Radio România Internațional

Tag: Romania-Moldova relations

  • March 1, 2025 UPDATE 3

    March 1, 2025 UPDATE 3

    ROMANIA – MOLDOVA RELATIONS – Romania is Moldova’s most important partner, on which it has relied in any circumstances, Maia Sandu said upon meeting her Romanian counterpart, Ilie Bolojan, in Chișinău. „These are difficult times, which is why Romania’s support is all the more important. Beyond joint projects, we are tied by a common vision for the future, our will to live in peace, freedom and democracy”, Maia Sandu pointed out. In turn, interim president Ilie Bolojan said he wants to consolidate the bilateral relations, and that he visited Chișinău for consutlations with Maia Sandu in a very difficult context. “I assure you Romania stands with you. We will support you, in our dialogue with European partners, and will step up support at all levels, in terms of finance, expertise and projects. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to generate challenges for the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova does not stand alone. Romania and numerous other external partners fully support Moldova’s objective to consolidate its resilience and security”, Ilie Bolojan said. The Romanian president on Monday is expected to join countless other European leaders who will attend a security summit in London focusing on Ukraine, called by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

     

    PROTEST – A few hundred thousand people protested on Saturday in Victory Square in central Bucharest in a rally organized by the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). Its leader, George Simion, said the protest was directed against the Romanian government and the Constitutional Court’s ruling that annulled the second round of last year’s presidential election. Participants were seen waving national flags and banners in support of the independent candidate, Călin Georgescu. Georgescu himself attended the protest, accusing the authorities of trying to block his candidacy in the May presidential election.

     

    DRONE – Fragments of a Russian drone discovered with explosives onboard in the area near the Giurgiulesti border checkpoint on Romania’s eastern border with the Republic of Moldova, were detonated in a controlled explosion. A team of specialists from the Ministry of National Defense, the Romanian Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Interior were on site and eliminated the threat. Fragments of drones used by Russian forces in attacks against civilian and military infrastructure in Ukraine are frequently discovered on Romanian territory, which has led to countless protests from the Romanian Foreign Ministry against Moscow. This week, the Romanian Senate adopted a law that allows the Army to shoot down drones that illegally enter the country’s airspace.

     

    WHITE HOUSE MEETING – International leaders, including Romania’s interim president, Ilie Bolojan, have reacted to the falling-out between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, most of them appealing to calm and maintaining support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Volodymyr Zelensky to be strong and courageous because he is not alone, Reuters reports. Messages of encouragement for Ukraine also came from Poland, Norway, Canada, Czechia, Spain, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania and the United Kingdom. In turn, French president Emmanuel Macron recalled that Russia is the aggressor in the current conflict, and the Ukrainian people are the victim, fighting for both their independence and the security of Europe. A similar message was conveyed by the president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu. Italy’s Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni, said that in such moments unity is needed and called for the organization of a US – EU summit. Following talks between Zelenskyy and Trump at the Oval Office, the interim president of Romania posted a message on X, arguing that “the security of Ukraine is crucial for the security of Europe” and that “we must stand united to fight for our values, freedom and peace”. The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, during which vice-president J.D. Vance also intervened, took place at the Oval Office of the White House and ended with a dispute. Volodymyr Zelensky explained that, starting 2014, when Russia first attacked Ukraine, until the full-scale invasion of 2022, there were numerous attempts to regulate the conflict and ceasefires, but Russia violated its commitments every time. Therefore, Zelenskyy asked president Donald Trump not to accept compromises from Vladimir Putin. The two American leaders responded harshly, accusing Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not being grateful and not thanking the United States for the support received and of risking to start World War III. As a result of growing tension, the agreement on the joint exploitation of Ukrainian rare earths, requested by president Donald Trump as compensation for the support provided so far by the United States, was not signed, and the joint press conference of the two leaders was canceled.

