Radio România Internațional

Tag: support for Ukraine

  • Romania continues to support Ukraine

    Romania continues to support Ukraine

    On Wednesday, Romania’s Foreign Minister, Emil Hurezeanu attended a working meeting of EU ambassadors accredited to Bucharest. According to a Foreign Ministry press release, in the context of the war in neighboring Ukraine and the decisions of EU political leaders during the latest meetings, Emil Hurezeanu highlighted Romania’s support for strengthening the EU’s security and defense policy. Such steps need to be carried out in cooperation with NATO, Minister Hurezeanu argued, reiterating the importance of a robust trans-Atlantic partnership, which, the official says, is key for European security and prosperity. According to the Foreign Ministry, Minister Hurezeanu emphasized Romania’s support for continuing multilateral support for neighboring Ukraine. At the same time, Emil Hurezeanu highlighted Bucharest’s contribution to achieving a just and lasting peace, in accordance with the principles of international law.

     

    On the other hand, Emil Hurezeanu reiterated Romania’s support for the continuation of the EU enlargement process and stressed the importance of the EU accession of both the Eastern and Western Balkan partners, based on their own merits. As for the neighboring Republic of Moldova, Emil Hurezeanu referred to the EU integration efforts undertaken by this state and highlighted the need for continued support from the EU and Member States for Chișinău’s efforts in that direction. The Romanian Foreign Minister also hailed the latest developments at the level of the European Parliament regarding the approval of the Facility for the Republic of Moldova. On the other hand, on the sidelines of his meeting with EU ambssadors, Emil Hurezeanu stressed the importance of the objective of developing European economic competitiveness by consolidating the single market, promoting innovation and connectivity. Minister Hurezeanu highlighted the need for the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework to respond to the priorities set at EU level in the 2024-2029 Strategic Agenda. In this context, the Romanian official underlined the important role of the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, which he regards as essential instruments for creating a solid basis for implementing competitiveness policies and for achieving convergence at European level.

     

    Last month, interim president Ilie Bolojan also told ambassadors accredited toBucharest that the main directions of Romanian foreign policy remain unchanged. He recalled Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States of America, but also the country’s NATO and EU membership. “We remain a country that firmly believes in the future of the European Union. We remain pro-Atlantic and a responsible allied state”, Ilie Bolojan gave assurances. (VP)

  • March 6, 2025 UPDATE 3

    March 6, 2025 UPDATE 3

    SUMMIT – The interim president of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, on Thursday called for an increase of Europe’s role in maintaining peace on the continent, support for Ukraine and the increase of defense spending. On the sidelines of the special EU summit hosted by Brussels, president Bolojan discussed with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Romania’s priorities in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the increase of the absorption of European funds. “We also conveyed our support for the initiatives of the European Commission in the field of defense and competitiveness”, Ilie Bolojan wrote on social media. Upon meeting with the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, Ilie Bolojan said that Romania intends to continue the “excellent collaboration” with the community legislature. Ilie Bolojan attended an extraordinary European Council summit, where the heads of state and government of the European Union pledged to support Ukraine, in the context of US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, and to spend more on defense. The head of the European Commission said that Europe is at a crossroads and stressed the importance of Europe defending itself through a massive increase in defense spending but also by helping Ukraine achieve a lasting and fair peace. The European Commission president presented an €800 billion EUR package devoted to defense investments. In turn, the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, assured European leaders that Parliament can move quickly and efficiently to respond to the unprecedented security challenges we see today. “Peace must guarantee freedom for Ukraine, security for Europe and deterrence for those who believe they can take it by force”, the European Parliament president further noted. Attending the summit in Brussels, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thanked the EU for its strong support.

     

    TREASON – Prosecutors with the Directorate Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism Offences (DIICOT) have detained six individuals over charges of forming an organized crime group and treason. According to DIICOT, the defendants apparently set up a paramilitary organization and negotiated Romania’s exit from NATO with Russian agents. Prosecutors say that the organized crime group was structured like a military-type organization, with management ranks and operative personnel. Radu Theodoru, a retired general and 101-year-old war veteran, was also among the organization’s leaders. The group used online platforms to release video materials and recruit members. At the same time, it took steps to hold negotiations with foreign political and military actors regarding the replacing of the current constitutional order. In January, DIICOT also says, 2 of the defendants travelled to Moscow, where they came into contact with people willing to support the organization’s efforts to take over power in Romania.

