Radio România Internațional

Tag: season

  • Sports flash

    Sports flash

    CSO Voluntari women’s volleyball team on Wednesday grabbed a major away win in The Champions league, defeating Rabotnicki Skopje of North Macedonia, 3-nil. The fixture counted towards the first leg of the competition’s third round. The second leg is scheduled on October 9 in Mioveni. Should they secure a win in the double-legged tie against Rabotnicki, CSO Voluntari will be included in the League’s group E, jointly with Italy’s Scandicci, Polish side Bielsko-Biala and German team Stuttgart.

    In women’s basketball, US Romanian-born player Sabrina Ionescu yet again compelled recognition thanks to her most recent performance. Ionescu’s presence was crucial for New York Liberty, the team that secured an 88-84 win against Las Vegas Aces, in WNBA, the North-American professional women’s basketball league. In the last quarter of the match, Ionescu scored and provided most of the assists, so much so that Liberty had a 2-nil aggregate lead in the semi-final against Aces. New York Liberty are one win away from qualifying to the final.

    In men’s basketball, in EuroCup, on Wednesday U-BT Cluj-Napoca sustained a 73-84 away defeat by French opponents Bourg-en-Bresse, in a match counting towards EuroCup’s Group B. For holders U-BT Cluj Napoca, it was the second defeat in a row, in EuroCup’s ongoing season. In the third round on October 9, U-BT Cluj-Napoca will play a home game against Spanish side Valencia Basket.

    In the fifth round of the National League, on Wednesday, women’s handball team CSM Bucharest defeated Gloria Bistriţa-Năsăud. 33-30, in a match hosted by the Multi-Purpose Sports Hall in Bucharest. Holders CSM took their revenge as on September 7 in Bistritsa, the local side Gloria, defeated CSM, 30-26, in a fixture counting towards the Champions League’s first round. CSM’s top scorer was Cristina Neagu, with 7 goals. Bistritsa’ top scorer was Russian handballer Valeria Kyrdyasheva, with six goals scored. Also on Wednesday, vice-champions Rapid Bucharest defeated Handball Club Zalău, 32-29, while Râmnicu Vâlcea Municipal Sport Club trounced Măgura Cisnădie, 32-21.

  • Romanian men’s handball teams, back into the game

    Romanian men’s handball teams, back into the game

    Romanian handball in recent years has been better represented in international competition by women’s teams rather than men’s teams. CSM Bucharest and Rapid Bucharest women’s handball clubs have constantly been among Europe’s top-flight teams. In 2024, joining the two teams in their Champions league participation has been a third team, Gloria Bistriţa-Năsăud.

    In men’s handball, Dinamo Bucharest has been the only Romanian team to have taken part in the Champions League, in recent years. Dinamo Bucharest has clearly dominated the domestic championship, so much so that in the ongoing season Dinamo have a win-all record. Furthermore, in European competitions, in 2024, Dinamo have had a flawless trail.

    We recall that in the previous season Dinamo proved their mettle in Europe’; second-tier competition, the EHF European League, reaching as far as the semi-finals. In 2024, Dinamo Bucharest have received a wild card for the Champions League, Dinamo have been distributed to Group A, rubbing shoulders with top-notch teams, among which Paris Saint-Germain, Füchse Berlin or Hungarian team Veszprém. After three rounds in the League, only Dinamo and Sporting Lisbon have a win-all record so far.

    Dinamo Bucharest from the very first round impressed everybody when on September 12 they grabbed a 37 to 28 home win against Danish opponents Fredericia. Then on September 18, Dinamo grabbed a hard-fought 28-26 away win against Poland’s Wisla Plock. On September 26, Dinamo thrashed North Macedonia’s Pelister Bitolia, 34-25 on home turf.

