’s latest missile launch, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley warned Pyongyang that the regime will be “utterly destroyed” if a standoff over missile tests leads to war. She also said Pyongyang had brought the world closer to war with its latest test of a ballistic missile capable of striking the U.S. mainland. The Romanian Foreign Ministry has firmly condemned North Korea’s new nuclear test, saying it is a new serious threat to regional and international peace and security and a blatant violation of the UN Security Council resolutions.

BUDGET – Romania’s state budget for next year is built on a 5.5% economic growth rate, down from this year’s 6.1% forecast, reads a Report on the macroeconomic situation and its projection for the 2019-2021 period, made public by the Finance Ministry. The domestic demand will be the engine for economic growth. The document also says that economic activity in all sectors will improve, while the budget deficit will stand at 2.97% of the GDP. The annual average inflation rate considered when drafting the 2018 budget is 3.1% and the exchange rate is 4.55 lei for one euro. Also, a 4.2% increase in the number of employees is expected, at the same time with a decrease in the unemployment rate, which is expected to stand at 3.9% at the end of next year.

HANDBALL – As of December 1st, Germany will be hosting the World Women’s Handball Championship. Romania is part of Group A, alongside France, Spain, Slovenia, Angola and Paraguay. On December 2nd, in their first match, the Romanian squad will take on the team of Paraguay. At the previous World Championship, in 2015, Romania won bronze. The Romanian team is the only team to have participated in all the 22 editions of the World Championship held so far.

(Translated by Elena Enache)

30 November 2017
November 29, 2017 UPDATE

MINIMUM SALARY – The Romanian Government on Wednesday decided to increase the minimum gross salary from 1450 to 1900 lei, the equivalent of some €410. According to specialists, the measure will stimulate employment and discourage illegal work. Romania is currently faced with a serious shortage of workers, especially in construction, agriculture, IT and health-care. Maintaining the current level of penalty point under the totting up system is also on the agenda of the Executive. As the value of this point is calculated depending on the minimum salary, maintaining its current level has been proposed to prevent traffic fines from growing excessively.

MILITARY – Romanian Defense Minister Mihai Fifor and US Ambassador to Bucharest, Hans Klemm, attended Wednesdays signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the purchase of Patriot missile systems. Minister Fifor thanked the USA and said Romania would become an important ally for NATO. The surface-to-air Patriot missile system will become operational by mid-2020. Romanias President Klaus Iohannis on Monday ratified the law on the purchase of Patriot missile systems, after last week the Chamber of Deputies adopted it as the decision-making body. Romania plans on purchasing seven Patriot missile systems worth $3,9 billion.

NORTH KOREA – Romanias Foreign Ministry has firmly condemned the launch of a new ballistic missile by North Korea, labeling it a threat to regional and international peace and security. North Koreas repeated challenges are violating the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the Ministry also writes, calling on North Korea to prevent the situation from further escalating and resume dialogue with the international community. North Korea has announced the successful testing of a new type of inter-continental missile, which can hit any part of the US territory. The test, carried out after a two-month break, has been condemned by the US, Japanese and South-Korean authorities, as well as by the European Union. The UN Security Council has called an emergency session to discuss new sanctions against Pyongyang.

INVESTMENT – European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu has approved two new investment projects in road and water infrastructure, worth some €252 million. €76 million from the European Regional Development Fund will be invested in works on the European road E 79, which will link Romania to Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece. Also, some €176 million from the Cohesion Fund will be invested in water management and distribution infrastructure in urban areas in Vrancea County, in the east.

MINIVACATION – Thursday is the first day of a 4-day mini-vacation, occasioned by the celebration of Saint Andrew, Romanias patron saint, and Romanias National Day on December 1. Romanians have chosen to spend this extended weekend in the country, mostly in resorts on Prahova Valley, in Bukovina, in the north and in spas. The average budget allocated for such trips is approximately €170 per person. On the other hand, the Romanians who have chosen to go abroad will spend on average €320 per person. On December 1, Romanias National Day, the main event on the celebration agenda is the military parade in Bucharest, which will be attended by some 3,500 military staff, fighter jets and military vehicles.

CANADA – The Romanian Defense Ministry has recalled that, as of December 1, Romanian citizens will be able to travel to Canada visa free, for periods of maximum 6 months, for tourist purposes. Those who intend to travel by plane will have to first get an Electronic Travel Authorization – eTA. The others will only have to have a valid passport. The Romanian Foreign Ministry hails the decision made by the Canadian authorities to liberalize the visa-regime for the Romanian citizens, the outcome of years of diplomatic cooperation, also with the participation of the European Commission.