     

    MĂRȚIȘOR – Romanians on March 1 celebrate the coming of spring, popularly known as Mărțișor. This popular celebrate was first documented in the early 20th century in Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and elsewhere in the Balkans. In Romania, Mărțișor was associated with protection against disease and misfortune. A silver coin was usually tied with a red-and-white piece of string to children’s hands, to ward off disease. 12 days later, the coin is tied to a branch so the tree can bloom, or it is tied to cattle’s horns, to prevent disease. Picked up by urban culture, Mărțișor became a very fashionable holiday. People buy silver or gold trinkets to give to their loved ones. Mărțișor was added to the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage list in 2017 following a joint application from Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and North Macedonia. (VP)

  • March 1, 2025 UPDATE 2

    March 1, 2025 UPDATE 2

    ROMANIA – MOLDOVA RELATIONS – Romania is Moldova’s most important partner, on which it has relied in any circumstances, Maia Sandu said upon meeting her Romanian counterpart, Ilie Bolojan, in Chișinău. „These are difficult times, which is why Romania’s support is all the more important. Beyond joint projects, we are tied by a common vision for the future, our will to live in peace, freedom and democracy”, Maia Sandu pointed out. In turn, interim president Ilie Bolojan said he wants to consolidate the bilateral relations, and that he visited Chișinău for consutlations with Maia Sandu in a very difficult context. “I assure you Romania stands with you. We will support you, in our dialogue with European partners, and will step up support at all levels, in terms of finance, expertise and projects. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to generate challenges for the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova does not stand alone. Romania and numerous other external partners fully support Moldova’s objective to consolidate its resilience and security”, Ilie Bolojan said. The Romanian president on Monday is expected to join countless other European leaders who will attend a security summit in London focusing on Ukraine, called by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

     

    PROTEST – A few hundred thousand people are protesting in Victory Square in central Bucharest in a rally organized by the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). Its leader, George Simion, says the protest is directed against the Romanian government and the Constitutional Court’s ruling that annulled the second round of last year’s presidential election. Participants were seen waving national flags and banners in support of the independent candidate, Călin Georgescu.

     

    DRONE – Fragments of a Russian drone discovered with explosives onboard in the area near the Giurgiulesti border checkpoint on Romania’s eastern border with the Republic of Moldova, were detonated in a controlled manner. A team of specialists from the Ministry of National Defense, the Romanian Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Interior were on site and eliminated the threat. Fragments of drones used by Russian forces in attacks against civilian and military infrastructure in Ukraine are frequently discovered on Romanian territory, which has led to countless protests from the Romanian Foreign Ministry against Moscow. This week, the Romanian Senate adopted a law that allows the Army to shoot down drones that illegally enter the country’s airspace.

  • March 1, 2025 UPDATE 1

    March 1, 2025 UPDATE 1

    ROMANIA – MOLDOVA RELATIONS – Romania is Moldova’s most important partner, on which it has relied in any circumstances, Maia Sandu said upon meeting her Romanian counterpart, Ilie Bolojan, in Chișinău. „These are difficult times, which is why Romania’s support is all the more important. Beyond joint projects, we are tied by a common vision for the future, our will to live in peace, freedom and democracy”, Maia Sandu pointed out. In turn, interim president Ilie Bolojan said he wants to consolidate the bilateral relations, and that he visited Chișinău for consutlations with Maia Sandu in a very difficult context. “I assure you Romania stands with you. We will support you, in our dialogue with European partners, and will step up support at all levels, in terms of finance, expertise and projects. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to generate challenges for the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova does not stand alone. Romania and numerous other external partners fully support Moldova’s objective to consolidate its resilience and security”, Ilie Bolojan said. The Romanian president on Monday is expected to join countless other European leaders who will attend a security summit in London focusing on Ukraine, called by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

     

    PROTEST – A few hundred thousand people are protesting in Victory Square in central Bucharest in a rally organized by the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). Its leader, George Simion, says the protest is directed against the Romanian government and the Constitutional Court’s ruling that annulled the second round of last year’s presidential election. Participants were seen waving national flags and banners in support of the independent candidate, Călin Georgescu.

  • March 1, 2025

    March 1, 2025

    ROMANIA – MOLDOVA RELATIONS – Romania’s interim president, Ilie Bolojan, on Saturday morning was received by his Moldovan counterpart, Maia Sandu, as part of an official visit to Chișinău. Ilie Bolojan also met with Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean, and brought a floral tribute to the Stephen the Great monument in the Moldovan capital. The Romanian head of state traveled to Moldova to further consolidate the Romanian-Moldovan partnership and express Romania’s willingness to continue support and cooperation with its neighbor. On February 12, shortly after being sworn in as interim president, Ilie Bolojan phoned the Moldovan president, discussing ways to continue close cooperation and bilateral relations.