    On Thursday, Dinamo play an away match against one of Europe’s best teams, Veszprem. Hungarian title holders Veszprem’s head coach is Dinamo’s former coach, the Spaniard Xavier Pascual, which is a plus for Vezprem. In the League’s ongoing season, Veszprém have so far won two matches and lost one. In the first round, away from home, Veszprem won the match against Füchse Berlin, by the narrowest of margins, 32 to 31. Then on home turf, Veszprem thrashed PSG, 41 to 28. However, In Lisbon, Veszprem suffered a severe defeat by Sporting Lisbon, 39 to 30, so in this coming Thursday’s fixture, Veszprem will have to prove the defeat in Portugal was a mere accident.
    —–

  • Sports weekend

    Sports weekend

    Romania’s men’s national handball
    team on home court defeated the Faeroe Islands team, 25-17. The fixture counted
    towards the preliminaries as part of the 4th group of the European Championship, to
    be hosted by Germany in 2024. In the first leg, the Faeroe Islands team grabbed
    an unexpected 28-26 win. In another group 4 fixture, Austria outclassed
    Ukraine, 31-28. With 8 points, Austria is at the top of the table, Romania is
    the runner-up team, with 4, while Ukraine and the Faeroe Islands are 3rd
    and 4th-placed, respectively, with 2 points each. In the group’s upcoming legs, Faeroe Islands
    goes against Ukraine, Romania faces Austria, then Austria takes on Faeroe Islands, while Ukraine plays Romania.
    The first two teams in each of the eight preliminary groups qualify to the
    final tournament, alongside the best four 3rd-placed teams.


    In
    the ice hockey Erste Liga, the Romania team ACSH Gheorgheni is a whisker away
    from advancing to the competition’s final stage. In a home game on Sunday, ACSH
    Gheorgheni defeated another Romanian team, Corona Brașov, 2-1. It was the 5th fixture
    in a series of seven. With an aggregate score of 3-2, ACSH
    Gheorgheni has the lead, while the return leg is scheduled on the skating rink
    in Brasov. In the other semifinal, the Hungarian team Budapest Akademia sustained a 1-3 home defeat by Ferencvaros Budapest, also from Hungary. The latter
    team has a 3-2 lead on aggregate.


    In
    news from football, matches counting towards the Romanian Super league’s 30th
    round, the last round of the regular season, were played at the weekend. On
    Friday, FC Botoșani and CS Mioveni drew, 1-all, while CSU
    Craiova defeated UTA Arad, 2-1. On Saturday, FC Arges sustained a nil-1 defeat
    by Petrolul Ploiesti, while Farul Constanta grabbed a 2-1 win in the match against
    Rapid Bucharest. On Sunday, FC Hermannstadt defeated FCU Craiova, 1-nil, while FCSB
    defeated Sepsi Sfântul Gheorghe, also 1-nil. Farul Constanța, CFR Cluj, FCSB,
    CSU Craiova and Rapid București play in Group 1, while playing in Group 2 are Petrolul
    Ploiești, Universitatea Cluj, FC Voluntari, FC Hermannstadt, FC Botoșani, Chindia
    Târgoviște, UTA Arad, FC Argeș and CS Mioveni.

    Counting towards the League’s 23rd
    round and interrupted in the 26th minute because of the racist
    slogans shouted in the stands, the match pitting Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe against
    FCU Craiova will be replayed. The result will definitely decide the team that will
    play in the League’s Group 1. With 40 points, 6th-placed FCU Craiova
    is at the bottom of the table according to Group 2 rankings, while Sepsi Sfantu
    Gheorghe is 7th-placed, with 39 points. (EN)

  • Sports weekend

    Sports weekend

    Romania’s men’s national handball
    team on home court defeated the Faeroe Islands team, 25-17. The fixture counted
    towards the preliminaries as part of the 4th group of the European Championship, to
    be hosted by Germany in 2024. In the first leg, the Faeroe Islands team grabbed
    an unexpected 28-26 win. In another group 4 fixture, Austria outclassed
    Ukraine, 31-28. With 8 points, Austria is at the top of the table, Romania is
    the runner-up team, with 4, while Ukraine and the Faeroe Islands are 3rd
    and 4th-placed, respectively, with 2 points each. In the group’s upcoming legs, Faeroe Islands
    goes against Ukraine, Romania faces Austria, then Austria takes on Faeroe Islands, while Ukraine plays Romania.
    The first two teams in each of the eight preliminary groups qualify to the
    final tournament, alongside the best four 3rd-placed teams.


