Radio România Internațional

Tag: Shenzhen

  • October 30, 2019 UPDATE

    October 30, 2019 UPDATE

    GOVERNMENT In Bucharest, the hearings of the candidates for minister posts in the Liberal PM designate Ludovic Orbans new cabinet have concluded. On Wednesday, the specialised parliamentary committees interviewed the candidates for minister of labour, justice, youth and sports, education and research, economy, energy and the business environment, development, administration, and public works, and foreign affairs. All candidates, except for the ones nominated for labour minister and minister for public works, development and administration, were greenlighted by MPs. On Tuesday, all candidates except for the one nominated for finance minister were also approved by the relevant parliamentary committees. However, the parliamentary committees only have consultative powers, and the decisive vote is scheduled for Monday, November 4. In order to replace the Social Democrat Viorica Dancilas Cabinet, dismissed on October 10 following a no-confidence vote in Parliament, Ludovic Orbans team needs at least 233 votes. To this end, the PM designate and president of the National Liberal Party, Ludovic Orban, has signed political agreements with Save Romania Union, the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians, the Peoples Movement Party, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats and MPs representing ethnic minorities. PRO Romania, a splinter from the Social Democratic Party, said they would decide on whether to vote on the new cabinet after the hearings, whereas the Social Democratic Party announced they would not take part in the vote.



    MISSION ‘Regele Ferdinand’ Frigate of the Romanian Navy, together with a Puma Naval helicopter and a Navy Special Operations unit are taking part until November 7th in a new NATO mission in the Mediterranean. The goal of Operation ‘Sea Guardian 19’ is to discourage illegal activities in the southern flank of NATO and the EU, by means of sea and air traffic monitoring. During the mission, the Romanian frigate will have stopovers in Haifa, Israel, and Limassol, Cyprus. The first stop was in the port of Aksaz, in the south of Turkey, followed by another one in Alexandria, Egypt, where a first meeting was held aboard, with members of the Romanian community in Egypt.



    MILITARY A military delegation from Bulgaria, headed by Gen. Major Mihail Dimitrov Popov, chief of staff of the Bulgarian Land Forces, is on an official visit to Romania between October 29 and 31. The host of the event is the chief of the Romanian Land Forces, gen. major Dorin Blaiu. The visit is intended on the one hand to assess the cooperation between the Romanian and Bulgarian land forces, and on the other hand to identify new fields and opportunities for future training. The agenda of the Bulgarian delegation also includes visits to the Romanian military units in Bucharest, Cincu and Sibiu (centre).



    ANTI-CORRUPTION The interim chief of the National Anti-Corruption Agency, Călin Nistor, has reported that over the past 4 years anti-corruption prosecutors sent to court over 900 individuals suspected of crimes against the financial interests of the European Union, in cases having caused combined losses of over 100 million euros. The chief prosecutor also said the acquittal rate in cases involving EU fund frauds is rather low, and added that Romanian courts have already sentenced more than 450 defendants and forced them to pay compensations of around 30 million euros.



    TENNIS In the Purple Group of the WTA Finals in Shenzhen (China), the Romanian Simona Halep (5 WTA) Wednesday lost 7-5, 6-3, to the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who moved up into the semi-finals. Simona Halep played the final of the tournament at her first participation in 2014, when she lost to the American Serena Williams (9 WTA). Also on Wednesday, the Romanian-born Canadian Bianca Andreescu (4 WTA) forfeited the match against Karolina Pliskova (2 WTA), after the Czech player had won the first set, 6-3. Andreescu stands no chances to qualify into the semis, even if she was fit to play the last group match on Friday, against the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina.


    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • October 29, 2019

    October 29, 2019

    GOVERNMENT The Romanian Prime Minister designate, the Liberal Ludovic Orban, has signed political agreements with several parliamentary parties, to secure the necessary support in Parliament for his new Cabinet. Parliament is scheduled to vote on the matter on Monday, November 4. In order to be endorsed, the new government needs at least 233 votes. Today and tomorrow, the specialised committees in Parliament are hearing the candidates. Ludovic Orbans Liberal government follows the Social Democratic cabinet headed by Viorica Dancila, which was dismissed on October 10th through a no-confidence vote.




    PROTESTS In Romania, trade unionists in the forestry sector picketed the Chamber of Deputies headquarters in Bucharest on Tuesday, against the backdrop of the growing number of attacks against forestry workers. The 6 foresters killed over the past few years by wood thieves were commemorated, but apart from them, the protesters say, over 650 employees have been assaulted, threatened, and attacked by criminals caught during illegal logging attempts. The unions lobby for immediate changes in the legislation regulating the forestry professions, to the effect of strengthening the authority of foresters.



    MINING In Romania, over 100 coal workers from Paroşeni and Uricani, in the Jiu Valley area in the centre-west of the country, continue to protest underground, for the second consecutive day. They are unhappy with the lack of redundancy packages for the employees to be made redundant early next year. A shut down and renaturation programme at the Paroşeni and Uricani mines was initiated in late December 2017. In 2018 and 2019, operations were conducted to secure the coal deposits and to drain the water from galleries. In 2020 the main ventilation unit is scheduled to shut down, and access to the underground will be sealed.




    AGEING Population ageing is deepening in Romania, with 471,000 more citizens over 65 than children under 14 on July 31st 2019, the National Statistics Institute announced today. The total population by domicile has reached 22.155 million people, 0.1% less than on July 1st, 2018. Urban population and women account for the majority of the Romanian population (56.4% and 51.2% respectively).




    TENNIS The Japanese player Naomi Osaka, number 3 in the world, had to leave the WTA Finals in Shenzhen (China), because of an injury. She was replaced in the Red Group by the Dutch Kiki Bertens, number 10 WTA, who is to play today against the Australian Ashleigh Barty (1 WTA). In the other match today, the Czech Petra Kvitova (6 WTA) takes on the Swiss Belinda Bencic (7 WTA). On Sunday, in the first matches, Osaka outplayed Kvitova, and Ashleigh Barty defeated Bencic. The Romanian Simona Halep (5 WTA) is playing on Wednesday in the Purple Group against the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina (8 WTA), and the Canadian Bianca Andreescu (4 WTA) against Karolina Pliskova (2 WTA). On Monday, Halep defeated Andreescu 3-6, 7-6, 6-3, while Svitolina outperformed Pliskova 7-6, 6-4. Simona played the finals of the WTA tournament in Schenzhen in 2014, at her first participation, when she was defeated by the American Serena Williams (9 WTA).