HANDBALL – As of December 1st, Germany will be hosting the World Womens Handball Championship. Romania is part of Group A, alongside France, Spain, Slovenia, Angola and Paraguay. On December 2nd, in their first match, the Romanian squad will take on the team of Paraguay. At the previous World Championship, in 2015, Romania won bronze. The Romanian team is the only team to have participated in all the 22 editions of the World Championship held so far. (Translated by M. Ignatescu & V. Palcu)

29 November 2017
November 29, 2017

JUSTICE – The special parliamentary committee in charge of drafting the new justice laws in Romania is supposed to present today the final report on the future status of judges and prosecutors. On Tuesday, the committee decided that the magistrates will be held accountable for their legal errors, disciplinarily and also in terms of civil and criminal liability. Once completed, the report will be submitted to the Chamber of Deputies for debate.

MINIMUM SALARY – The Romanian Government is supposed to decide today the increase in the minimum gross salary from 1450 to 1900 lei, the equivalent of some 410 Euro. According to specialists, the measure would stimulate employment and discourage illegal work. Romania is currently faced with a serious shortage of workers, especially in construction, agriculture, IT and health-care. Maintaining the current level of penalty point under the totting up system is also on the agenda of the Executive. As the value of this point is calculated depending on the minimum salary, maintaining its current level has been proposed to prevent traffic fines from growing excessively.

INVESTMENT – The European Commissioner Corina Cretu has approved two new investment projects in road and water infrastructure, worth some 252 million Euros. 76 million Euro from the European Regional Development Fund will be invested in works on the European road E 79, which will link Romania to Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece. Also, some 176 million Euro from the Cohesion Fund will be invested in water management and distribution infrastructure in urban areas in Vrancea County, in the east.

DEFENSE – The US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has hailed Romanias decision to allocate 2% of the GDP to defense. In a speech in Washington on the American – European relations, Tillerson recalled the request made by the US to all its NATO-member European allies to spend more on defense. Also, Tillerson reasserted the USs commitment to dealing with Russias aggression against its neighbors, and called on Europe to do more for their own security. He gave assurances that the US would not hesitate to activate art. 5 of the NATO Treaty, in case of aggression against a member state. Next week, Rex Tillerson will attend a NATO meeting in Brussels and an OSCE meeting in Vienna.

MINI-VACATION – Thursday is the first day of a 4-day mini-vacation, occasioned by the celebration of Saint Andrew, Romanias patron saint, and Romanias National Day on December 1st. Romanians have chosen to spend this extended weekend in the country, mostly in resorts on Prahova Valley, in Bucovina, in the north and in spas. The average budget allocated for such trips is approximately 170 Euro per person. On the other hand, the Romanians who have chosen to go abroad will spend on average 320 Euro per person. On December 1st, Romanias National Day, the main event on the celebration agenda is the military parade in Bucharest, which will be attended by some 3500 military staff, fighter planes and military vehicles.

CANADA – The Romanian Foreign Ministry has today recalled that, as of December 1st, Romanian citizens will be able to travel to Canada visa free, for periods of maximum 6 months, for tourist purposes. Those who intend to travel by plane will have to first get an Electronic Travel Authorization – eTA. The others will only have to have a valid passport. The Romanian Foreign Ministry hails the decision made by the Canadian authorities to liberalize the visa-regime for the Romanian citizens, the outcome of years of diplomatic cooperation, also with the participation of the European Commission.

NORTH KOREA – North Korea has announced the successful testing of a new type of inter-continental missile, which can hit any part of the US territory. The test, carried out after a two-month break, has been condemned by the US, Japanese and South-Korean authorities, as well as by the European Union. The UN Security Council has called an emergency session to discuss new sanctions against Pyongyang.

HANDBALL – As of December 1st, Germany will be hosting the World Womens Handball Championship. Romania is part of Group A, alongside France, Spain, Slovenia, Angola and Paraguay. On December 2nd, in their first match, the Romanian squad will take on the team of Paraguay. At the previous World Championship, in 2015, Romania won bronze. The Romanian team is the only team to have participated in all the 22 editions of the World Championship held so far. (translation by Mihaela Ignatescu)

29 November 2017
November 7, 2017 UPDATE

CETA – Romanian President Klaus Iohannis signed on Tuesday a decree for the submission to the Bucharest Parliament of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). According to the Presidency, the Agreement that stipulates the removal of most customs duties and allows Romanian citizens who hold a valid visa for the US or have been granted a visa for Canada in the last 10 years to travel visa-free to Canada, entered into force last year. CETA also stipulates that staring December 1st 2017 all Romanian citizens will be allowed to travel to Canada without a visa. On 21st of September this year CETA entered into force provisionally. National parliaments in EU countries will need to approve the agreement before it can take full effect.

MEETING – The Government will cover cuts in town halls budgets, Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said Tuesday during a meeting with representatives of the Association of Municipalities in Romania, on the fresh fiscal amendments planned by the executive. On Monday, Bucharest’s mayor, Gabriela Firea, said the measures would also lead to cuts in investment budgets in town halls all over the country. Also on Monday, Prime Minister Mihai Tudose explained that the new fiscal measures are meant to strengthen economic-financial discipline, step up efficiency in the anti-smuggling fight and improve the VAT collection.