    In
    the ice hockey Erste Liga, the Romania team ACSH Gheorgheni is a whisker away
    from advancing to the competition’s final stage. In a home game on Sunday, ACSH
    Gheorgheni defeated another Romanian team, Corona Brașov, 2-1. It was the 5th fixture
    in a series of seven. With an aggregate score of 3-2, ACSH
    Gheorgheni has the lead, while the return leg is scheduled on the skating rink
    in Brasov. In the other semifinal, the Hungarian team Budapest Akademia sustained a 1-3 home defeat by Ferencvaros Budapest, also from Hungary. The latter
    team has a 3-2 lead on aggregate.


    In
    news from football, matches counting towards the Romanian Super league’s 30th
    round, the last round of the regular season, were played at the weekend. On
    Friday, FC Botoșani and CS Mioveni drew, 1-all, while CSU
    Craiova defeated UTA Arad, 2-1. On Saturday, FC Arges sustained a nil-1 defeat
    by Petrolul Ploiesti, while Farul Constanta grabbed a 2-1 win in the match against
    Rapid Bucharest. On Sunday, FC Hermannstadt defeated FCU Craiova, 1-nil, while FCSB
    defeated Sepsi Sfântul Gheorghe, also 1-nil. Farul Constanța, CFR Cluj, FCSB,
    CSU Craiova and Rapid București play in Group 1, while playing in Group 2 are Petrolul
    Ploiești, Universitatea Cluj, FC Voluntari, FC Hermannstadt, FC Botoșani, Chindia
    Târgoviște, UTA Arad, FC Argeș and CS Mioveni.

    Counting towards the League’s 23rd
    round and interrupted in the 26th minute because of the racist
    slogans shouted in the stands, the match pitting Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe against
    FCU Craiova will be replayed. The result will definitely decide the team that will
    play in the League’s Group 1. With 40 points, 6th-placed FCU Craiova
    is at the bottom of the table according to Group 2 rankings, while Sepsi Sfantu
    Gheorghe is 7th-placed, with 39 points. (EN)

  • Peak of respiratory viral infections

    Peak of respiratory viral infections

    Romania is in a state of epidemiological alert, given that it is facing an avalanche of respiratory infections. The health minister, Alexandru Rafila, has recently stated that he will not declare an epidemic, as this would imply a return to “certain restrictions”, similar to those imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The health minister stated that the week from December 26 to January 1 was the third week of epidemic. Cases of flu, viral infections and pneumonia are on the rise, so more and more adults and children with symptoms are crowding in the hospital emergency rooms. As of this week, the wave of respiratory viral infections could reach its peak, given that these cases are multiplying rapidly.



    Specialists believe that most cases could be reported until February 10, and then a decrease will follow. The latest data from the Health Ministry indicate over 100,000 respiratory infections: viral infections, flu and pneumonia, detected by doctors in the first week of this year. The number is much higher than the total number of cases reported in the previous interval and almost double compared to the period before the pandemic.



    At the same time, several cases of multiple infection, with the influenza virus and the novel coronavirus, have also been confirmed in recent days, and doctors say that the risk of complications is higher than when the patient only has the flu. However, experts say that the probability of simultaneous infection is quite low. In their opinion, the main concern should be to limit the transmission of viruses in general, even of seasonal ones, which are considered less dangerous.



    Doctors and authorities remind that the protective measures applied during the pandemic have an effect in limiting the transmission of any respiratory virus and say that people should resume wearing masks in crowded spaces, if crowds cannot be avoided, and observing a rigorous hygiene of hands.