     

    WHITE HOUSE MEETING – International leaders, including Romania’s interim president, Ilie Bolojan, have reacted to the falling-out between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, most of them appealing to calm and maintaining support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Volodymyr Zelensky to be strong and courageous because he is not alone, Reuters reports. Messages of encouragement for Ukraine also came from Poland, Norway, Canada, Czechia, Spain, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania and the United Kingdom. In turn, French president Emmanuel Macron recalled that Russia is the aggressor in the current conflict, and the Ukrainian people are the victim, fighting for both their independence and the security of Europe. A similar message was conveyed by the president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu. Italy’s Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni, said that in such moments unity is needed and called for the organization of a US – EU summit. Following talks between Zelenskyy and Trump at the Oval Office, the interim president of Romania posted a message on X, arguing that “the security of Ukraine is crucial for the security of Europe” and that “we must stand united to fight for our values, freedom and peace”. The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, during which vice-president J.D. Vance also intervened, took place at the Oval Office of the White House and ended with a dispute. Volodymyr Zelensky explained that, starting 2014, when Russia first attacked Ukraine, until the full-scale invasion of 2022, there were numerous attempts to regulate the conflict and ceasefires, but Russia violated its commitments every time. Therefore, Zelenskyy asked president Donald Trump not to accept compromises from Vladimir Putin. The two American leaders responded harshly, accusing Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not being grateful and not thanking the United States for the support received and of risking to start World War III. As a result of growing tension, the agreement on the joint exploitation of Ukrainian rare earths, requested by president Donald Trump as compensation for the support provided so far by the United States, was not signed, and the joint press conference of the two leaders was canceled.

     

    ARREST – Mercenary Horaţiu Potra, his son and his brother were added to an international wanted list by the Romanian Police, after the Supreme Court decided to have them arrested. At the same time, 16 other defendants have already been placed under pre-trial arrest, and two individuals were put on house arrest. All suspects are accused of actions against the constitutional order. Additionally, Horaţiu Potra is accused of violating the weapons and ammunition regime and the explosives regime. According to some sources, the three fugitives are currently in Dubai. Prosecutors claim Horaţiu Potra and his group of mercenaries sought to infiltrate the protests organized immediately after the annulment of last year’s presidential election in Romania, in order to create chaos. The action plan was allegedly devised by former independent candidate Călin Georgescu and his associates in a secret meeting shortly after decision of the Constitutional Court. As for Călin Georgescu, he was placed under pre-trial arrest for 60 days on Wednesday. He is being investigated for several crimes, including incitement to actions against the constitutional order.

     

    MĂRȚIȘOR – Romanians on March 1 celebrate the coming of spring, popularly known as Mărțișor. This popular celebrate was first documented in the early 20th century in Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and elsewhere in the Balkans. In Romania, Mărțișor was associated with protection against disease and misfortune. A silver coin was usually tied with a red-and-white piece of string to children’s hands, to ward off disease. 12 days later, the coin is tied to a branch so the tree can bloom, or it is tied to cattle’s horns, to prevent disease. Picked up by urban culture, Mărțișor became a very fashionable holiday. People buy silver or gold trinkets to give to their loved ones. Mărțișor was added to the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage list in 2017 following a joint application from Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and North Macedonia. (VP)

  • The visit of the new Foreign Minister of the Republic of Moldova

    The visit of the new Foreign Minister of the Republic of Moldova

    An enclave between Romania and Ukraine, a country invaded by
    Russian troops, the Republic of Moldova is on the front line of Kremlin’s
    hybrid war, Romania’s Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu said on Tuesday during her
    meeting with her Moldovan counterpart, Mihai Popșoi, who paid his first external visit since taking
    office to Romania. The last couple of years have been extremely difficult on
    the pro-Western administration in Chișinău, faced with unrepedenced
    destabilization and challenges orchestrated by Moscow, Minister Odobescu said.


    Unfortunately to those who fund such initiatives and fortunately
    for the Republic of Moldova, Chișinău resisted
    and will continue to resist. Moldova is consolidating its institutional capacity,
    it is undergoing a full-fledged reform process and, more importantly, it is
    firmly committed to its EU integration.


    The Romanian top diplomat also reiterated Romania’s support for
    the European integration of its neighbor. Last December the European Commission
    decided to officially launch EU accession talks with Moldova, an EU candidate
    state. As always, Romania is the most vocal and consistent supporter of this
    project. Moldova’s Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi.


    In the current context, I have been assured once again that
    Romania will continue to provide us with overriding, comprehensive and robust
    support in our efforts to consolidate energy security, develop energy
    infrastructure, further our European integration as well as develop our
    institutional capacity in order to effectively implement reforms in the
    Republic of Moldova.