    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • October 28, 2019 UPDATE

    October 28, 2019 UPDATE

    Government – The permanent bureaus of Romania’s Chamber of Deputies and Senate on Monday decided that the ministers of the new cabinet be interviewed on Tuesday and Wednesday and the investiture vote be cast on November 4th. Meanwhile, the leader of the National Liberal Party PNL continued negotiations with the parliamentary parties to get the needed 233 votes for his government to be validated. In exchange for their vote in Parliament, the Save Romania Union party announced they signed a political agreement with the Liberals which stipulates, among others, the return to the system of electing mayors in two rounds. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats conditioned their support of the Orban government on changing the legislation in the justice field only through parliamentary debates and on forbidding migration of MPs, local councilors and party members from one party to another. The People’s Movement Party wants a re-launch of relations with the Republic of Moldova and the elimination of special pensions granted to military staff. The Social Democratic Party and Pro Romania party said they would vote against the new government. If it is invested, the new cabinet will replace the outgoing Social Democratic government led by Viorica Dancila, which was dismissed through a motion of no confidence.



    Vote — The Romanian Foreign Ministry on Monday started sending to Romania’s diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad the materials necessary for the presidential election vote. For the 835 polling stations to be organized in the Diaspora, the Foreign Ministry will send around 4,483,907 ballots and 7,739 rubber stamps for the first round of voting. As a first at this presidential election, the voting process will take place during 3 days for each round of voting, to avoid queuing, namely on 8, 9 10 of November in the first round and on 22, 23 and 24 of November in the second round. Also, Romanians abroad who registered online can use postal vote. Around 43 thousand Romanians from abroad have chosen the postal voting.



    Health — Romanians are becoming more aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and this is shown by their concern with what they eat. 69% of Romanians say they choose natural products and 68% opt for foodstuffs made in Romania, shows a recent study. Also 35% of Romanians watch TV shows, blogs and websites that deal with health issues, nutrition and sports. 32% say they do physical exercise at least once a week. Of them the most active are the young people in the 16-29 age bracket, 56% doing physical exercise. Last but not least, 34% of Romanians take dietary supplements or various herbal supplements to prevent certain ailments.



    Tennis — The Romanian Simona Halep (5 WTA) on Monday defeated 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 the Romanian-born Canadian player Bianca Andreescu (4 WTA) in the so-called purple group at the Champions’ tournament in Shenzhen, China. Also on Monday, in the same group, the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina (8 WTA) defeated Karolina Pliskova (2 WTA) from the Czech Republic 7-6, 6-4. On Sunday, on the first day of the competition, world leader Australian Ashleigh Barty defeated the Swiss Belinda Bencic (7 WTA) and the Japanese Naomi Osaka (3 WTA) defeated the Czech Petra Kvitova (6 WTA). Simona Halep played in the final of the Champions’ tournament for the first time in 2014 when she was defeated by the American Serena Williams. (update by L. Simion)

  • October 26, 2019 UPDATE

    October 26, 2019 UPDATE

    MILITARY Nearly 1,400 Romanian and foreign troops with 220 vehicles are taking part in the multinational exercise Scorpions Legacy 2019, held between October 25 and November 8 in Cincu, Braşov County, in central Romania, the press office of the Multinational Brigade South-East announced. The goal of the exercise is to train the staff of the multinational brigade headquartered in Craiova and of the affiliated units in Bulgaria, Italy and Portugal, though computer-assisted command drills, field training practice and shooting practice. The Headquarters Multinational Brigade Southeast ensures high-level capability to command forces deployed in the south-east of the Allied territory, with an important contribution to NATOs collective defence.



    MOTORWAY The Romanian Transport Ministry has submitted a funding application to the European Commission, concerning a 122 km-long motorway connecting Sibiu in central Romania to Pitesti in the south. According to the ministry, the first stage, for which funding is requested, consists in the construction of 53 km of motorway. The project amounts to a total 1.3 billion euros, 85% of which will come from the EU budget in non-reimbursable funds, and the balance from the Romanian government. The deadline for completion is December 2023.



    REPATRIATION Three Romanian citizens, 2 of them underage, were repatriated from Libya, via Tunisia and Turkey, the Foreign Ministry announced. The measure is part of the constant assistance and consular protection efforts made by the Romanian Foreign Ministry, via diplomatic offices in countries with major security risks. The Ministrys homepage continues to run a maximum-alert travel warning for Libya, reading “Major threat – leave country or area immediately!.



    MIGRANTS Border police from the Nădlac checkpoint, western Romania, found 20 citizens from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and India hiding in a truck while attempting to cross the border illegally. The police say they were trying to reach Western Europe. Investigations are now conducted against the truck driver, suspected of human trafficking and against the foreign citizens for attempted illegal border crossing.



    BREXIT The ambassadors of the 27 EU member states have deferred a decision regarding the Brexit postponement period to next week. Recently, they have agreed in principle on a new postponement of Britains exit from the Union, scheduled for October 31, and are now to reach a consensus on a new deadline. The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, recommended a 3-month extension, to January 31. The European Parliament also agrees with this date, which would allow Britain to clarify its position and the EP to properly fulfil its duties.



    TENNIS The Romanian Simona Halep, number 5 in the world, landed in the Purple Group of the WTA Finals in Shenzhen (China), held between October 27 and November 3. On Monday she will play against the Romanian-born Canadian Simona Andreescu, no 4 WTA. Halep, winner of this years Wimbledon trophy, takes part in the tournament of the worlds elite 8 for the 6th time in her career. The Purple Group also includes Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) and Elina Svitolina (Ukraine), according to Fridays draw release. This edition has record-high prizes—14 million USD, twice as much as last year.


    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • October 26, 2019

    October 26, 2019

    MILITARY Nearly 1,400 Romanian and foreign troops with 220 vehicles are taking part in the multinational exercise Scorpions Legacy 2019, held between October 25 and November 8 in Cincu, Braşov County, in central Romania, the press office of the Multinational Brigade South-East announced. The goal of the exercise is to train the staff of the multinational brigade headquartered in Craiova and of the affiliated units in Bulgaria, Italy and Portugal, though computer-assisted command drills, field training practice and shooting practice. The Headquarters Multinational Brigade Southeast ensures high-level capability to command forces deployed in the south-east of the Allied territory.




    DST Romania switches to winter time tonight, with clocks set one hour back, from 4:00 AM to 3:00 AM. Sunday will be the longest day of the year. The switch does not affect railway traffic timetables. The European Commission suggested that Europe should give up seasonal DST switches in Europa, and member states will decide whether they want to keep the summer time or winter time permanently as of 2021.




    MIGRANTS Border police from the Nădlac checkpoint, western Romania, found 20 citizens from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and India hiding in a truck while attempting to cross the border illegally. The police say they were trying to reach Western Europe. Investigations are now conducted against the truck driver, suspected of human trafficking and against the foreign citizens for attempted illegal border crossing.