    On the other hand, in the context of the current epidemiological situation, the Association of the National Society of Family Medicine recommends the population, in case of viral infection, to seek medical advice and avoid self-medication. They draw attention that the release of antiviral medication is based on a medical prescription and that the treatment of a medical condition is based on the active substances and the dosage that a medicine contains and not on its trade name.



    Doctors warn that treatment schemes must be adapted to each individual patient, depending on age, type of virus, comorbidities, so treatments are not “universally valid”. Observing these principles will lead to rapid healing and recovery, avoiding the complications of this seasons viruses, doctors also highlighted. (LS)

  • April 20, 2019 UPDATE

    April 20, 2019 UPDATE

    EASTER Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Christians in Romania are celebrating Palm Sunday, commemorating Christs arrival in Jerusalem prior to the Crucifixion. On Saturday many believers and priests took part in processions in Bucharest and other cities. Palm Sunday marks the start of the last week of Lent, known as Passion Week, which marks the most dramatic events in the life of Jesus. On the other hand, Catholic and Protestant believers Sunday celebrate the Easter, the biggest holiday in the Christian world.




    HOLIDAYS In Romania, over 10,000 police and 8,000 gendarmes will be deployed on the Orthodox Palm Sunday and Catholic Easter Sunday, to ensure the safety of the citizens taking part in the events related to these holidays. Traffic police and over 300 radar units will also be on duty, to prevent accidents and to ensure smooth road traffic. Meanwhile, many Romanians working abroad are beginning their Easter visits home, and checkpoints are getting increasingly crowded. Over 4,000 border police will work every day to ensure efficient border controls during this period. The Romanian Border Police has also called on the authorities of Bulgaria, Hungary and the Republic of Moldova to increase the number of staff available in checkpoints, if necessary.




    RESHUFFLING President Klaus Iohannis will announce early next week his decision on the new nominations in the Dancila Cabinet. The Social Democratic Party, the main party in the ruling coalition, has nominated the deputy speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Eugen Nicolicea to replace Tudorel Toader as justice minister. The Social Democrats withdrew their political support for Toader after he refused to pass new controversial changes in the criminal codes, and consequently Tudorel Toader stepped down. The Prime Minister also forwarded to the Presidency the resignations of Rovana Plumb as Minister for European Funds and of Natalia Intotero as Minister for Romanians Abroad. The 2 are running for the European Parliament in the upcoming elections. Nominated to replace them are Deputy Oana Florea, for the Ministry for European Funds, and Senator Liviu Brăiloiu for the ministry in charge of the diaspora. The President has hinted that he disapproves of these proposals. In his opinion, this government reshuffling strengthens what he called “the Social Democrats siege of the judiciary.




    CULTURE As part of the 2019 Romania-France Cultural Season, the French Film Festival started on Saturday in 10 cities in Romania. Launched in November 2018, in France, the cultural dialogue between the 2 countries continues in Romania with scores of theatre shows, dance performances, concerts, film screenings, literature-related events, exhibitions and debates held in over 30 towns and cities. The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, pointed out that this was an important landmark in the arts and cultural life in Romania and France. The event strengthens the economic, scientific, cultural and social ties between the 2 states. The official closing of the 2019 Romania-France Cultural Season, which overlaps the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU, will be on July 14, Frances National Day.




    TENNIS Romania and France are tied, 1-all, in the Fed Cup semi-finals, after Simona Halep (2 WTA) beat Kristina Mladenovic (66 WTA) in Rouen, and Mihaela Buzărnescu (30 WTA) was defeated by Caroline Garcia (21 WTA). Three other matches are scheduled on Sunday: Caroline Garcia vs. Simona Halep, Kristina Mladenovic vs. Mihaela Buzărnescu and Caroline Garcia / Kristina Mladenovic vs. Irina Begu / Monica Niculescu. For the second time in history, 46 years apart, Romania is playing a Fed Cup semi-final. Frances performance in this competition is much better: the French tennis players were twice champions, in 1997 and 2003, finalists in 2004, 2005 and 2016, and semi-finalists several times, including last year. Should Romania get past France this weekend, it will play the final in November against the winner of the match pitting Australia against Belarus.