     

    APPEAL – Magistrates on Thursday dismissed as unfounded the complaint filed by Călin Georgescu against the judicial control measure, in the investigation where he faces several charges. A former independent candidate in last year’s presidential election, Călin Georgescu was last week placed under judicial control by the Prosecutor General’s Office for a period of 60 days. He is subject to a number of interdictions, including the right to leave the country without the approval of judicial authorities. At the same time, Georgescu cannot post content of a legionary, fascist, anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic nature on social media. Georgescu is being prosecuted for committing six crimes, the most serious being that of inciting actions against the constitutional order. Investigators claim that Georgescu had come up with a plan to destabilize the country after the Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election in December. The first round was won by Călin Georgescu. Meanwhile, prosecutors have raided new locations linked to the financing of his election campaign. Also on Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights rejected Călin Georgescu’s appeal challenging the annulment of the presidential election in Romania in December 2024. The decision is unanimous and final. Călin Georgescu recently announced that he will submit his candidacy for the presidential election in May with the Central Electoral Bureau on Friday.

     

    GOVERNMENT The Romanian government on Thursday passed several emergency orders, concerning, among other things, the healthcare reform and the spending of EU funds. In the field of healthcare, the government wants to improve regulations on public medical care for freelancers, on the taxation of medicines, on the organization and operation of medical offices and the granting of sick leaves. In a separate emergency order, the Romanian government earmarks the financing for certain local authorities to complete works to extend and upgrade natural gas infrastructure. Finally, the cabinet has also approved the amount of this year’s state aid for the livestock sector.

     

    MOLDOVA – The Republic of Moldova has been accepted into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the decision reflecting a confirmation of significant progress in the process of accession to the European Union, the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova has announced. According to the document, SEPA membership will facilitate faster, safer and more accessible international payments in Euro for Moldovan citizens and businesses. “Today’s decision consolidates our irreversible path towards European accession”, said the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova, Anca Dragu. SEPA is a European system that facilitates cross-border payments in Euro, eliminating the differences between national and international payments. It includes all European Union countries, as well as other states. (VP)

  • March 6, 2025 UPDATE 2

    March 6, 2025 UPDATE 2

    PRESIDENCY – On a visit to Brussels, Romania’s interim president Ilie Bolojan on Thursday discussed with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen regarding Romania’s priorities in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and increasing the absorption of European funds. “We also expressed our support for the European Commission’s initiatives in the field of defense and competitiveness”, Ilie Bolojan wrote on social media. The Romanian president also met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and the two officials discussed opportunities to strengthen the Eastern Flank. Ilie Bolojan is attending an extraordinary European Council, where heads of state and government from the European Union are discussing support for Ukraine and the situation of European defense. Ahead of the summit, the European Commission president said that Europe is at a crossroads and stressed the importance of Europe defending itself through a massive increase in defense spending but also by helping Ukraine achieve a lasting and fair peace. Ursula von der Leyen proposed a European armament plan, with defense investments of up to €800 billion. In turn, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, assured European leaders that the European Parliament can move quickly and effectively to respond to present-day unprecedented security challenges. “Peace must guarantee freedom for Ukraine, security for Europe and deterrence for those who think they can take it by force”, president Metsola added. Present in Brussels, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its strong support.

     

    APPEAL – Magistrates on Thursday dismissed as unfounded the complaint filed by Călin Georgescu against the judicial control measure, in the investigation where he faces several charges. A former independent candidate in last year’s presidential elections, Călin Georgescu was last week placed under judicial control by the Prosecutor General’s Office for a period of 60 days. He is subject to a number of interdictions, including the right to leave the country without the approval of judicial authorities. At the same time, Georgescu cannot post content of a legionary, fascist, anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic nature on social media. Georgescu is being prosecuted for committing six crimes, the most serious being that of inciting actions against the constitutional order. Investigators claim that he Georgescu had come up with a plan to destabilize the country after the Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election in December. The first round was won by Călin Georgescu. Meanwhile, prosecutors have raided new locations linked to the financing of his election campaign. Also on Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights rejected Călin Georgescu’s appeal challenging the annulment of the presidential election in Romania in December 2024. The decision is unanimous and final. Călin Georgescu recently announced that he will submit his candidacy for the presidential election in May with the Central Electoral Bureau on Friday.