PROTEST – Employees of Romania’s largest carmaker, Dacia, owned by French giant Renault, on Tuesday staged a protest rally against the government’s decision to transfer social insurance contributions from employers to employees. They also protest the delayed construction of the Pitesti Sibiu highway. The Government is to approve on Wednesday a series of fiscal measures such as the aforementioned transfer of the social insurance contribution from employer to employee, the payment by the employer of the so-called workmen’s compensation insurance, which should cover unemployment and medical leaves, as well as to bring income taxes down from 16% to 10%. These measures have been criticised by trade union confederations, the country’s president and the right-wing opposition.

VISIT – US president, Donald Trump on Tuesday travelled to South Korea, the second leg of his Asian tour and met with his counterpart Moon Jae-in. The two heads of state held a joint press conference after the meeting. Talking about North Korea, president Trump said the country is a worldwide threat that requires worldwide action. Also, Donald Trump said the United States stands prepared to defend itself and its allies using the full range of military capabilities if need be. On Monday, president Trump visited Japan and is to go to China on Wednesday. His tour, which is the biggest by an American president in the past 25 years, also includes Vietnam and the Philippines.

MOTION – The Liberal opposition in Bucharest on Tuesday tabled a motion against Energy Minister Toma Petcu. According to the National Liberal Party, the sector is facing many problems related to soaring energy prices, stored natural gas, insufficient infrastructure investment and undercapitalised state companies. According to the Liberals, all these problems have been caused by mismanagement and the Minister has to be sacked or step down.

FAIR – 50 businesses are representing Romania this year at the largest international travel fair underway in London. The Alba Iulia tourist destination in central Romania, the cultural circuits, spa and adventure tourism are all promoted during the fair. The theme of the Romanian stand illustrates the 100 years that have passed since the Great Union of 1918, which created the Romanian unitary state, when Bucharest gained authority over all the Romanian historical provinces. The Tourism Ministry is due to present the Centenary logo, a unique element of identification for all the events Romania is to stage next year.

(Translated by Elena Enache)

7 November 2017
October 16, 2017 UPDATE

GOVT RESHUFFLE – The Presidential Administration Monday announced it received from PM Mihai Tudose the nominations for the new ministers, namely Paul Stănescu for the Development Ministry, Felix Stroe for the Transport Ministry and Marius Nica for the Ministry for European Funds. The nominations were made by the Social Democratic Party, the main party in the ruling coalition in Bucharest. The three are to replace the outgoing ministers Sevil Shhaideh, Rovana Plumb and Răzvan Cuc, who have decided to step down so that the activity of the Government may not be affected. Shhaideh and Plumb are prosecuted for corruption-related offences, while Cuc was criticised for the inadequate performance of his ministry. The junior partner in the ruling coalition, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Romania, has announced the party will not withraw support for Viorel Ilie, the minister in charge with liaising with Parliament, who is probed into for influence peddling.

SANCTIONS – The EU foreign ministers adopted, in Mondays Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, new sanctions against North Korea in response to Pyongyangs nuclear test in early September. Among other things, the sanctions include bans on oil exports and on all EU investments in DPRK in all sectors, and lowering the remittances that the North Koreans working in the EU may transfer home, from 15,000 euros at present to 5,000 euros. Romania was represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu. The agenda of the talks also included other topics, such as the Iranian nuclear deal and the situation in Turkey.

DEFENCE – The Romanian Defence Minister, Mihai Fifor, Monday had a meeting with the US Congressmen Steve Russell and Matt Cartwright, who are currently in Bucharest. The talks focused on security at the Black Sea and the development of the strategic partnership between Romania and the US in the defence sector. According to the Romanian Defence Ministry, Mihai Fifor emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach on the entire eastern flank of NATO, and underlying Romanias role as a predictable and solid partner in ensuring Euro-Atlantic stability and security. The participants appreciated the excellent cooperation between the Romanian and American forces in the exercises taking place as part of the Alliance and in the NATO theatres.

VESSEL – Two Romanians onboard a vessel held in the Libyan port of Tobrouk were repatriated on Monday, the Romanian Foreign Ministry announced. According to the institution, since the case was notified the Romanian Embassy to Tripoli, which has been relocated to Tunis, has made numerous efforts to clarify the situation of the two Romanian citizens, contacting both the local authorities and the ship owner. The Romanian diplomatic mission was also in permanent contact with the commander of the ship and with the Romanian citizens and their families. In order to avoid similar situations in the future, the Foreign Ministry urges the Romanian sailors interested in working on vessels belonging to foreign owners to get thoroughly informed on the status of the respective vessels and to find employers via crewing agencies accredited by the Romanian Naval Authority.