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • April 20, 2019

    April 20, 2019

    EASTER Catholic and Protestant Christians are preparing today for the Easter holiday, while Orthodox and Greek-Catholics are getting ready for Palm Sunday. Tonight Roman-Catholic churches are holding the Easter Vigil, the religious service that celebrates the Resurrection of Christ. Also today, on the eve of Palm Sunday, Orthodox and Greek Catholic believers in many parts of Romania organise religious processions to commemorate Christs arrival in Jerusalem prior to the Crucifixion.




    HOLIDAYS In Romania, over 10,000 police and 8,000 gendarmes will be deployed on the Orthodox Palm Sunday and Catholic Easter Sunday, to ensure the safety of the citizens taking part in the events related to these holidays. Traffic police and over 300 radar units will also be on duty, to prevent accidents and to ensure smooth road traffic. Meanwhile, many Romanians working abroad are beginning their Easter visits home, and checkpoints are getting increasingly crowded. Over 4,000 border police will work every day to ensure efficient border controls during this period. The Romanian Border Police has also called on the authorities of Bulgaria, Hungary and the Republic of Moldova to increase the number of staff available in checkpoints, if necessary.




    RESHUFFLING President Klaus Iohannis will announce early next week his decision on the new nominations in the Dancila Cabinet. The Social Democratic Party, the main party in the ruling coalition, has nominated the deputy speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Eugen Nicolicea to replace Tudorel Toader as justice minister. The Social Democrats withdrew their political support for Toader after he refused to pass new controversial changes in the criminal codes, and consequently Tudorel Toader stepped down. The Prime Minister also forwarded to the Presidency the resignations of Rovana Plumb as Minister for European Funds and of Natalia Intotero as Minister for Romanians Abroad. The 2 are running for the European Parliament in the upcoming elections. Nominated to replace them are Deputy Oana Florea, for the Ministry for European Funds, and Senator Liviu Brăiloiu for the ministry in charge of the diaspora. The President has hinted that he disapproves of these proposals. In his opinion, this government reshuffling strengthens what he called “the Social Democrats siege of the judiciary.




    DIPLOMACY Regional and international security and the contribution to the fulfilment of NATOs goals were the main topics approached by the Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Meleşcanu in a meeting with his counterparts from Poland and Turkey in Ankara. The ministers reconfirmed the need for constant efforts in order to efficiently respond to all challenges, wherever they may come from, and to implement the measures regarding the Black Sea region. The participants also agreed to hold meetings with the main representatives of the 3 countries military industries. Teodor Meleşcanu also mentioned the support provided by Romania to its eastern partners—Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine—and to the Western Balkans states. He also said that Romania aims to support these countries in advancing their relations with NATO and the EU.




    CULTURE As part of the 2019 Romania-France Cultural Season, the French Film Festival kicks off today in 10 cities in Romania. Launched in November 2018, in France, the cultural dialogue between the 2 countries continues in Romania with scores of theatre shows, dance performances, concerts, film screenings, literature-related events, exhibitions and debates held in over 30 towns and cities. The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, pointed out that this was an important landmark in the arts and cultural life in Romania and France. The event strengthens the economic, scientific, cultural and social ties between the 2 states. The official closing of the 2019 Romania-France Cultural Season, which overlaps the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU, will be on July 14, Frances National Day.