    Continuing and consolidating strategic relations with Romania at
    all levels remains a top priority for the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi told Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.
    In turn, the latter argued in favor of developing joint projects of interest to
    the citizens of both countries, in such fields as energy interconnectivity,
    road and rail transport. Romania is Moldova’s number one trade partner and is
    the primary source of investors, Minister Popșoi said, adding that the number of companies with
    Romanian capital is on the rise in Moldova. In addition, both Bucharest and Chișinău have
    reiterated the fact that the Russian Federation’s acts of aggression against Ukraine
    represent a serious violation of international law, and that Kyiv’s victory is
    key to ensuring security and stability in the Black Sea region. (VP)



  • January 20, 2022 UPDATE

    January 20, 2022 UPDATE

    COVID-19 ROMANIA – Romania on Thursday reported over 19 thousand
    SARS-CoV-2 infections over the course of 24 hours out of 78 thousand tests, a
    record high since the start of the pandemic. The Group for Strategic Communication
    announced another 43 related fatalities, of which 4 were reported prior to the
    reference period. The previous record of infections was on October 19, 2021,
    when 18,863 infections were reported in a single day. At the time 561 deaths
    were also reported. Health Minister Alexandru Rafila says the COVID-related
    mortality rate is at present ten times lower compared to October last year. The
    Romanian official added that an innovative antiviral treatment will also be
    made available shortly. 8 million Romanians have so far received at least one
    dose of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine. The rate of vaccination stands at 47.5% of
    the total eligible population, the head of the National Committee for the
    Coordination of anti-COVID-19 Vaccination Activities, medical doctor Valeriu
    Gheorghiţă has announced. According to Dr. Gheorghiţă, the highest vaccination
    rate is reported for people aged 50-59. Starting January 26, the anti-COVID-19
    vaccine can be administered to children aged 5-11.




    PROGRAM – The authorities have launched the National Program
    for Combating Cancer in an event attended by president Klaus Iohannis. In
    February 2021, the European Commission launched the Europe’s Beating Cancer
    Plan, allotting €4 billion to finance cancer prevention, research and treatment
    programs across the community bloc. Meanwhile, the Romanian Parliament set up a
    special task force charged with transposing the Commission’s plan into national
    law. Right now, part of the cancer treatments, lab tests and prevention
    programs are funded under a nationwide program.




    NATO – Romania president, Klaus Iohannis, on Thursday hailed the
    announcement made the previous day by US president Joe Biden over the increase
    of America’s military presence in Romania on NATO’s eastern flank should the
    security situation deteriorate. The Romania-USA Strategic Partnership and NATO
    solidarity are very strong, Klaus Iohannis tweeted. The Romanian president
    added that Romania’s Strategic Partnership with France will also be
    consolidated in the Black Sea region, following the announcement of French
    president Emmanuel Macron regarding France’s willingness to deploy troops on
    Romania’s territory as part of NATO missions. The announcements follow at a
    very delicate time for Eastern Europe, where Russia has rallied over 100 thousand
    troops on the Ukrainian border. The Kremlin has called on NATO members to
    withdraw their troops from countries in Eastern Europe, including Romania. Romania’s
    Foreign Minister, Bogdan Aurescu, said NATO should consolidate its presence on
    its eastern flank as soon as possible, adding that the recent messages conveyed
    by the presidents of the USA and France also serve an important deterrence purpose
    in the current security context.




    MOLDOVA
    – Romania’s Prime Minister, Nicolae Ciucă, on
    Thursday talked over the phone to his Moldovan counterpart, Natalia Gavrilița, over the possibility
    of ensuring the necessary volume of fuel oil for the Republic of Moldova. For
    that to happen, Moldova must submit a formal request. The conversation followed
    after the Moldovan Parliament declared a state of emergency in the energy
    sector due to the high risk that the Russian energy giant Gazprom should cease
    natural gas deliveries to the Republic of Moldova. The two officials also
    discussed about preparations for the upcoming joint government session, slated
    for early February. We recall that on Wednesday, the government adopted the
    memorandum ensuring the framework for a new agreement based on which Romania
    will be able to continue providing technical and financial support to Moldova.
    Romania has provided Moldova with a non-reimbursable financial aid worth €100
    million.