     

    GOVERNMENT The Romanian government on Thursday passed several emergency orders, concerning, among other things, the healthcare reform and the spending of EU funds. In the field of healthcare, the government wants to improve regulations on public medical care for freelancers, on the taxation of medicines, on the organization and operation of medical offices and the granting of sick leaves. In a separate emergency order, the Romanian government earmarks the financing for certain local authorities to complete works to extend and upgrade natural gas infrastructure. Finally, the cabinet has also approved the amount of this year’s state aid for the livestock sector.

     

    MOLDOVA – The Republic of Moldova has been accepted into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the decision reflecting a confirmation of significant progress in the process of accession to the European Union, the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova has announced. According to the document, SEPA membership will facilitate faster, safer and more accessible international payments in Euro for Moldovan citizens and businesses. “Today’s decision consolidates our irreversible path towards European accession”, said the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Moldova, Anca Dragu. SEPA is a European system that facilitates cross-border payments in Euro, eliminating the differences between national and international payments. It includes all European Union countries, as well as other states. (VP)

  • March 6, 2025 UPDATE 1

    March 6, 2025 UPDATE 1

    PRESIDENCY – On a visit to Brussels, Romania’s interim president Ilie Bolojan on Thursday discussed with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen regarding Romania’s priorities in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and increasing the absorption of European funds. “We also expressed our support for the European Commission’s initiatives in the field of defense and competitiveness”, Ilie Bolojan wrote on social media. The Romanian president also met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and the two officials discussed opportunities to strengthen the Eastern Flank. Ilie Bolojan is attending an extraordinary European Council, where heads of state and government from the European Union are discussing support for Ukraine and the situation of European defense. Ahead of the summit, the European Commission president said that Europe is at a crossroads and stressed the importance of Europe defending itself through a massive increase in defense spending but also by helping Ukraine achieve a lasting and fair peace. Ursula von der Leyen proposed a European armament plan, with defense investments of up to €800 billion. In turn, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, assured European leaders that the European Parliament can move quickly and effectively to respond to present-day unprecedented security challenges. “Peace must guarantee freedom for Ukraine, security for Europe and deterrence for those who think they can take it by force”, president Metsola added. Present in Brussels, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its strong support.

     

    APPEAL – Magistrates on Thursday dismissed as unfounded the complaint filed by Călin Georgescu against the judicial control measure, in the investigation where he faces several charges. A former independent candidate in last year’s presidential elections, Călin Georgescu was last week placed under judicial control by the Prosecutor General’s Office for a period of 60 days. He is subject to a number of interdictions, including the right to leave the country without the approval of judicial authorities. At the same time, Georgescu cannot post content of a legionary, fascist, anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic nature on social media. Georgescu is being prosecuted for committing six crimes, the most serious being that of inciting actions against the constitutional order. Investigators claim that he Georgescu had come up with a plan to destabilize the country after the Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election in December. The first round was won by Călin Georgescu. Meanwhile, prosecutors have raided new locations linked to the financing of his election campaign. Also on Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights rejected Călin Georgescu’s appeal challenging the annulment of the presidential election in Romania in December 2024. The decision is unanimous and final. Călin Georgescu recently announced that he will submit his candidacy for the presidential election in May with the Central Electoral Bureau on Friday.

     

    GOVERNMENT – The Romanian Government on Thursday passed several emergency orders, concerning, among other things, the healthcare reform and the spending of EU funds. In the field of healthcare, the government wants to improve regulations on public medical care for freelancers, on the taxation of medicines, on the organization and operation of medical offices and the granting of sick leaves. In a separate emergency order, the Romanian government earmarks the financing for certain local authorities to complete works to extend and upgrade natural gas infrastructure. Finally, the cabinet has also approved the amount of this year’s state aid for the livestock sector. (VP)

  • March 2, 2025 UPDATE 3

    March 2, 2025 UPDATE 3

    SUMMIT – 15 European leaders and the Prime Minister of Canada are discussing in London support for Ukraine after the failure of the Trump-Zelenskyy talks in Washington, but also about creating a security identity for Europe, in the context of a possible military withdrawal of the United States. This is a unique moment for European security, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the start of the discussions. Among the leaders attending the summit are the president of France, the Chancellor of Germany, the Prime Ministers of Italy and Poland, as well as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Representing Romania is interim president Ilie Bolojan. The agenda of the London meeting also includes security guarantees that the Europeans want to provide to Ukraine against Russia. The urgent increase in support for Ukraine and European defense are also high on the agenda of the special European summit to be organized on March 6. The EU Commission will table a proposal to deliver swift military aid to Ukraine, worth €20 billion. In addition, the Commission and Member States will consult on new instruments that should enable EU countries to increase defense spending this year, without falling into the infringement procedure for exceeding the budget deficit target. Last but not least, EU leaders will discuss the peace negotiations started by Trump and Putin without consulting or inviting either Ukraine or Europe to the table. The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said that if Ukraine is not satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations, the EU will continue to provide military aid to Kyiv in order to achieve a just peace.