    TENNIS Romanias Simona Halep (2 WTA) is playing today in Rouen against Kristina Mladenovic (66 WTA) in the first round of the Fed Cup semi-finals between Romania and France. In the second match of the day, Mihaela Buzărnescu (30 WTA) will take on Caroline Garcia (21 WTA). Three other matches are scheduled on Sunday: Caroline Garcia vs. Simona Halep, Kristina Mladenovic vs. Mihaela Buzărnescu and Caroline Garcia / Kristina Mladenovic vs. Irina Begu / Monica Niculescu. For the second time in history, 46 years apart, Romania is playing a Fed Cup semi-final. Frances performance in this competition is much better: the French tennis players were twice champions, in 1997 and 2003, finalists in 2004, 2005 and 2016, and semi-finalists several times, including last year. Should Romania get past France this weekend, it will play the final in November against the winner of the match pitting Australia against Belarus.



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • The Week in Review, 13-19 April 2019

    The Week in Review, 13-19 April 2019

    The May 26 referendum


    The Romanian Parliament, convened in joint session on Wednesday, approved President Klaus Iohanniss request to hold a referendum on May 26, at the same time with the European Parliament elections. The point of the referendum is to ban amnesty and pardon for corruption offences and to prevent the government from passing emergency decrees related to criminal offences, convictions and judicial organisation. The head of state also wants to know the voters opinion as regards allowing public authorities, other than the Ombudsman, to notify the Constitutional Court directly, about emergency decrees. The Presidents move comes against the background of numerous legislative changes in the field of the judiciary, contested at home and criticised by Romanias European partners.




    Reshuffling of Dancilas cabinet


    Prime Minister Viorica Dancila sent president Klaus Iohannis proposals for the appointment of new ministers for the Ministry of European Funds, the Ministry for the Romanians Abroad and the Justice Ministry. The previous holders of these positions have resigned – Rovana Plumb and Natalia Intorero in order to run for the European elections, and Tudorel Toader after the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the main party in the ruling coalition, withdrew its political support and the PM asked for his resignation. Toader was left without the Social Democrats support for having delayed the adoption of some controversial emergency decrees modifying criminal codes. President Klaus Iohannis will announce early next week his decision about the appointment of the new ministers, but he has pointed out that, in his opinion, the new government reshuffle is aimed at strengthening what he calls “the PSD siege on justice. Romania must urgently get back on the track of reforms and continue the battle against corruption, European Commissioner for Justice, Vera Jurova, said at a European Parliament debate on the rule of law in Romania.




    Report on the first 100 days of Romanias presidency of the Council of the EU


    During the first three months of Romanias presidency of the Council of the EU, 90 difficult legislative dossiers have been closed, with Bucharest having coordinated over 1,100 events and meetings in the last three months, the Romanian PM Viorica Dancila said. Speaking about some of the dossiers finalised recently, Dancila welcomed the Councils formal adoption, as a final stage of the legislative procedure, of rules for the natural gas market, copyright and contracts for the sale of goods and the provision of online digital content. Bucharest has also been actively involved in the Brexit negotiations, Dancila went on to say. She also spoke about the importance of the elections for the European Parliament, held in Romania on the 26th of May, and pointed out that Romania has worked towards creating an environment in which free and fair elections can be held. Clearer rules were established for the protection of personal data, including penalties for the use thereof to manipulate the running and the outcome of the elections.




    Conference on security challenges on the eastern flank of NATO


    A conference on security challenges on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance, organised in Bucharest, has once again highlighted the need to strengthen NATOs capacity in the Baltic and Black Sea areas. Romanias President Klaus Iohannis has pleaded for a unitary, consolidated and coherent allied presence along the entire eastern flank. The president has stated that the Black Sea area is still marked by frozen conflicts and dormant tensions, and that is reason enough for such a presence, which is needed to ensure an effective defence and deterrence posture. At the conference, the US and Germany hailed the way in which Bucharest fulfils its commitments within NATO.




    The Romania-France Cultural Season


    The 2019 Romania-France Cultural Season has opened this week in Bucharest. Meetings, exhibitions, festivals and concerts will be held as part of this event in the capital Bucharest and many other cities across Romania. The French Ambassador in Bucharest, Michele Ramis, has mentioned that this is the first time her country organises the Season jointly with another EU country, which clearly reflects the nature of the Romanian-French relationship. In turn, the Romanian Culture Minister, Daniel Breaz, has evoked aspects related to the cultural connection between the two countries, and pointed out that for generations France has been a model, mirror and trustworthy friend of Romanians. The first part of the Cultural Season was held in 100 cities in France over the course of 5 months, and enjoyed great success, with the French people rediscovering Romania and its artists. The event is meant to consolidate economic, scientific, cultural and social ties between the two countries.