    BREXIT The ambassadors of the 27 EU member states have deferred a decision regarding the Brexit postponement period to next week. Recently, they have agreed in principle on a new postponement of Britains exit from the Union, scheduled for October 31, and are now to reach a consensus on a new deadline. The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, recommended a 3-month extension, to January 31. The European Parliament also agrees with this date, which would allow Britain to clarify its position and the EP to properly fulfil its duties.




    TECHNOLOGY Sixteen Romanian ITC companies took part in the worlds largest mobile communications exhibition – Mobile World Congress 2019, held in Los Angeles. According to the Romanian Ministry for the Business Environment, Trade and Entrepreneurship, the Romanian participants presented their products in a national pavilion of around 150 sq.m. The Los Angeles fair is the third specialised event, after the ones in Barcelona and Shanghai, which brings together technology providers and producers, influencers and innovators in the ITC industry.




    TENNIS The Romanian Simona Halep, number 5 in the world, landed in the Purple Group of the WTA Finals in Shenzhen (China), held between October 27 and November 3. On Monday she will play against the Romanian-born Canadian Bianca Andreescu, no 4 WTA. Halep, winner of this years Wimbledon trophy, takes part in the tournament of the worlds elite 8 for the 6th time in her career. The Purple Group also includes Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) and Elina Svitolina (Ukraine), according to Fridays draw release. This edition has record-high prizes—14 million USD, twice as much as last year.



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • October 25, 2019 UPDATE

    October 25, 2019 UPDATE

    ARMY DAY President Klaus Iohannis said on Friday that the regional and global security environment is continually changing, and Romania needs a strong and well trained army, able to further contribute to promoting security and stability in the region, to the fulfilment of its NATO commitments and to implementing the Common Defence and Security Policy in Europe. The statement was occasioned by the Romanian Army Day, celebrated with special events at military units and memorial sites across the country. Military ceremonies and cultural and educational activities were also organised in the theatres of operations abroad where Romanian troops are deployed. Flowers were also laid at memorial sites celebrating Romanian soldiers in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Moldova and Hungary. On the 25th of October 1944, the Romanian Army freed northern Transylvania from Horthy occupation and continued to fight on the territories of Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Austria alongside the Allied troops, contributing to the great victory of May 9th 1945 that marked the end of WWII in Europe.



    NATO Defence ministers from NATO member countries discussed in Brussels on Thursday and Friday about Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, the training mission in Iraq, and Operation KFOR. According to a news release issued by the Romanian Defence Ministry, participants analysed the implementation of the NATO initiative to enhance the Allied forces interoperability, response and generation capacities. They also exchanged opinions on the fair sharing of responsibilities within the organisation. Representing Romania, the state secretary for defence policy Doru Frunzulică talked about the need for a stronger NATO presence in Romania, to counter the threats and volatile security situation at the Black Sea.



    BREXIT The ambassadors of the 27 EU member states had not made a decision on Friday as regards the postponed date of Britains exit from the Union. According to Radio Romanias correspondent, attending the meeting of EU ambassadors was also the blocs chief negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier, who described the talks as excellent. The diplomats agreed that a deferral is called for, but are still trying to reach a consensus on its exact duration. The UK has officially requested a postponement to the end of January. A new meeting of the EU ambassadors will take place early next week.



    TENNIS The Romanian Simona Halep was drawn in the Purple Group of the WTA Finals in Shenzhen (China), scheduled to take place between October 27 and November 3. She plays in the same group with the Romanian-born Canadian Bianca Andreescu, the Czech Karolina Pliskova and the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, according to Fridays draw release. The Red Group includes world no. 1 Ashleigh Barty, of Australia, Japans Naomi Osaka, the Czeck Petra Kvitova and the Swiss Belinda Bencic. Halep, no 5 in the world and winner of this years Wimbledon trophy, takes part in the tournament of the worlds elite eight for the sixth time in her career. This years edition offers record-high prizes, 14 million US dollars, twice as much as last year.


    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • 03.01.2019

    03.01.2019

    Présidence – L’Europe de la convergence, l’Europe de la sécurité, l’Europe – acteur global et l’Europe des valeurs communes – ce sont les 4 piliers sur lesquels repose la présidence tournante de l’UE que la Roumanie assume depuis le 1er janvier. Au cours de 6 mois de son mandat Bucarest devra gérer plusieurs dossiers difficiles, dont le Brexit, le budget pluriannuel pour la période 2021-2027 ou encore une stratégie cohérente de la migration. La semaine dernière, le site officiel de la présidence roumaine a été lancé : romania2019.eu peut être consulté en roumain, en anglais et en français. Il contient des informations utiles pour les journalistes, les experts en affaires européennes et le grand public.

    Justice – La Haute Cour de cassation et de justice de Bucarest a désigné aujourd’hui, par tirage au sort, les membres des chambres à cinq juges pour 2019. Rappelons que, l’année dernière, suite à une décision de la Cour constitutionnelle les chambres à cinq juges de la Cour suprême ont été jugées illégalement constituées. Par conséquent, les peines de prison ferme de 3 à 6 ans ont été suspendues et les condamnés ont été libérés. Parmi eux : l’ancien sénateur Dan Sova, condamné à 3 ans de prison ferme pour trafic d’influence, l’ancien ministre social-démocrate Constantin Niţă, condamné à 4 ans de prison ferme pour acceptation de pots-de-vin ou encore l’homme d’affaires Horia Simu qui avait lui aussi écopé d’une peine de prison ferme de 4 ans pour trafic d’influence. S’y ajoutent le président de la Fédération roumaine de la boxe, Rudel Obreja, l’ancienne ministre des Transports, Elena Udrea et l’ancienne procureure en chef du Parquet antiterrorisme, Alina Bica. Les deux femmes se sont vu également retirer les demandes d’extradition envoyées au Costa Rica, où elles étaient arrêtées.

    Remboursement – La Roumanie doit payer cette année un peu plus d’un milliard d’euros à l’UE et à la Banque Mondiale du prêt stand-by qu’elle a contracté en 2009. L’année dernière la somme à couvrir était de 1,4 milliards d’euros, précise le ministère des Finances publiques. Bucarest doit encore rembourser plus de 2 milliards d’euros aux mêmes créditeurs. Il s’agit d’un paquet de soutien de presque 20 milliards d’euros accordé il y a 10 ans par le FMI, l’UE et la BM et dont la dernière tranche, qui approche les 403 millions d’euros est à rembourser en 2023.