     

    TRANSPORT – Air passenger transport in Romania went up 6% last year and reached 26 million passengers, the National Statistics Institute reports. The largest traffic flows were recorded at the “Henri Coandă” airport in Bucharest, “Avram Iancu” airport in Cluj Napoca (northwest) and at the International Airport in Iași (northeast). The largest shares in domestic air transport were recorded by the Henri Coandă-Bucharest airport, with 49.8% of the total number of passengers boarded, “Avram Iancu” airport in Cluj-Napoca with 17.6%, and the “Traian Vuia” airport in Timișoara (west) with 14.4%. Most airline passengers arrived from Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and France.

     

    ELECTION – Parties, political and election alliances, organizations representing national minorities and independent candidates have two weeks left to submit their candidacies to the Central Election Bureau for the presidential election slated for May. According to the election calendar set by the government and currently debated by Parliament, the election campaign will start on April 4 and last for a month. At home, the election will be held on May 4, while the vote abroad will start on May 2 and end on May 4. The second round is slated for May 18. This week Parliament dismissed Toni Greblă from the helm of the Permanent Election Authority and appointed an interim replacement. The Audiovisual Council also adopted a set of regulations that will apply to the election campaign.

     

    GAZA – Israel announced that it is suspending the entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip, criticizing the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas for refusing an American proposal to extend the ceasefire agreement. “Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas persists in its refusal, more consequences will follow”, a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office reads. Hamas responded, describing Netanyahu’s decision to stop humanitarian aid as “cheap blackmail”, a “war crime” and “a blow” to the ceasefire agreement, Reuters reports. In a statement, Hamas urged the brokers of the ceasefire agreement to force Israel to end punitive measures against the Gaza Strip. The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement ended on Saturday without Hamas and Israel reaching an agreement to implement the second phase, which was supposed to take effect on Sunday and included the release of the remaining hostages in the Strip and a definitive end to the war.

     

    RUGBY – Romania’s rugby team lost 43-5 away from home to Georgia in the semi-finals of Rugby Europe Championship. Georgia thus claimed the Antim Ivireanu Cup, a trophy in play for every match pitting the two sides. In the other semi-final on Saturday, Portugal lost to Spain 42-31 in Lisbon. Georgia and Portugal will compete for the top spot while Romania will take on Spain for the third place final. Both matches are slated for March 14-16. (VP)

  • March 2, 2025

    March 2, 2025

    SUMMIT – Leaders of Ukraine’s allies, including Romania’s interim president, Ilie Boljan, are meeting in London this afternoon for a crucial summit. They will discuss new security guarantees in the face of a US letdown following Friday’s heated meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. The Ukrainian president was warmly welcomed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, and dozens of people gathered to cheer for him outside Downing Street. The British Prime Minister assured the Ukrainian president of the UK’s “absolute determination” to support Ukraine in the face of Russian invasion, and the two governments signed a £2.26 billion loan agreement, which the Ukrainian president said would be used for domestic arms production and would be repaid from Russia’s frozen assets in the West. Driven out of the White House after President Donald Trump accused him of not being grateful enough and refusing to make peace with Russia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the support of leaders of European countries, with the exception of Hungary and Slovakia. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said that the free world needs a new leader and that Europeans must accept this challenge. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, however, that the Ukrainian president must find a way to reconcile with Donald Trump, and French President Emmanuel Macron said that after their falling out, the two leaders must find common ground through respect and gratitude.

     

    PROTEST – Bucharest on Saturday hosted a large protest against the government and in support of the former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu, placed on pre-trial arrest this week on a number of charges. Organized by the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), the protest gathered tens of thousands of participants in Victory Square. Protesters called for the resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the organization of the second round of the presidential election, annulled last year by the Constitutional Court. Attending the protest was Călin Georgescu himself, who is charged of instigation to actions against the constitutional order. Georgescu said only the Romanian people can judge him, and that he will not yet announce his candidacy for May’s presidential election. Attending the rally were also politicians from Bulgaria, Poland, Italy and Spain, who held speeches in support of Georgescu.