    (translated by: Elena Enache)

  • Romania-France Cultural Season

    Romania-France Cultural Season

    The start of the Romanian section of the 2019 Romania-France Cultural Season was shadowed by the Notre Dame disaster. President Klaus Iohannis spoke about the fire that destroyed part of the famous cathedral in Paris, and emphasised that the incident was particularly shocking and painful as it involved a UNESCO World Heritage site, a treasure of European civilisation and spirituality offered by France to the world.



    For the next 4 months, scores of cities in Romania will host meetings, exhibitions, festivals and concerts as part of the Romania-France Cultural Season. The event, which is unfolding concurrently with the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is excellent proof of the creative potential of Romanian artists, as well as of the cultural dialogue between the 2 countries, President Iohannis added, and urged the Government to invest in culture. The head of state added that the Season will remain an important landmark for the artistic life and for the cultural institutions in Romania and France, while at the same time providing new insight in a Europe undergoing multiple changes.



    Klaus Iohannis: “The Season is the shared expression of the common political values that France and Romania embrace. It is the expression of the success of our strategic partnership and of our effort to consolidate the European project, which needs the contribution of Romania, as a fully pro-European state and society in this part of the Union.



    The Ambassador of France in Bucharest, Michele Ramis, mentioned that this is the first time that her country organises the Season together with another EU member state, and this is a good illustration of the special nature of the relationship between France and Romania. In turn, the Romanian Culture Minister Daniel Breaz reviewed the cultural ties between the 2 countries:



    Daniel Breaz: “The Romanian culture encompasses fundamental confluences, dialogues, advancements and migrations of artistic values, sophisticated paradigms and, above all, an internal protocol of feeling comfortable with its own European path. Among the vicinities that have been the most constant, elevated and uninterrupted by history, the culture of France has remained, throughout generations, a model, a mirror and a friend for Romanians, and the French language has been for centuries the guiding language of the Romanian elites.



    The France-Romania Cultural Season was held between November 28 and April 5 in over 100 cities in France, and was quite successful, enabling the French people to rediscover Romania and its artists. The programme is designed to strengthen the economic, scientific, cultural and societal relations between the 2 countries.



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • Romania-France Cultural Season

    Romania-France Cultural Season

    The start of the Romanian section of the 2019 Romania-France Cultural Season was shadowed by the Notre Dame disaster. President Klaus Iohannis spoke about the fire that destroyed part of the famous cathedral in Paris, and emphasised that the incident was particularly shocking and painful as it involved a UNESCO World Heritage site, a treasure of European civilisation and spirituality offered by France to the world.



    For the next 4 months, scores of cities in Romania will host meetings, exhibitions, festivals and concerts as part of the Romania-France Cultural Season. The event, which is unfolding concurrently with the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is excellent proof of the creative potential of Romanian artists, as well as of the cultural dialogue between the 2 countries, President Iohannis added, and urged the Government to invest in culture. The head of state added that the Season will remain an important landmark for the artistic life and for the cultural institutions in Romania and France, while at the same time providing new insight in a Europe undergoing multiple changes.



    Klaus Iohannis: “The Season is the shared expression of the common political values that France and Romania embrace. It is the expression of the success of our strategic partnership and of our effort to consolidate the European project, which needs the contribution of Romania, as a fully pro-European state and society in this part of the Union.