    Automobiles – En France, les immatriculations d’automobiles nouvelles du type Dacia ont augmenté de 19% l’année dernière ; atteignant les 140.326 unités, à comparer avec 117.865 unités enregistrées en 2017, a fait savoir le Comité des Constructeurs Automobiles Français. La France reste le 3e grand marché automobile de l’UE, après l’Allemagne et la Grande Bretagne, mais devançant l’Italie et l’Espagne. Rappelons aussi que le producteur roumain Dacia a été racheté par Renault en 1999. Relancée en 2004 par le modèle Logan, Dacia est devenu un joueur de marque sur le marché européen.

    Orchestre – Du 6 au 16 janvier, l’Orchestre national symphonique de la Roumanie, avec Cristian Măcelaru au pupitre, effectuera sa première tournée aux Etats-Unis. Au programme : 7 concerts, à la Palm Beach, Miami et Fort Myers, à Detroit et New Jersey. Le point culminant sera le concert prévu au Lincoln Center de New York, dont l’invité spécial ser le fameux trompettiste Wynton Marsalis. Notons que l’Orchestre national symphonique de la Roumanie réunit les plus grands artistes roumains. Il a une activité très riche tant en Roumanie qu’à l’étranger, avec des concerts donnés à Linz, Salzburg, Chisinau, Genève, Paris, Lyon ou Bruxelles.

    Tennis – La joueuse de tennis roumaine Sorana Cîrstea (84 WTA) affronte aujourd’hui l’Américaine Alison Riske (62e WTA) dans les quarts de finale du tournoi WTA de Shenzhen (en Chine). Ce jeudi encore, toujours dans les 8e de finale, la Roumaine Monica Niculescu (99e WTA) rencontrera la Chinoise Yafan Wang (70e au classement).

    Météo – Il fait plus froid aujourd’hui en Roumanie que la normale saisonnière, notamment dans les nord du pays. Le ciel est couvert et il neige par endroits en montagne, dans le nord et le centre. Dans le sud du pays l’on signale de la giboulée et de la pluie. Les températures maximales de la journée iront de -4 à 5 degrés. Ciel couvert et 2 degrés à midi à Bucarest.

  • January 2, 2019 UPDATE

    January 2, 2019 UPDATE

    EU The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, congratulated Romania on taking over the EU Council presidency on January 1, for the first time since its accession, and wished it good luck. I am confident that you will deliver and I am looking forward to working with you, Donald Tusk posted on his official Twitter account. Between January 1 and June 30, Romania will have to handle an EU agenda filled with political developments and dossiers with a decisive impact on the future of the bloc, including Brexit, the negotiation of the forthcoming EU budget, the European Parliament elections due in May. The European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu says Romania should use all the opportunities entailed by the EU Council presidency, including in terms of the cohesion policy for 2021-2027. In a Facebook post, Creţu adds that both herself and the European Commission as a whole are ready to support the Romanian authorities for a successful presidency.




    EURO Twenty years since the introduction of the single currency, high-ranking EU officials, including the head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, emphasised the importance of the European currency. The Euro has become a symbol of unity, sovereignty and stability, said the European Commission chief, who is one of the signatories of the treaty that created the single currency. I know that was the most important signature I ever made, Juncker added in a news release. 20 years on, we have a generation that only knows the Euro as a national currency, the head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi said in his turn. The Euro became the official currency of 11 EU member states on January 1, 1999, with notes and coins going into circulation in 2002. At present the Euro is used by some 340 million people in 19 of the 28 member countries, and is the second most important currency in the world after the US dollar.




    JAPAN Emperor Akihito, who is to step down in April, sent his hopes for peace for his nation and the entire world, in his last New Years address, delivered before a record number of people who came to see the event, according to Kyodo and dpa. On April 30, at the age of 85, Akihito will be the first Japanese sovereign to relinquish power in the last 200 years. In 2016 he announced his intention to withdraw from power, putting forth concerns that his old age would prevent him from accomplishing his duties. Akihito became the 125th Emperor of Japan on January 7, 1989, at 55 years of age, after the death of his father, Hirohito, in whose name Japan fought in World War 2. Akihitos oldest son, Prince Naruhito, will be crowned on May 1.




    JUSTICE The Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader said in an interview aired by a private television channel on Tuesday that he would like to close the subject of a government decree regarding amnesty and pardons. He emphasised that the most his ministry can do is to approve a bill initiated in Parliament on this topic. Toader also said that he has never done and will never do something likely to create a situation similar to the one triggered by the 2017 government decree no. 13, which brought hundreds of thousands of Romanians into the streets and prompted criticism from the EU and the USA.



    ELECTIONS The elections for the European Parliament will be held between May 23rd and 26th this year. MEPs are elected every 5 years, and as of this year the Parliament will have 705 members, as compared to 751 at present. This is because of Britains withdrawal from the EU. Of the 73 seats currently held by UK, 46 will be eliminated and the other 27 will be distributed to EU member states that are under-represented in the Unions legislative body. Romania gets 33 seats, 1 more than at present.




    TENNIS The Romanian player Monica Niculescu (99 WTA), Wednesday qualified into the quarter-finals of the WTA tournament in Shenzhen (China), after defeating the Czech Kristyna Pliskova 6-7 (2), 6-3, 6-4. In the quarter-finals Niculescu will play against the Chinese Yafan Wang (70 WTA). Tomorrow in the same tournament another Romanian, Sorana Cîrstea (84 WTA) takes on the American Alison Riske (62 WTA).



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • January 2, 2019

    January 2, 2019

    EU The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, congratulated Romania on taking over the EU Council presidency on January 1, for the first time its accession, and wished it good luck. I am confident that you will deliver and I am looking forward to working with you, Donald Tusk posted on his official Twitter account. Between January 1 and June 30, Romania will have to handle a EU agenda filled with political developments and dossiers with a decisive impact on the future of the bloc, including Brexit, the negotiation of the forthcoming EU budget, the European parliament elections due in May. The European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu says Romania must use all the opportunities entailed by the EU Council presidency, including in terms of the cohesion policy for 2021-2027. In a Facebook post, Creţu adds that both herself and the European Commission as a whole are ready to support the Romanian authorities for a successful presidency.




    EURO Twenty years since the introduction of the single currency, high-ranking EU officials, including the head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, emphasised the importance of the European currency. The Euro has become a symbol of unity, sovereignty and stability, said the European Commission chief, who is one of the signatories of the treaty that created the single currency. I know that was the most important signature I ever made, Juncker added in a news release. 20 years on, we have a generation that only knows the Euro as a national currency, the head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi said in his turn. The Euro became the official currency of 11 EU member states on January 1, 1999, with notes and coins going into circulation in 2002. At present the Euro is used by some 340 million people in 19 of the 28 member countries, and is the second most important currency in the world after the US dollar.