TRADE WINDS – The largest trade promotion event organized annually by the American Department of Commerce, Trade Winds, will bring to Bucharest between October 18-20 as many as 100 American companies which will get in contact with over 50 Romanian companies. Participating in the event are big American companies such as IBM, Patriot – Raytheon, Kestral, Harris Corporation (space intelligence), SAS Institute (software), Perry Baromedical Corporation (a producer of medical equipment) as well SMEs from the US which are of interest for Romania especially in terms of know-how transfer and innovation. The event will be attended by the Romanian PM and several other ministers. According to a government news release, the initiative of the American Department of Commerce to organize the 10th edition of Trade Winds in Romania and another 4 states in South-eastern Europe, namely Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece and Serbia, proves the importance the US Administration attaches to this region and to Bucharest in particular.

SPAIN – Catalonias regional president Carles Puigdemont, has announced in a letter to Madrid that his government was seeking a two-month respite, for further talks with Spains central government. PM Mariano Rajoy had given the secessionist authorities of Catalonia until Monday to confirm whether the region had declared its independence from Spain, and until Thursday to abandon its secession plans altogether. Reuters says that without a clear answer on Monday, Madrid may impose direct control on Catalonia. In the octombrie 1 referendum, ruled illegal by the Spanish national court and marred by police violence, nearly 2 million out of Catalonias 5.3 million voters, with 90% of the votes in favour of secession.

(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

16 October 2017
September 11, 2017 UPDATE

9/11 — United States President Donald Trump joined the nation in a minutes silence on Monday morning, to mark the 16th anniversary of the September 11 attacks which killed nearly 3,000 people when hijackers flew commercial planes into the World Trade Center. Four Romanians were among the victims. Commemorations are under way across much of the US. The names of all the victims killed were read aloud at the 9/11 Memorial Museum while Donald Trump also participated in a special ceremony at the Pentagon. The anniversary came as the country struggles with the widespread destruction caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. President Trump drew a parallel between the nation’s response to the terror attacks and natural disasters, saying, “When Americans are in need, Americans pull together.”

ABU – The 3rd Asia-Pacific – Europe Media Dialogue conference is under way in the Romanian mountain resort of Sinaia. The three-day event, that started on Monday, is organized jointly by Radio Romania and ABU (Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union), and brings together experts from all over the world in an effort to respond to current challenges in a rapidly changing media landscape. The interim director general of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation, Georgică Severin, delivered the opening speech on Monday. He underlined the fact that the general topic of the conference is the growing power of the media in a fast changing world, and that accuracy of information is paramount. Also on the first day of the conference, Olya Booyar, Head of Radio at ABU talked about how radio can flourish in the new media age, Fayyaz Sheheryar, Director General of All India Radio talked about ways of reaching the listeners without losing the essence of public broadcasting while Dr. Javad Mottaghi, ABU Secretary General, delivered a speech on how to change the challenge into opportunity.

SCHOOL – A new school year started in Romania on Monday for some 2.3 million pupils and high-school students. Authorities have prepared several changes, including with regard to the baccalaureate exam, which will start earlier. Also, teachers will be able to check online, from home, the papers of the applicants to the national evaluation and baccalaureate examinations. Many schools in Romania, in particular in the rural areas, have not been able to obtain the necessary licenses and equipment to properly start the new school year, and the 5th grade pupils still do not have textbooks. Attending the festivities at a prestigious high-school in Bucharest, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated that the education law must stop being just a puzzle with pieces that keep changing all the time. In his opinion, we cannot speak of an educated Romania in the absence of an education system that is predictable and centred on the student.

SANCTIONS – German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday voiced her support for tougher U.N. sanctions against North Korea in a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a German government spokesman said. The two officials agreed that the conflict about North Koreas nuclear armament must be resolved peacefully. Merkel told Putin she supported efforts of the U.N. Security Council to rapidly adopt further sanctions against North Korea to make Pyongyang change its course. The U.N. Security Council is going to vote on a new watered-down sanctions resolution against North Korea that eliminates initial U.S. demands to ban all oil imports to the country and freeze international assets of the government and its leader Kim Jong Un. The new document provides for a “progressive” embargo on oil to Pyongyang and stipulates a ban on textile imports from North Korea, applicable to all the UN member states. Washington has changed the initial draft also with regard to the North-Korean expatriates. The new sanctions proposed by the US come after the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on September 3rd at an unprecedented level. The UN Security Council has already adopted 7 resolutions including sanctions against North Korea, in a bid to convince Pyongyang to negotiate its nuclear and conventional weapons programmes.

GEORGE ENESCU FESTIVAL – The George Enescu International Classical Music Festival continued in Bucharest on Monday with a performance by the London Philharmonic Players and concerts by the Russian National Orchestra and the Radio Academic Choir. The programme of the George Enescu Festival, which has become one of the most prestigious in Europe, includes 80 concerts and events, with more than three thousand artists attending. Radio Romania is the only media institution in the country that is broadcasting live the festival concerts, through the Radio Romania Music and Radio Romania Culture channels. The festival is held every two years and lasts three weeks.