    TENNIS – Tennis player Simona Halep advanced to the third round at the
    Australian open after ousting Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil, 6-2, 6-0 on
    Thursday. Sorana Cîrstea also qualified to the next
    phase after defeating Kristina Kukova of Slovakia, 6-2, 6-4. Irina Begu however
    lost to Elise Mertens of Belgium in the second round. (VP)

  • August 28, 2021 UPDATE

    August 28, 2021 UPDATE

    COVID-19 – 1,015 new cases of
    COVID-19 infection were reported on Saturday out of some 43,000 tests, the
    Group for Strategic Communication reports. 19 related fatalities have also been
    reported, while 243 people are in intensive care. Romania is ready for the
    fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Florin
    Cîţu said on Saturday. The Prime Minister claims anesthesia and intensive care
    units have maintained their capacity of receiving COVID patients, and
    vaccination patients can still vaccinate up to a 100 thousand people every day.
    The Prime Minister also referred to the importance of vaccination and testing
    for all health workers, as well as the personnel in education, law enforcement
    and the army.




    MOLDOVA – Romania
    supports the modernization of the Army of the Republic of Moldova, Romania’s
    Defense Minister, Nicolae Ciucă said during a meeting with his Moldovan
    counterpart, Anatolie Nosaty. The two officials tackled topics pertaining to
    bilateral military cooperation. Minister Nosaty said Romania is a trusted and
    strategic partner of the Republic of Moldova, expressing gratitude for the
    constant assistance coming from Bucharest in the field of defense. He also
    referred to the training of Moldovan Army personnel in relevant Romanian
    institutions, the expertise offered in drafting strategic documents as part of
    the Initiative for Consolidating Defense Capabilities, as well as assistance
    aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic. General Ciucă on Friday attended, alongside
    President Klaus Iohannis, the military parade marking 30 years since the
    proclamation of independence of neighboring Moldova. Created on a part of
    Romania’s eastern territories, annexed by the Soviet Union through an ultimatum
    in 1940, the Republic of Moldova won its independence after the abortive coup
    in Moscow against the then Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev. Adopted on August
    27, 1991 by Parliament in Chisinau, the declaration of independence was
    recognized by Romania on the same day. The Republic of Moldova got
    international recognition on March 2, 1992 upon its accession to the United
    Nations Organization.




    AFGHANISTAN – The
    crisis task force set up by Romanian authorities managed to evacuate 5 Afghan
    nationals from Kabul, who were admitted on Kabul airport and subsequently
    evacuated with support from Romania’s international partners, the Foreign
    Ministry in Bucharest has announced. The Afghan citizens – an exchange student
    studying in Romania and two journalists together with their families, are now
    safe outside Afghan territory. The task force has issued and submitted
    documents to the five Afghan citizens, conforming they are under the protection
    of the Romanian state. The Ministry says Romania will continue to take steps to
    evacuate Afghan nationals who worked together with Romanian troops and
    international organizations, students in Romania, vulnerable categories such as
    journalists, human rights activists, magistrates and members of their families.
    All 49 Romanian citizens who wanted to leave Afghanistan have been evacuated.
    At the same time, the task force maintains contact with the nine Romanian
    citizens who are still in Afghanistan and who have notified Romanian
    authorities they do not wish to be evacuated.




    IMF – The most important economic policy
    Romania needs to adopt right now is a swift implementation of the anti-COVID-19
    vaccination campaign, and that requires a significant amount of financial
    resources, a recent report of the IMF shows. The report also states that
    support measures dealing with the economic fallout of COVID-19 should be
    redirected to the most affected sectors, whereas fiscal policy should focus on
    a fair distribution of the fiscal burden and the improvement of tax collection.
    The IMF also recommends the reform of state-owned companies. Romania should
    also capitalize on the historic opportunity provided by the Recovery and
    Resilience Plan, as well as EU structural funds. For 2021, Fund experts expects
    a strong economic recovery in Romania, with a GDP growth of 7%. The main
    challenge remains the risk of negative and unpredictable changes in the
    evolution of the pandemic.


    FARMERS – Young farmers
    starting a business in the field of agriculture can apply for non-reimbursable
    funds of up to 70,000 Euro starting Friday. The total budget stands at 100
    million Euro, of which 30 million is reserved for farmers in mountainous
    regions. The funds will be disbursed for a maximum period of three years, in
    two installments: 75% upon signing the funding contract, and 25% depending on
    the correct implementation of the business plan, until December 31, 2025. The authorities will be providing financial assistance to small farms as well, and all
    applications can be submitted until November 26.