    JAPAN Emperor Akihito, who is to step down in April, sent his hopes for peace for his nation and the entire world, in his last New Years address, delivered before a record number of people who came to see the event, according to Kyodo and dpa. On April 30, at the age of 85, Akihito will be the first Japanese sovereign to relinquish power in the last 200 years. In 2016 he announced his intention to withdraw from power, putting forth concerns that his old age would prevent him from accomplishing his duties. Akihito became the 125th Emperor of Japan on January 7, 1989, at 55 years of age, after the death of his father, Hirohito, in whose name Japan fought in World War 2. Akihitos oldest son, Prince Naruhito, will be crowned on May 1.




    JUSTICE The Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader said in an interview aired by a private television channel on Tuesday that he would like to close the subject of a government decree regarding amnesty and pardons. He emphasised that the most his ministry can do is to approve a bill initiated in Parliament on this topic. Toader also said that he has never done and will never do something likely to create a situation similar to the one triggered by the 2017 government decree no. 13, which brought hundreds of thousands of Romanians into the streets and prompted criticism from the EU and the USA.




    ELECTIONS The elections for the European Parliament will be held between May 23rd and 26th this year. MEPs are elected every 5 years, and as of this year the Parliament will have 705 members, as compared to 751 at present. This is because of Britains withdrawal from the EU. Of the 73 seats currently held by UK, 46 will be eliminated and the other 27 will be distributed to EU member states that are under-represented in the Unions legislative body. Romania gets 33 seats, 1 more than at present.




    TENNIS The Romanian Monica Niculescu (99 WTA), is playing today against the Czech Kristyna Pliskova (94 WTA) in the 8th-finals of the WTA tournament in Shenzhen, China. Tomorrow, in the same tournament, another Romanian, Sorana Cîrstea (84 WTA) takes on the American Alison Riske (62 WTA) in the quarter-finals.



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • December 30, 2018 UPDATE

    December 30, 2018 UPDATE

    EU Romania takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council on January 1, for the first time since its accession in 2007. The priorities of the Romanian presidency focus on 4 areas: Europe of convergence, A Safer Europe, Europe, a stronger global actor, and Europe of common values. During its term, Romania will have to manage several complex issues like Brexit, the 2021-2027 budget, a coherent strategy on migration and increasing the Unions global role. The official web page of the Romanian presidency of the EU Council has been launched. The page, available at românia2019.eu, in Romanian, English and French, provides useful information for journalists, the general public and European affairs experts. The calendar of the Romanian presidency will be posted on this website after January 15th.




    POLICE Over 25,000 Interior Ministry personnel are on duty during the New Years holiday. Some 9,000 police with more than 3,000 vehicles are in charge of preventing and handling events that might jeopardise public safety and security. A helicopter of the Aviation Inspectorate General, with a policeman also on board, will monitor the most crowded areas. Special attention will be paid to the protection of the participants in the 125 large-scale public events expected to bring together a total of 300,000 people. The largest shows will be organised in Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu and Cluj Napoca. Meanwhile, the Police continue searches for the Brasov robbery perpetrators, who on Friday night blew up an ATM containing over 30,000 euros. The door and front window of the respective bank unit were shattered and pieces were scattered on the sidewalk and in the street.




    MONARCHY Romania Sunday commemorated 71 years since monarchy was abolished and the country was declared a “peoples republic. On December 30th, 1947, with the country under Soviet military occupation and headed by a communist puppet government, King Mihai I was forced to relinquish power and to leave the country. Previously, on August 23rd, 1944, during WW2, the King had ordered the arrest of the countrys de facto leader, Marshall Ion Antonescu, Romanias withdrawal from its alliance with Hitlers Germany and joining its traditional allies, the USA and Britain. Historians say this decision shortened the war by at least 6 months and saved hundreds of thousands of lives. King Mihai I was only allowed to return to Romania after the 1989 Revolution, when he regained his Romanian citizenship and some of his properties. The King lobbied for Romanias accession to NATO in 2004 and EU in 2007. He passed away on December 5th, 2017, at 96 years of age. His first born, Princess Margareta, is custodian of the Crown and the Kings successor as head of the Royal House of Romania.




    TOURISM Over 2 million foreigners checked in during the first 9 months of this year in Romanian hotels and boarding houses. According to the National Statistics Institute, they spent more than 1 billion euros. Foreign tourists came to Romania for business, congresses, conferences, courses, trade fairs and exhibitions. Close to half of them used travel agencies to arrange their trips to Romania, and most of them travelled by plane.




    MEDAL A Romanian woman born in Timişoara (west) and currently the owner of a bar in Rome was decorated by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, for her courage of informing against 2 members of a mafia family. According to Radio Romanias correspondent in Italy, Roxana Roman, 34, was granted the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, for her contribution to upholding the law. Roxana Roman owns a bar in Romanina neighbourhood in Rome, where on Easter day 2 members of the Casamonica mafia family attacked her husband, Marian Roman, and a client with disabilities. Although the mobsters ravaged the bar and warned them not to report the matter to the police, the Romanians were not intimidated and informed against them. It was the natural thing to do, said Roxana Roman. “The neighbourhood has been living in fear for a long time. There are lots of people willing to change things, but we need a new attitude, and this begins with ourselves, she told Italian mass media.




    MIGRANTS Romanian border police in Nadlac (west) found 41 foreigners attempting to cross the Hungarian border on foot, illegally. The Border Police Inspectorate announced on Sunday that during an operation to combat illegal migration they arrested 22 people who were trying to cross illegally into Hungary. They notified the Hungarian authorities, who searched the area and found another 19 illegal migrants. Of the individuals found on the Romanian side of the border, 21 are Iraqis and 1 Afghan, 15 adults of 19 to 40 years of age and 7 children, most of them seeking asylum in Romania. They said they were trying to get into Western European countries to find jobs.




    TENNIS The Romanian player Sorana Cîrstea (84 WTA) Sunday qualified into the eighth-finals of the WTA tournament in Shenzhen (China), after beating Magda Linette of Poland, cu 6-3, 6-3. Cîrstea is to play next against Pauline Parmentier (France). Also on Sunday the Romanian Irina Maria Bara and the Georgian Oksana Kalashinkova moved up into the quarter-finals of the Shenzhen doubles.