TRADE – Romanias trade deficit went up by 33.1% in the first seven months of the year, as compared to the similar period in 2016, to 6.824 billion Euros, reads a communiqué issued by the National Statistics Institute. The value of the intra-EU trade in goods stood at more than 27 billion euros in exports and 32 billion in imports. As for the extra-EU trade, exports stood at some 8.7 billion euros, and imports at 10.3 billion. A major share of the exports is held by the machine and transport equipment industry.

(Translated by Elena Enache)

11 September 2017
September 5, 2017

Economic growth — Romanian’s Gross Domestic Product went up by 5.8% in the first half of the year as against the same period of 2016, Romania’s National Statistic Institute has announced. All economic sectors have contributed to the growth, except for constructions. Industry, trade, transportation, tourism and the IT&C sectors have contributed most to the growth. According to Romanian PM Mihai Tudose, the 5.8% economic growth rate, the biggest in Europe, is the best indicator of how the country’s real economy stands.

North Korea – The UN Security Council is this week discussing a resolution in response to North Korea’s having conducted a nuclear test at the end of last week, its sixth so far. North Korea said its test of what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile was “a perfect success.” The UN Security Council strongly condemned North Koreas “outrageous” test, saying is “deliberately undermining regional peace and stability”. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was “begging for war” as she urged the UN Security Council to adopt the strongest sanctions possible to stop Pyongyangs nuclear program. Speaking at a Security Council emergency meeting, Nikki Haley said North Koreas sixth nuclear test was a clear sign that “the time for half measures” from the UN had to end. The Council will take a decision on Monday.

Enescu Festival — The “George Enescu” International Festival, one of the most prestigious music events in Europe, continues in Bucharest. The Russian National Orchestra is today holding a concert as part of the Great Orchestras of the World series. Also today, soloist Madalina Pasol is performing alongside Radio Romania’s Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of Tiberiu Oprea. For 3 weeks, 80 concerts and other events will bring more than 3,000 of the best international artists to Bucharest and 7 other major Romanian cities. Radio Romania is the only media institution in the country to broadcast the concerts live, on its channels Radio Romania Music and Radio Romania Culture. First organised in 1958, 3 years after the famed Romanian composer had died, the George Enescu Festival was discontinued in 1971 by the communist regime, and was resumed in 1989. It has been held every 2 years ever since.

US Open — Romania only has one player left at US Open, the last grand slam of the year. Horia Tecau is today playing in the quarterfinals in both the men’s doubles alongside Jean Julien Rojer and in the mixed doubles alongside the American Coco Vandeweghe. On Monday Romanian Monica Niculescu and Wei Hsieh of Taiwan failed to qualify to the women’s doubles quarterfinals.

Football –Romania’s national football team was defeated by Montenegro on Monday 1-0 in Podgorica, in Group E of the World Cup qualifiers, losing any chance to qualify to the final tournament in Russia. Romania ranks fourth in the group, after Poland, Denmark and Montenegro. Romania’s next fixture against Kazakhstan will be held on home turf in the town of Ploiesti on October 5th while the one against Denmark will be held on November 8th in Copenhagen. The manager of the Romanian national team, the German Christoph Daum, has been strongly criticised for the team’s poor results.

(Translated by Elena Enache)

5 September 2017
September 3, 2017 UPDATE

Evacuation – Thousands of residents in Frankfurt evacuated their homes early on Sunday ahead of the planned defusing of a massive second world war bomb discovered on a building site in the German city. Around 60,000 people were ordered to leave their residences in what was Germany’s biggest evacuation since the war. The bomb was found last week in the city’s Westend suburb. About 20,000 people were evacuated on Saturday in Koblenz, in western Germany, for a similar operation. More than 2,000 tonnes of live bombs and munitions are found each year in Germany.

North Korea — The Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE) has firmly condemned the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on Sunday, seen as a new major threat to the regional and international peace and security. MAE has also voiced concern over Pyongyang’s continued provocative actions that break the UN Security Council resolutions and increase tensions in the Korean peninsula to unprecedented levels in the past years. Romania will continue to actively support international actions aimed at denuclearizing North Korea through peaceful means, MAE also said. This is the 6th and most powerful nuclear test conducted by North Korea, with the last one reported in September 2016. Pyongyang has disregarded the UN sanctions and the international pressure and has continued to develop its nuclear and ballistic programme.