    FESTIVAL – A new edition
    of the George Enescu International Festival started on Saturday in Bucharest,
    with the famous Romanian Rhapsody no. 2 performed in the opening concert. This
    year the Festival has reached its 25th edition, marking 140 years
    since the birth of the great Romanian composer. Over 3,500 artists will take
    part over August 28 – September 26 in the festival. Concerts will be held in
    Bucharest, Sibiu, Timişoara, Iaşi and Constanţa, and will be divided in four
    sections: Great World Orchestras, Concerts and Recitals, Music of the 21st
    Century and Enescu and his Contemporaries. Russian conductor Vladimir Jurowski,
    this year’s artistic director, says the event will bring together the most
    important musicians from all over the world, helping promote the values of
    united Europe. Radio Romania is co-producer of the Festival. (VP)

  • August 28, 2021

    August 28, 2021

    COVID-19 – 1,015 new cases of
    COVID-19 infection were reported on Saturday out of some 43,000 tests, the
    Group for Strategic Communication reports. 19 related fatalities have also been
    reported, while 243 people are in intensive care. 57,000 people are in home
    isolation and 63 in institutionalized quarantine. Most new cases were reported
    in Bucharest and Ilfov, Timiş,
    Bacău, Constanţa and Cluj counties. While Romania remains in the green zone,
    the overall incidence rate has been going up.




    MOLDOVA – Romania
    supports the modernization of the Army of the Republic of Moldova, Romania’s
    Defense Minister, Nicolae Ciucă said during a meeting with his Moldovan
    counterpart, Anatolie Nosaty. The two officials tackled topics pertaining to
    bilateral military cooperation. Minister Nosaty said Romania is a trusted and
    strategic partner of the Republic of Moldova, expressing gratitude for the
    constant assistance coming from Bucharest in the field of defense. He also
    referred to the training of Moldovan Army personnel in relevant Romanian
    institutions, the expertise offered in drafting strategic documents as part of
    the Initiative for Consolidating Defense Capabilities, as well as assistance
    aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic. General Ciucă on Friday attended, alongside
    President Klaus Iohannis, the military parade marking 30 years since the
    proclamation of independence of neighboring Moldova. Created on a part of
    Romania’s eastern territories, annexed by the Soviet Union through an ultimatum
    in 1940, the Republic of Moldova won its independence after the abortive coup
    in Moscow against the then Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev. Adopted on August
    27, 1991 by Parliament in Chisinau, the declaration of independence was
    recognized by Romania on the same day. The Republic of Moldova got
    international recognition on March 2, 1992 upon its accession to the United
    Nations Organization.




    AFGHANISTAN – The
    crisis task force set up by Romanian authorities managed to evacuate 5 Afghan
    nationals from Kabul, who were admitted on Kabul airport and subsequently
    evacuated with support from Romania’s international partners, the Foreign
    Ministry in Bucharest has announced. The Afghan citizens – an exchange student
    studying in Romania and two journalists together with their families, are now
    safe outside Afghan territory. The task force has issued and submitted
    documents to the five Afghan citizens, conforming they are under the protection
    of the Romanian state. The Ministry says Romania will continue to take steps to
    evacuate Afghan nationals who worked together with Romanian troops and
    international organizations, students in Romania, vulnerable categories such as
    journalists, human rights activists, magistrates and members of their families.
    All 49 Romanian citizens who wanted to leave Afghanistan have been evacuated.
    At the same time, the task force maintains contact with the nine Romanian
    citizens who are still in Afghanistan and who have notified Romanian
    authorities they do not wish to be evacuated.




    BORDER POLICE – The
    Romanian Border Police have seized eight Indian nationals trying to illegally
    cross into Romania on the northeastern border, their aim being to reach the
    Schengen Area, the Border Police Territorial Inspectorate announced on
    Saturday. The eight men are aged 19 to 48 and are now being investigated by
    Romanian and Ukrainian authorities. Based on the agreement signed by the
    European Union and Ukraine, the eight citizens have been taken into custody by
    authorities of the neighboring state.