    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • Nachrichten 06.01.2018

    Nachrichten 06.01.2018

    Bukarest: Die palästinensische Botschaft in Bukarest begrü‎ßt die Erklärung des rumänischen Präsidenten Klaus Iohannis, die die Position Bukarests in der Jerusalem-Frage bestätigt. Durch den Beschlu‎ß, die Verlegung der rumänischen Botschaft von Tel Aviv nach Jerusalem nicht als vernünftige Option zu betrachten, zeigt Rumänien nach wie vor Respekt gegenüber den fundamentalen Rechtsprinzipien und der internationalen Gesetzgebung”, bekräftigte in einer Pressemitteilung der Botschafter Fuad Kokaly. Die Erklärung erfolgte nach dem telefonischen Gespräch zwischen Klaus Iohannis und dem israelischen Premier Benjamin Netanyahu. Jerusalem stelle ein zentrales Thema bei den Friedensverhandlungen im Mittleren Osten dar und seinen offiziellen Status sollte aufgrund einer direkten Vereinbarung zwischen Israel und Palästina festgelegt werden, sagte der Staatschef Rumäniens. Bukarest bekräftige im Anschlu‎ß die Notwendigkeit einer gerechten und langfristigen Lösung des israelisch-palästinensischen Konfliktes durch die Einführung der Zweitsaatenlösung, die zwei Staaten und zwei Volksgruppen vorsieht, damit diese im Frieden und Sicherheit zusammenleben. Diese sei die einzige gangbare Lösung, die dem Aufstreben beider Völker entspricht. Infolgedessen könne eine eventuelle Verlegung der rumänischen Botschaft von Tel Aviv nach Jerusalem nur unter diesen Umständen in Frage kommen, Rücksicht sollte zudem auf die zukünftige Entwicklung des Friedensprozesses genommen werden, fügte Klaus Iohannis hinzu. Im telefonischen Gespräch mit dem Premier Benjamin Netanyahu betonte Klaus Iohannis im Anschlu‎ß, dass Rumänien nach wie vor die Beziehungen zu Israel ausbauen wird. Das Gespräch fand aus Initiative des israelischen Premiers statt, der dem rumänischen Präsidenten dafür dankte, dass sich Rumänien der Stimme enthielt, als die UN-Vollversammlung mit deutlicher Mehrheit die US-Entscheidung zur Anerkennung Jerusalems als israelische Haupstadt verurteilte.



    Bukarest: Der Oberste Rat der Richter und Staatsanwälte hat seit Freitag eine neue Führung. Die Richterin Simona Camelia Marcu wurde zum Vorsitzenden des Rates gewählt, während der Staatsanwalt Codruţ Olaru das Amt des Vizevorsitzenden bekleiden wird. Marcu und Olaru haben nach ihrer Ernennung die Notwendigkeit der Einheit im Justizwesen und der Offenheit gegenüber den anderen Staatsbehörden betont. Die neue Vorsitzende des Rates hob im Anschlu‎ß die bedeutende Rolle hervor, die die Beziehungen zur rumänischen Gesellschaft für das gute Funktionieren der Behörde spielen. Die Justiz sei eine öffentliche Dienstleistung für die Bürger, fügte Camelia Marcu hinzu. Der Staatschef Klaus Iohannis kritisierte auf der Sitzung des Rates der Richter und Staatsanwälte die jüngsten Änderungen der Justizgesetze und deren Verabschiedungsverfahren. Diese wurden sowohl im Parlament von den Oppositionsparteien als auch auf der Stra‎ße von der Zivilgesellschaft und einem Teil der Richter und Staatsanwälte angefochten. Die Gegner der besagten Änderungen weisen darauf hin, dass die besagten Gesetze gegen die Verfassung versto‎ßen und für Verwirrung sorgen.



    Bukarest: Die Orthodoxen und die griechisch-katholischen Christen feiern am 6. Januar und am 7. Januar die Taufe Jesu bzw den Tag von Johannes dem Täufer. Die Taufe Jesu stellt den Anfang der Zeit des öffentlichen Wirkens Jesu von Nazaret dar. Die Feier gilt als eine der ältesten und trägt ebenfalls den Namen Epiphanie oder die Erscheinung des Herrn. An diesem Tag wird in orthodoxen Kirchen als Tauferinnerung und Segnung Wasser geweiht.



    Sport: Die Weltranglistenerste Simona Halep hat am Samstag das WTA-Turnier in Shenzhen gewonnen. Im Endspiel des mit 626.750 Dollar dotierten Turniers setzte sich die rumänische Tennisspielerin gegen die Tschechin Katerina Siniakova in drei Sätzen, 6-1, 2-6, 6-0 durch. Das rumänische Doppel Simona Halep und Irina Begu hat auch den Titel im Doppelwettbewerb erobert. Halep und Begu setzen sich im Finale mit 1-6, 6-1, 10-8 gegen die Favoritinnen Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova aus Tschechien durch.

  • Nachrichten 04.01.2018

    Nachrichten 04.01.2018

    Bukarest: Rumäniens Staatschef Klaus Iohannis nimmt am Freitag, in Bukarest, an der Plenumssitzung des Obersten Rates der Richter und Staatsanwälte teil. Dabei sollen der Vorsitzende und der Vizevorsitzende des besagten Rates gewählt werden. Außerdem wird der Bericht der Anstalt für das Jahr 2017 vorgetragen. Die Sitzung findet statt vor dem Hintergrund, dass die jüngsten Änderungen der Justizgesetze sowohl im Parlament von den Oppositionsparteien als auch auf der Straße von der Zivilgesellschaft und einem Teil der Richter und Staatsanwälte angefochten wurden. Die drei Rechtsnormen betreffend das Statut der Richter und Staatsanwälte, die Rechtsverfassung und die Funktion des Obersten Rates der Richter und Staatsanwälte wurden unmittelbar nach ihrer Verabschiedung durch die Legistlative beim Verfassungsgericht von der Nationalliberalen Partei und von dem Obersten Justiz- und Kassationshof angefochten. Die Gegner der besagten Änderungen weisen darauf hin, dass die drei Gesetze gegen das Grundgesetz verstoßen und für Verwirrung sorgen. Die kontroversesten Änderungen beziehen sich auf die monetäre Haftung der Richter und Staatsanwälte, auf die Gründung einer Sonderabteilung zur Ermittlung der Straftaten in der Justiz im Rahmen der Generalsstaatsanwaltschaft und die Satzung der Gerichtsinspektion.



    Chişinău: Der Präsident des Parlaments der Republik Moldau, der prowestliche Andrian Candu, unterzeichnet die Dekrete der Amtseinführung sechs neuer Minister, vor dem Hintergrund der zeitweiligen Suspendierung des Staatschefs Igor Dodon. Das Verfassungsgericht erklärte den prorussischen Dodon als vorübergehend unfähig seine Aufgaben auszüben, nachdem dieser zwei mal eine Regierungsumbildung blockiert hat. Die besagte Regierungsumbildung sollte laut Behörden die Umsetzung bestimmter Reformen beschleunigen. Igor Dodon hatte die Dekrete zum Rücktritt von sechs Mitgliedern des Kabinetts von Premierminister Filip unterzeichnet, jedoch nicht die Amtseinführung neuer Minister genehmigt. Die Korrespondenten von Radio Rumänien Chişinău erinnern, dass die Lösung der Suspendierung von Präsident Dodon auch im Oktober, bei der Ernennung des Verteidigungsministers Eugen Sturza angewandt wurde.