George Enescu Festival — The “George Enescu” International Festival, one of the most prestigious music events in Europe, opened on Saturday in Bucharest. For 3 weeks, 80 concerts and other events will bring together in the capital and 7 other major Romanian cities more than 3,000 of the best international artists. The honorary president this year is the famous conductor Zubin Mehta, and another conductor, Vladimir Jurowski is the artistic director. Radio Romania is the only media institution in the country to broadcast the concerts live, on its channels Radio Romania Music and Radio Romania Culture. First organised in 1958, 3 years after the famed Romanian composer had died, the “George Enescu” Festival was discontinued in 1971 by the communist regime, and was resumed in 1989. It has been held every 2 years ever since.

Parliament — In Bucharest, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate have convened for the second regular session of the year. At the request of the National Liberal Party, the Chamber of Deputies has decided that on Monday PM Mihai Tudose is to present a report on the national economy, as part of the “Prime Minister’s Hour” series. On Saturday, during a meeting of his party’s National Executive Committee, the Social Democrat leader Liviu Dragnea announced the priorities of the current parliamentary session. These include laws in the fields of the judiciary, pensions, healthcare, coalmines, the Labour Code, lobbying, land sales, energy, animal breeding and urban planning. As for the referendum on modifying the Constitution in the sense of redefining the concept of “family”, Dragnea said the vote would be held this summer, and to this end the law on the referendum should be endorsed by the Senate’s judicial committee next week.

Football — Romania’s national football team is playing on Monday in Podgorica against Montenegro, in preliminary group E of the 2018 World Cup. On Friday in Bucharest Romania defeated Armenia 1-0, only managing to score in extra time, although their opponents had one player sent out of the pitch. Romania currently ranks 4th in the group, 7 points behind group leader Poland and 4 points behind Denmark and Montenegro. In this qualifying campaign, Romania is for the first time coached by a foreign manager, the German Cristoph Daum, who has been facing growing criticism because of the team’s poor performance.

3 September 2017
September 3, 2017

PARLIAMENT – In Bucharest, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate have convened for the second regular session of the year. At the request of the National Liberal Party, the Chamber of Deputies has decided that on Monday PM Mihai Tudose is to present a report on the national economy, as part of the “Prime Ministers Hour series. On Saturday, during a meeting of his partys National Executive Committee, the Social Democrat leader Liviu Dragnea announced the priorities of the current parliamentary session. These include laws in the fields of the judiciary, pensions, healthcare, coalmines, the Labour Code, lobbying, land sales, energy, animal breeding and urban planning. As for the referendum on modifying the Constitution in the sense of redefining the concept of “family, Dragnea said the vote would be held this autumn, and to this end the law on the referendum should be endorsed by the Senates judicial committee next week.

ENESCU FESTIVAL – The George Enescu International Festival, one of the most prestigious music events in Europe, continues in Bucharest. The National Radio Orchestra will perform on the unconventional stage of the George Enescu Festival Square, under the baton of conductor Cristian Oroşanu and with the Czech violinist Roman Patočka as a soloist. In the series entitled “Great Orchestras of the World, the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, which opened the 23rd edition of the Festival on Saturday, returns to the Palace Hall, to play works by Wagner, Berg and Shostakovich. For 3 weeks, 80 concerts and other events will bring together in Bucharest and 7 other major Romanian cities more than 3,000 of the best international artists. The honorary president this year is the famous conductor Zubin Mehta, and another conductor, Vladimir Jurowski is the artistic director. Radio Romania is the only media institution in the country to broadcast the concerts live, on its channels Radio Romania Music and Radio Romania Culture. First organised in 1958, 3 years after the famed Romanian composer had died, the George Enescu Festival was discontinued in 1971 by the communist regime, and was resumed in 1989. It has been held every 2 years ever since.

NUCLEAR TEST – Japan and South Korea confirmed that on Sunday Pyongyang conducted its 6th nuclear test. The American Geophysics Institute reported a 6.3 Richter quake, suggesting a possible blast in North Korea. The artificial earthquake caused by the explosion was nearly 10 times the strength of North Koreas previous test. Pyongyang announced it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb and said it could be installed on an intercontinental ballistic missile. This is the 6th and most powerful nuclear test conducted by North Korea, with the last one reported in September 2016. Pyongyang disregarded the UN sanctions and the international pressure and continued to develop its nuclear and ballistic programme. The country is now suspected of having built missiles able to reach the US.

FOOTBALL – Romanias national football team is playing on Monday in Podgorica against Montenegro, in preliminary Group E of the 2018 World Cup. On Friday in Bucharest Romania defeated Armenia, 1-0, only managing to score in extra time, although their opponents had one player sent out of the pitch. Romania currently ranks 4th in the group, 7 points behind group leader Poland and 4 points behind Denmark and Montenegro. In this qualifying campaign, Romania is for the first time coached by a foreign manager, the German Cristoph Daum, who has been facing growing criticism because of the teams poor performance.