    MEDALS – Romania obtained its first two medals in Tokyo Paralympics. Romanian
    cyclist Eduard Novak, who is also Romania’s incumbent Minister of Youth and
    Sports, won silver in the 4,000-meter individual pursuit. Novak has thus won
    Romania’s first medal in the present edition of the Paralympic Games and his
    fourth. Eduard Novak, 44, obtained gold and silver medals at the 2012 edition
    of these games held in London and silver in Beijing in 2008. Another Romanian,
    judoka Alex Bologa, won bronze in the 60-kg category of the aforementioned
    competition. Romania is being represented by 7 athletes at the present edition
    of the Tokyo Paralympics who participate in judo, athletics, table tennis,
    cycling and archery. (VP)

  • A new assistance package for the Republic of Moldova

    A new assistance package for the Republic of Moldova

    Romania has sent
    another 132 thousand doses of anti-COVID-19 vaccine to neighboring Moldova. The
    law signed by the Romanian Government regarding its assistance to Moldova
    provide for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Moldova’s Agency for Public
    Health with a view to managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Romania has been sending
    doses of the AstraZeneca serum to Moldova under the European Union Mechanism
    for Civil Protection. The vaccines were delivered by a vehicle provided by the
    General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations with the Romanian Ministry of
    Interior Affairs.

    The humanitarian aid to the Republic of Moldova, consisting
    in medical equipment and anti-COVID shots, comes as part of an assistance
    package the head of state, Klaus Iohannis, announced during his visit to the Republic
    of Moldova in December, 2020, shortly after his Moldovan counterpart, Maia Sandu,
    took over as president of the Republic of Moldova. In early February, this year,
    the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations in Bucharest, as the primary
    contact, received an international assistance request from Moldovan authorities
    via the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Center (ERCC), with
    a view to combating the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The 132 thousand doses sent
    to Moldova are added to the 72 thousand already delivered by Romania, as part
    of special transports in February and March.

    With the delivery of the third batch
    of anti-COVID vaccine, Romania has fulfilled and even exceeded its promise to
    Moldova, Romania’s ambassador to Chișinău, Daniel Ioniță said at the Leușeni
    border crossing point, where he came to receive the serum donation. We want
    these vaccines to restore not just the health, but also hope for the citizens
    of the Republic of Moldova, the Romanian ambassador went on to say. Health
    adviser Ala Nemerenco, who also attended the delivery event, expressed her
    gratitude to Romania, saying that the batch will allow for quickly seeing this
    pandemic through. Romania has always helped the citizens of the Republic of
    Moldova, a Romanian Government release reads, providing assistance whenever
    it was required in the spirit of the special relation we enjoy based on the
    language, history and culture we share, founded on the Strategic Partnership
    for the European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, the Government release
    also states. (V.P.)

  • February 6, 2018 UPDATE

    February 6, 2018 UPDATE

    REP. MOLDOVA – Romanias strategic objective in the relation with the Republic of Moldova is the European integration of the neighboring state, Romanian foreign minister Teodor Meleşcanu said in Bucharest on Tuesday, fresh from the talks with his Moldovan counterpart, Tudor Ulianovschi. The two ministers talked about ways to consolidate Romanias investments in the Republic of Moldova and about prospects of interconnecting the power-grids. The Romanian foreign minister also mentioned the initiative taken by the authorities of several Moldovan towns to collect signatures for the unification with Romania, a move that has been described by the Moldovan President Igor Dodon as being liable to trigger “a civil war. The declarations that are being made at local level on the unification with Romania are, from Bucharests point of view, only the expression of the Moldovan citizens wish to get closer to the citizens of Romania, without any legal implication. In turn, foreign minister and minister of European integration, Tudor Ulianovschi, has hailed Romanias efforts to consolidate the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova. He underlined that Romania is Moldovas largest trade partner. Ulianovschi has said Moldovas European orientation continues to be an unchangeable and major objective of Moldovas domestic and foreign policy.



    STOCK EXCHANGES – The Bucharest stock exchange closed on Tuesday 2% below most indices, in line with European stocks. Stocks the world over, Romania included, fell sharply, after the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 1,175.21 points, or 4.6%, causing the biggest financial crisis since 2008. Even though they closed in the red, Europes stock markets avoided Mondays sharp plunge in the USA and Asia, especially in Japan, where the Nikkei lost almost 7%, falling below the key 8,000 technical level for the first time in three weeks. In other Asia markets, the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong reported a sharp 3.9% drop, while the Shanghai stock exchange closed in the red, down by 3.40%.