    SPORT: Die rumänischen Tennisspielerinnen Simona Halep und Irina Begu werden am Freitag in einem der zwei Einzelhalbfinalen des WTA-Turniers im chinesischen Shenzhen gegeneinander antreten. Besagtes Turnier ist mit Gesamtpreisen von 600.000 Dollar ausgestattet. Simona Halep, Weltranglistenerste, gewann am Donnerstag 6-2, 6-2 gegen die Weißrussin Arina Sabalenka, Irina Begu, vierte Favoritin besiegte 7-5, 7-5 die Ungarin Timea Babos. In dem anderen Halbfinale in Shenzhen wird die Russin Maria Scharapowa gegen Katerina Siniakova aus Tschechien antreten. Im Doppel sind Simona Halep und Irina Begu Partnerinnen und werden auch am Freitag im Halbfinale gegen Ana Blinkova (Russland) / Nicola Geuer (Deutschland) antreten.

  • 02.01.2018 (mise à jour)

    02.01.2018 (mise à jour)

    Dacia – Le constructeur automobile français Renault a fait savoir mardi qu’en 2017 ses ventes sur le marché de France ont atteint le niveau le plus élevé des 6 dernières années grâce à une croissance de 6,5% des ventes de voitures Dacia. Avec près de 120.000 véhicules immatriculés, la marque roumaine a établi un nouveau record historique des ventes dans l’Hexagone. La Dacia Sandero est le modèle le plus vendu auprès des personnes physiques et occupe la 8e dans le classement des 10 premières automobiles recherchées. Les ventes de Duster ont augmenté elles aussi, même si une nouvelle génération vient d’être lancée. Les usines Dacia ont été rachetées par le Groupe Renault en 1999. Relancée en 2004 avec le modèle Logan, la Dacia est devenue depuis un joueur important sur le marché automobile européen.


    Maison Royale – La Maison Royale de Roumanie a présenté mardi son bilan de 2017 : 50 visites et plus de 200 actions publiques à Bucarest et à travers le pays sur des sujets militaires, diplomatiques, économiques, éducationnels, sociaux, sportifs, scientifiques et artistiques sans oublier le domaine de la santé. S’y ajoutent 8 visites à l’étranger (Grande Bretagne, Turquie, République de Moldova, Pologne, France, Bulgarie, Jordanie et Suisse) et 3 événements à grand impacte public, dont les funérailles du dernier souverain roumain Michel Ier, le 16 décembre. La famille royale précise que toutes les visites et tous les événements organisés aux résidences royales ont été couverts des fonds personnels du roi Michel. La publication de ce bilan survient dans le contexte des controverses liées au statut de la Maison Royale roumaine, après le décès du dernier souverain. Le premier ministre Mihai Tudos a récemment déclaré que son gouvernement allait donner un avis négatif à un projet de loi déposé au Parlement visant à reconnaître la Maison royale en tant que personne morale de droit privé.

    Chisinau – La Cour Constitutionnelle de la République de Moldova a décidé mardi de suspendre temporairement de ses fonctions le président Igor Dodon. Celui-ci avait refusé pour la deuxième fois la nomination de 7 nouveaux ministres proposés par le gouvernement. Pour sa part, Igor Dodon a déclaré que la décision de la Cour Constitutionnelle n’était pas inspirée et que ses membres avaient accepté de jouer de la manière dictée par la gouvernance démocrate. Selon la constitution moldave, le refus délibéré du chef de l’Etat de remplir son obligation constitutionnelle d’accepter la proposition répétée du premier ministre constitue une transgression grave de ses attributions et peut être considérée comme une situation dans laquelle le président est dans l’impossibilité d’exercer ses fonctions.

    Patrimoine – 2018 est l’année européenne du Patrimoine Culturel, selon une décision du Parlement européen et du Conseil Européen. Les manifestations se dérouleront sous le slogan « Notre patrimoine, à la confluence entre le passé et l’avenir ». Ce sera une excellente opportunité de connaître et de comprendre le rôle du patrimoine culturel de l’Europe ainsi que de promouvoir le sentiment d’appartenance à un espace commun. Le budget alloué au programme se monte à 8 millions d’euros destinés à organiser événements, campagnes d’information, d’éducation et de sensibilisation, censés déterminer les citoyens européens à s’impliquer dans des initiatives portant sur la protection du patrimoine culturel. Avec 453 sites inscrits, l’Europe réunit près de la moitié des monuments figurant sur la liste du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO.

    Tennis – Au tournoi WTA de Shenzen, en Chine, le duo formé des joueuses roumaines Simona Halep et Irinia Begu s’est qualifié mardi en demi-finale. Les Roumaines ont eu un match dramatique contre deux compatriotes – Irina Bara et Mihaela Buzărnescu. Lors du jeu décisif, Simona Halep et Irinia Begu ont réussi à s’imposer sur le score de 13 à 11. Mardi encore, à l’épreuve de simple, la Roumaine Ana Bogdan (nr 105 WTA) s’est qualifiée dans les 8e de finale après avoir vaincu l’Italienne Camila Giorgi (nr 79 WTA). Sa prochaine adversaire sera Kristyna Pliskova de République tchèque. Deux autres Roumaines évolueront en demi-finale à l’épreuve de simple : Simona Halep, numéro 1 mondiale et principale favorite de la compétition, qui affrontera la Chinoise Ying-Ying Duan, et Irina Begu tête de série nr 4, qui aura pour adversaire la Russe Ecaterina Alexandrova.

    Handball – La sélection nationale de handball masculin de Roumanie a démarré les entraînements pour le Trophées Carpati (Carpates) qui débutera le 5 janvier et auquel participent aussi le Portugal, la Tunisie et le Bahrein. Sous la direction de l’entraineur espagnol Xavi Pascual, la Roumanie se prépare aussi pour le premier tour des qualifications au Championnat du monde de 2019. Celles-ci se dérouleront du 11 au 13 janvier à Bolzano, en Italie. Les Roumains auront pour adversaires l’Ukraine et les Iles Féroé. Seuls les gagnants des 6 groupes préliminaires joueront en juin prochain dans le play-off du tournoi final accueilli par l’Allemagne et les Pays-Bas. Samedi dernier, la Roumanie s’est classée 3e au tournoi Yellow Cup de Winterthur, en Suisse, après avoir vaincu la Serbie.