(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

3 September 2017
August 29, 2017 UPDATE

LEGISLATION – Romanian anti-corruption prosecutors criticise most of the proposed changes to the laws regulating the judiciary announced recently by Minister Tudorel Toader, and say these changes are a form of pressure on their work. In turn, the Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar said on Tuesday that if endorsed, the bill would affect the independence of magistrates and the activity of judicial institutions. Heavily criticised by the Opposition and the mass media, the bill stipulates, among other things, that the president of the country is no longer to appoint the chiefs of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate and the Directorate Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism, that the judicial inspection corps will be subordinated to the Justice Ministry, and that the promotion of magistrates will require more years of service. On Sunday night several thousand Romanians protested in Bucharest and other major cities against the bill aimed at changing the laws regulating the judiciary. They demanded the resignation of Tudorel Toader, voiced support for the independence of the judicial power and announced new street protests for next Sunday.

UNICEF – The Prime Minister of Romania, Mihai Tudose, had a meeting in Bucharest on Tuesday with the new representative of the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) in Romania, Pieter Bult. On this occasion, PM Tudose emphasised the importance of the partnership between Romania and UNICEF, while Bult presented the objectives and priorities of his term in office. The 2 officials agreed to work together to solve the measles epidemic problem. UNICEF is supporting the efforts of the Romanian authorities, by conducting measles information and awareness-raising campaigns and public health education programmes. Romania is currently facing the most severe measles epidemic in recent years, with 33 deaths reported so far, according to the National Centre for Infectious Disease Monitoring and Control.

POLICE – The Romanian Interior Minister, Carmen Dan, Tuesday carried on the consultations with police officials regarding the improvement of the legislation regulating their work. The main topics included the proposed tightening of penalties for assault on a public official, changes in the regulations regarding penalties for misdemeanours, changes in the regulations regarding professions in the police force and the improvement of police protection equipment. The Interior Minister said she had already received 150 proposed changes to the police laws.

DIPLOMACY – The Romanian Foreign Minister, Teodor Meleşcanu, said on Tuesday that the preparations for the Union Centennial, the Romanian presidency of the EU Council, Romanias bid for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council and the OECD candidacy are the highlights of the Romanian diplomatic agenda next year. The statement was made at the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy, which is taking place in Bucharest until Friday. The event is an opportunity for the Foreign Ministry to assess its work and to set its priorities for the future, in the context of regional, European and global trends. The special guests this year are the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, the Foreign Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn and the Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó. On the other hand, as part of the Annual Meeting of the Romanian diplomacy, President Klaus Iohannis will receive on Wednesday the heads of Romanian diplomatic missions and consular offices.

MISSILE – The United States and Japan have requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss North Koreas firing of a missile over Japan. Japan’s warning system kicked in, advising citizens on its northern Hokkaido Island to take precautions, as the missile headed towards land. The missile later broke into three pieces and landed in the sea. The Japanese military made no attempt to shoot down the unidentified missile, but condemned the launch in the strongest terms possible. The Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has asked for further sanctions against North Korea. China has called for restraint and for the resumption of peace talks, while the EU, South Korea, Australia and the United Kingdom firmly condemned Pyongyangs actions. The launch comes after several weeks of tensions and verbal clashes between the USA and North Korea.

A-WEB – The President of the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, Daniel Barbu, will take over the presidency of the Association of World Election Bodies for 2 years, in a ceremony held in Bucharest on August 31, as part of the 3rd General Assembly of the association, hosted by the Parliament Palace. A-WEB brings together election management bodies from over 100 countries around the world, Romania included.

(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

29 August 2017
August 26, 2017

Budget bill — Romania’s state budget bill could be sent to Parliament in early October, the PM Mihai Tudose announced. He discussed the issue with the leaders of the government coalition, Social Democrat Liviu Dragnea and Liberal Democrat Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu, who are the presidents of Parliament’s two chambers. PM Tudose pointed out that, despite the favorable economic context, the Parliament should draft a package of laws which, together with the budget law, should ensure economic stability. In this regard he mentioned the unitary pay law for civil servants, decreasing the income tax from 16% to 10% and diminishing the amount of social contributions.

Justice — The Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader announced he would analyze the opinions expressed in the public space regarding the proposals to change the justice laws. He said he wanted a large-scale debate ahead of passing these laws. Harshly criticized by the opposition, the press and civil society, the draft law stipulates, among other things, that the president will no longer appoint the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) and the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), that the Judicial Inspectorate will be subordinated to the Justice Ministry and seniority will be increased for the promotion of magistrates.

Sprint Canoe World Championship — Romanian canoeists Victor Mihalachi and Leonid Carp on Saturday won the silver medal in the 500 m Canoe-2 event at the Sprint Canoe World Championship in Racice, the Czech Republic. Victor Mihalachi and Leonid Carp were defeated by the Russians Ivan Ştil and Viktor Melantev. Third came the Moldovan-born Italians Sergiu and Nicolae Crăciun. Also on Saturday, Florentina Caminescu and Irina Lauric will compete in the Kayac-2 final on 1,000 m. Another three Romanian crews will be competing Saturday in the semifinals.