    The Ambassador of France in Bucharest, Michele Ramis, mentioned that this is the first time that her country organises the Season together with another EU member state, and this is a good illustration of the special nature of the relationship between France and Romania. In turn, the Romanian Culture Minister Daniel Breaz reviewed the cultural ties between the 2 countries:



    Daniel Breaz: “The Romanian culture encompasses fundamental confluences, dialogues, advancements and migrations of artistic values, sophisticated paradigms and, above all, an internal protocol of feeling comfortable with its own European path. Among the vicinities that have been the most constant, elevated and uninterrupted by history, the culture of France has remained, throughout generations, a model, a mirror and a friend for Romanians, and the French language has been for centuries the guiding language of the Romanian elites.



    The France-Romania Cultural Season was held between November 28 and April 5 in over 100 cities in France, and was quite successful, enabling the French people to rediscover Romania and its artists. The programme is designed to strengthen the economic, scientific, cultural and societal relations between the 2 countries.



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • April 18, 2019 UPDATE

    April 18, 2019 UPDATE

    CABINET The Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader Thursday announced his resignation, and said he would stay in the Ministry until the name of his replacement was published in the Official Journal. On Wednesday, PM Viorica Dăncilă sent President Klaus Iohannis the proposal for his replacement. The main partner in the ruling coalition, the Social Democratic Party, nominated Deputy Eugen Nicolicea to replace him. The SDP decided to withdraw political support for the Justice Minister after he refused to pass controversial changes to the criminal codes. PM Viorica Dancila also made new nominations for the positions of Minister for Romanians Abroad and Minister for European Funds, along with the resignations of the Minister for European Funds, Rovana Plumb, and of the Minister for Romanians Abroad, Natalia Intotero. The two are running for the European Parliament in the upcoming elections. Deputy Oana Florea was nominated for the Ministry for European Funds, and Senator Liviu Brăiloiu for the Ministry for Romanians Abroad.




    CANNES The latest feature film by the Romanian director Corneliu Porumboiu, “La Gomera / The Whistlers, has been included in the official competition of the Cannes International Film Festival. The film will have its world premiere in the 72nd edition of the Festival, to be held on May 14th to 25th. Cristi, a Romanian corrupt policeman involved in a 30-million euro deal with the mafia, gets to La Gomera Island, in Spain, to learn ‘El Silbo’, a whistling language used by the locals. The code will help him release a criminal arrested in Bucharest, the only one in the gang who knows where the money is kept. Corneliu Porumboiu has been awarded several times in Cannes, his “Police, Adjective having won in 2009 the Grand Prize and the FIPRESCI award in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section.




    ROMANIA – FRANCE Exhibitions at the National History Museum and the Museum of Art Collections, the 5th edition of Spotlight – the International Light Festival, and a Theo Lawrence & The Hearts concert, were included on Thursday in the opening programme for the Romanian section of the 2019 Romania – France Cultural Season. Romanias National Art Museum opens an exhibition entitled “Species of Spaces: the Societe Generale Contemporary Art Collection, in the presence of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, the Culture Minister Valer-Daniel Breaz, his French counterpart Franck Riester and the Ambassador of France to Bucharest, Michele Ramis. Launched in November in France, the cultural dialogue between the 2 countries will continue in Romania until July 14th, with scores of performances, concerts, film screenings, literature-related events, exhibitions and roundtables held in more than 30 cities. The Cultural Season ended in France on April 16th and included events held in over 100 cities.




    MASS MEDIA Hatred towards journalists has triggered violence and an intense climate of fear, reads the 2019 World Press Freedom Index released on Thursday by Reporters without Borders NGO. The organisation warns that the number of safe countries for journalists continues to decline. According to the report, only 24 out of the 180 countries covered by the barometer are safe. First ranks Norway, for the 3rd year in a row, followed by Finland, Sweden and Netherlands, whereas the countries that rank the lowest in terms of press freedom are China, Eritrea, North Korea and Turkmenistan. Romania is placed 47th in the World Press Freedom Index, which says that part of the Romanian mass media have been gradually turned into propaganda tools, are under political control, with obscure funding mechanisms and editorial policies subordinated to the interests of their owners.



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)