    Météo – Dans les 24 prochaines heures il fera assez chaud pour cette période de l’année en Roumanie, avec des températures maximales allant de 2 à 9 degrés. Le ciel sera couvert sur l’ouest, le nord et le centre où l’on attend de la pluie. Il neigera en montagne.

  • Simona Halep a câştigat turneul demonstrativ din Thailanda

    Simona Halep a câştigat turneul demonstrativ din Thailanda

    Jucătoarea română de tenis Simona Halep, numărul unu mondial, a câştigat turneul demonstrativ World Tennis Thailand Championship, de la Hua Hin, după ce a învins-o, duminică, în finală, pe Karolina Pliskova (Cehia), cu 6-2, 6-3. Halep a confirmat jocul bun din semifinale şi s-a impus în faţa celei de-a patra jucătoare din lume în doar 61 de minute.



    Simona Halep are 5-1 în meciurile directe cu Pliskova, singura victorie a cehoaicei venind în Fed Cup, victoria de la Hua Hin nefiind luată în calcul. În semifinale, Halep a învins-o pe britanica Johanna Konta (9 WTA) cu 6-3, 6-3, iar Pliskova a trecut de Jelena Ostapenko (Letonia/locul 7 WTA), cu 6-1, 6-4.



    Halep va debuta în sezonul competiţional 2018 la turneul de la Shenzhen (China), care va debuta pe 31 decembrie şi va fi dotat cu premii totale de 626.750 dolari.

  • Tennis: Durchwachsener Saisonstart für Rumäniens Tennisspieler

    Tennis: Durchwachsener Saisonstart für Rumäniens Tennisspieler

    Das Jahr 2017 hat mit vier Rumäninnen unter den ersten 100 Spielerinnen der Welt begonnen. Vor einem Jahr waren es noch fünf Damen gewesen, doch auch diesmal kann mit ansehnlichen Leistungen gerechnet werden, zudem ist jede der rumänischen Spielerinnen für die ein oder andere Überraschung gut, wie es die Vergangenheit gezeigt hat.



    Die Weltranglistenvierte Simona Halep, die Anfang 2016 sogar auf Platz zwei der WTA-Liste stand, begann mit einem guten Auftritt beim Turnier im chinesischen Shenzhen. Gegen die alte Rivalin aus Serbien, Jelena Jankovic, konnte sie sich in Runde 1. wie bereits in weiteren sechs Direktbegegnungen durchsetzen. Diesmal benötigte sie für ihren Sieg gegen die Nummer 54. der Welt drei Sätze, 6:1, 3:6 und 6:3 das Ergebnis aus der Sicht von Halep. Doch was für die zweite Favoritin des Turniers vielversprechend angefangen hatte, endete mit einem Schock gleich in der nächsten Runde. Nach einem hart umkämpften Match gegen den aufstrebenden Jungstar aus Tschechien, Katerina Siniakova, verlor die Rumänin mit 3:6, 6:4 und 5:7. Ein wohl schwacher Trost für Halep: die 22-Jährige aus Tschechien zeigte mit dem anschließenden Turniersieg in Shenzhen, dass sie sich in Hochform befindet. Von Platz 52. schaffte sie einen Riesensprung im Ranking und rangiert ab Montag auf Platz 37. Für die Rumänin folgen im Januar das erste Grand-Slam-Turnier des Jahres, die Australian Open, sowie gleich im Anschluss das WTA-Turnier in Sankt Petersburg.



    Die Nummer 29. der Weltrangliste, Irina Begu, begann das Jahr mit der enttäuschenden Teilnahme am Turnier im australischen Brisbane. Dort unterlag sie gleich zum Auftakt der 19-jährigen Russin Daria Kasatkina mit 3:6 und 3:6. Kasatkina ist derzeit auf Platz 26. zu finden. Auch Begu nimmt als nächstes an den Australian Open und dem Turnier in Sankt Petersburg teil.



    Sich um zwei Plätze verbessert gegenüber dem Jahresbeginn 2016 hat sich Monica Niculescu, die am 1. Januar auf Platz 38. stand. Sie spielte wie Halep zum Auftakt der Saison in Shenzhen. Dort bezwang sie in Runde 1. Kai Ling Zhang in drei Sätzen und verlor anschließend gegen deren Landsfrau Qiang Wang, die Nummer 71. der Rangliste mit 6:7 und 4:6. Im Doppel trat Niculescu in Shenzhen gemeinsam mit Halep auf und verlor die Auftaktbegegnung gegen Natela Dzalamidze (RUS) / Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) mit 3:6 und 3:6. Die 29-Jährige will sich im Januar keine Pause gönnen und geht, außer den Australian Open in Melbourne und Sankt Petersburg, auch in Hobart an den Start. Dort hat sie die erste Runde bereits überstanden, nach dem 6:2 und 6:3 gegen Jelena Jankovic. Als nächstes trifft Niculescu auf die Belgierin Kirsten Flipkens (73.)



    Die letzte rumänische Vertreterin unter den ersten 100 Tennisspielerinnen der Welt ist Sorana Cîrstea. Die 27-Jährige ist nach einer Pechsträhne und vielen Verletzungen bemüht den Anschluss zu finden. Sie steht derzeit auf Rang 78. und schied in Shenzhen ebenfalls in Runde zwei aus. Zum Auftakt bezwang sie die Slowakin Kristina Kucova in drei Sätzen, um dann gegen die Hauptfavoritin des Turniers und Weltranglistendritte aus Polen Agnieska Radwanska sang und klanglos auszuscheiden. Das Ergebnis lautete 6:0 und 6:3 aus Sicht Radwanskas. Cîrstea will nach den Australian Open in Taiwan antreten.



    Bei den Männern sind lediglich die beiden Herren in der Doppelrangliste zu erwähnen: Horia Tecău (18. ATP) legte gemeinsam mit dem Niederländer Jean Julien Rojer einen langsamen Start hin. Die beiden verloren in Brisbane gegen den Kanadier Daniel Nestor und den Franzosen Edoard Roger Vasselin gleich in Runde 1. mit 4:6 und 4:6. Etwas besser lief es für die Nummer 25. der Doppelrangliste, Florin Mergea, beim Turnier im Qatar. Mit dem Briten Dominic Inglot siegte er über das russische Duo Andrey Kusnezow / Chatschanow mit 6:2 und 6:3. Im Viertelfinale unterlagen Mergea und Inglot den eingespielten Jeremy Chardy und Fabrice Martin aus Frankreich mit 3:6, 7:6 und 7:10 im Matchtiebreak.