Tennis — World’s no. 2 tennis player, Simona Halep, will take on the famous Russian player Maria Sharapova in the first round of the US Open, the year’s last Grand Slam tournament, to start Monday at Flushing Meadows, in New York. Halep, second seeded, played a semifinal in New York in 2015 and in 2016 she did not pass the quarterfinals. Sharapova, who started playing again in April, after a ban for doping, won the U.S. Open title in 2006 and she was granted a wild-card invitation for this year’s U.S. Open. After the drawing of lots, Romanian Monica Niculescu (58 WTA) will play in the first round against cu Kristina Mladenovic (14 WTA).Ana Bogdan (127 WTA) will take on the American Taylor Townsend (21 years old, 119 WTA), also the beneficiary of a wild-card. Sorana Cîrstea (53 WTA) will play against the Dutch Lesley Kerkhove (170 WTA). Irina Begu (57 WTA) will play against, Katerina Kozlova (115 WTA), from Ukraine. Romanca Mihaela Buzărnescu (133 WTA), who is for the first time on the main table of a grand slam tournament, will take on the Danish player Caroline Wozniacki (5 WTA). In the men’s competition, Marius Copil (world’s no.88 player), who is also for the first time in the main table of the U.S. Open will take on the French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (12 ATP).

Missile tests — On Friday night, North Korea tested 3 short-range missiles which were launched in the context of South Korea and the US carrying out joint military drills described by the communist regime in Pyongyang as war preparations. The US army said that all 3 North Korean tests failed: the first missile exploded shortly after being launched, while the other 2 experienced problems during the flight. The US Pacific Command gave assurances that neither the Guam navy base nor the American continent were under threat. The launches took place less than a month after Pyongyang had tested an intercontinental missile with a 10 thousand kilometer range which could reach the US’s territory. (translation by L. Simion)

26 August 2017
August 9, 2017 UPDATE

ATTACK — The anti-terror department of the Paris prosecutor’s office on Wednesday took over the investigation of the incident involving the French soldiers hit by a car in a Paris suburb. We remind you that a car ploughed into a group of soldiers in a suburb of the French capital city earlier on Wednesday, in what the local mayor said was “without a doubt” the work of a “terrorist.” Six soldiers were injured, with three left in critical condition. An ample police search was launched. The suspect, a 36-year-old man of North African origin who lives in the Paris suburb of Sartrouville, was captured, according to the Paris prosecutors office. France is still under a state of emergency, declared in November 2015, after Jihadists launched attacks that left 239 people dead, apparently targeting security forces.

FOOD SAFETY – The Romanian Food Safety Authority has announced there is no information according to which eggs contaminated with insecticide entered the Romanian market and that no such products have been sold in the supermarkets. The statements came in the context of retailers in several European countries having pulled millions of eggs from supermarket shelves as the scare over the use of the insecticide fipronil widened. The European Commission said it had first learned about the contamination in late July when it received an official notification from Belgium but had not yet established whether the country had broken any rules by not notifying sooner.

WARNING — The US President, Donald Trump, on Wednesday warned that the American nuclear arsenal is now far stronger and more powerful than ever before. “Hopefully we will never have to use this power, but there will never be a time that we are not the most powerful nation in the world!” Trump tweeted. Donald Trumps messages about the nuclear arsenal came after North Korea said it was considering plans for a missile strike on the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam. That in turn followed Trumps comments on Tuesday that any North Korean threat to the United States would be met with “fire and fury.”

TAXES — The National Union of Road Transporters in Romania believes that increasing excises on fuel would negatively affect the state budget, and call on the government to refrain from issuing such a measure, which was planned to be implemented starting September 1st. According to a planned executive order, diesel fuel excises would go up 24.9%, while unleaded gasoline excises would go up 22.8%. Transporters point out that about 70% of vehicles could fill up abroad, gravely affecting domestic revenue.

DEFICIT — Romania registered a trade deficit worth 5.8 billion Euro in the first 6 months of this year, up 30% compared to 2016, according to the National Institute of Statistics. Exports amounted to 30.9 billion Euro, up 9.6% from last year, while imports amounted to 36.7 billion, 12.4% more than the same period in 2016. In June alone, the deficit was 1.4 billion.

WEATHER — In Romania in the next 24 hours the weather will continue to be very hot over the entire country, especially in the west and south. Thunderstorms are announced in mountain areas. Maximum temperatures will be between 29 and 39 degrees Celsius. For Thursday, a code orange alert for high heat has been issued for 6 counties, and a code yellow alert has been issued for another 13. Over the next two weeks, the weather is expected to be variable, with maximums over an average of 34 degrees, with a high probability of rain.

(Translated by Elena Enache)

9 August 2017