    JUSTICE LAWS – The Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader on Tuesday met in Strasbourg with European Commission Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, to discuss the current stage of the justice laws and the modifications to the criminal codes. Another topics on the agenda was the Romanian Constitutional Court’s ruling on integrity of public office. The European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday will be hosting debates on the rule of law and the reform of the judiciary in Romania. On January 24, the European Commission voiced concern about the latest developments in Romania and called on the Romanian Parliament to reconsider the modifications to the justice laws. The independence of the judiciary and its capacity to fight corruption efficiently are the cornerstones of a strong Romania within the EU, a joint declaration issued by the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and the First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, reads. The commission will analyse in detail the final modifications to the justice laws to establish their impact on the efforts to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption, the joint declaration also reads. Late last year, the ruling majority in Bucharest made up of the Social Democratic Party-the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Romania adopted changes to the justice laws, which have been vehemently criticized by magistrates associations and the opposition, on ground they would be aimed to politically subordinate the judicial system.


    SALARY LAW – The salary law passed last year was meant to balance the irregularities in the salary scheme, such as being paid different salaries for carrying out the same tasks in public institutions, Labour Minister Lia Olguta Vasilescu says. The Romanian official pointed out the law observes a basic European principle, that of equal pay for equal work. Bonuses have been capped, as in most cases they exceeded the basic salary. Minister Vailescu went on to say that people working half time will be switched to the 8-hour workload. The Government plans to adopt an emergency decree on this, given that people working half time pay minimum-wage contributions to the state budget, exceeding their real-time paygrade.



    SECURITY – The Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism has announced, in its 2017 activity report, that Islamic radicalisation in Romania is one of the major risks. Anti-terror prosecutors say the phenomenon has gained ground over the past few years and the law on preventing and fighting terrorism should be updated. According to them, last year Romania didnt face any concrete and consistent terror threats. In another move, anti-drug prosecutors say they seized over 2,000 kilograms of drugs in 2017, with cannabis being the most smuggled drug, brought over particularly from Spain and the Netherlands, by road. As regards cross border drug trafficking, Romania has remained a transit country, placed on the “Balkan route of transport, especially of heroin, cocaine and ecstasy.






    ACCORD – The Radio Broadcasting Corporation and the Public Television Station today signed a partnership accord, which will underlie cooperation in terms of informing Romanian citizens, with cultural, educational and social connections. The purpose of the accord is to mutually promote the two institutions and humanitarian campaigns, implementing joint cultural and artistic projects and cooperating with a view to promoting other projects. The accord also recognizes the two institutions major role in society, by promoting national values, providing audiences with innovative and easily accessible cultural programs.


    (Translated by D. Vijeu & V. Palcu)

  • Romania and Moldova forge new twinning agreements

    Romania and Moldova forge new twinning agreements

    Mayors from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, attending the Conference of the Representatives of Local Communities, held in Bucharest, have tried to find solutions to improve people’s welfare and communication between localities and counties in the two countries. Around 1,000 mayors on both sides of the Prut River have symbolically voted in favour of removing bureaucratic borders between Romania and Moldova.



    On this occasion, 450 twinning agreements have been forged, under which towns and villages in the two countries will carry out joint programmes in fields like education, culture, economy and local public administration. In the participants’ opinion, these twinning agreements open new perspectives for collaboration and economic growth.



    Bucharest’s interim mayor, Razvan Sava, has said: “There is strength in numbers, no doubt about it, especially in this extremely complicated geopolitical context. Together we are stronger, we can sign important partnerships for our communities, share information, discuss the management principles that we apply and the aspects related to accessing European funds.”



    According to the Chisinau mayor, Dorin Chirtoaca, the twinning agreements need financial backing in order to be effective. Dorin Chirtoaca: “If a Romanian town hall is granted EU funding for one of its projects, it is allowed to transfer, from its own budget, an amount equal to the European funds received, to its twin town in Moldova. The law allows it, as there is an emergency ordinance in force in this respect.”



    The Chisinau mayor has asked Romanian authorities to support local communities in neighbouring Moldova. Dorin Chirtoaca: “Things will irreversibly move towards EU accession, no matter what happens at the level of the Moldovan Government. With or without political alliances, people will come to trust their mayor, provided that, in the next three years, infrastructure development is financed, because this is the right thing to do.”



    The twining agreements signed in Bucharest add to the other 187 Romanian-Moldovan agreements already in place. The Conference of the Representatives of Local Communities was organised by the “Friends of the Union” inter-parliamentary group, the Institute for Culture and European Rights and the Unionist Platform “Action 2012” in partnership with the “Eudoxiu Hurmuzachi” Institute for Romanians Everywhere.