     

    ELECTION – Parties, political and election alliances, organizations representing national minorities and independent candidates have two weeks left to submit their candidacies to the Central Election Bureau for the presidential election slated for May. According to the election calendar set by the government and currently debated by Parliament, the election campaign will start on April 4 and last for a month. At home, the election will be held on May 4, while the vote abroad will start on May 2 and end on May 4. The second round is slated for May 18. This week Parliament dismissed Toni Greblă from the helm of the Permanent Election Authority and appointed an interim replacement. The Audiovisual Council also adopted a set of regulations that will apply to the election campaign.

     

    GAZA – Israel announced that it is suspending the entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip, criticizing the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas for refusing an American proposal to extend the ceasefire agreement. “Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas persists in its refusal, more consequences will follow”, a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office reads. Hamas responded, describing Netanyahu’s decision to stop humanitarian aid as “cheap blackmail”, a “war crime” and “a blow” to the ceasefire agreement, Reuters reports. In a statement, Hamas urged the brokers of the ceasefire agreement to force Israel to end punitive measures against the Gaza Strip. The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement ended on Saturday without Hamas and Israel reaching an agreement to implement the second phase, which was supposed to take effect on Sunday and included the release of the remaining hostages in the Strip and a definitive end to the war. (VP)

  • February 24, 2025

    February 24, 2025

    WAR IN UKRAINE – The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, hailed Ukrainian “resistance” on marking three years since the start of the Russian invasion, when several European leaders came to Kyiv to reassert their support for Ukraine amidst a shift of US policy on the war. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Council president Antonio Costa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spanish Prime Minister Petro Sanchez, as well as presidents and prime ministers from Baltic and Nordic states arrived in Kyiv on Monday morning for a summit devoted to collective defense and security strategy. Another 24 European leaders, including Romania’s interim president, Ilie Bolojan, will take part via video link. Also today, French President Emmanuel Macron is meeting Donald Trump at the White House, hoping to convince the US president to take into account the security of Europeans. Demonstrations in support of Ukraine took place over the weekend in Paris, Prague and Vilnius, in front of the Russian Embassy in Washington and in several American cities. Several hundred people, mostly refugees from Ukraine, participated in demonstrations yesterday in Bucharest and Constanța (southeast) to mark 11 years of Russian aggression and three years since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In Bucharest, the Parliament Palace will be lit up in yellow and blue to express solidarity with Ukraine. The Chamber of Deputies today will observe a moment of silence to pay homage to the victims of the war.

     

    FAC – Romania’s Foreign Minister, Emil Hurezeanu, is attending Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. According to a Foreign Ministry release, the agenda of the Council meeting includes Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, Congo and Georgia. Talks on the war in Ukraine will also mark three years since the start of the conflict and will focus on the latest developments and on continuing EU multidimensional support for Ukraine, especially amidst the latest geopolitical dynamics concerning Ukraine peace talks. Talks on the Middle East will refer to the recent developments in Israel and Gaza, the importance of upholding the ceasefire agreement and the humanitarian situation in the region.

     

    DEFENSE – The Senate is today debating a bill allowing the army to shoot down foreign drones that illegally enter Romanian airspace. The Senate is the decision-making body in this matter, so if approved, the draft law will be submitted to interim president Ilie Bolojan for approval. The initiative is designed to correct a legal loophole amidst heated debates on social media. The bill allows the Romanian army and the units of allied and partner states to use aerial and land systems to shoot down illegal drones. The bill also creates the legal framework for conducting military operations without declaring a state of emergency. NATO will also be able to assume command of structures of the Romanian Army over a limited period of time.

     

    CORRUPTION – Anti-corruption prosecutors are raiding over 40 locations in the port of Constanța (southeast), targeting possible cases of corruption. The investigation might involve port managers and officials who took or gave bribes of some €6 mln.

     

    WASTE CRISIS – The city of Ploiești (south) is on the verge of a health crisis after no waste has been collected for nearly a week. Mayor Mihai Poliţeanu has called on central authorities to declare a state of emergency. The mayor calls on the Interior and Environment ministries to urgently unlock procedures to award environment permits and take legal action against the management of the local waste collection company, whose contract expired on January 15 and license at the end of 2024. Mayor Poliţeanu says the municipality was unhappy with the quality of waste collection services, and that the newly contracted operator was unable to start its activity due to an illegal deed extending the contract of the old operator. Under these circumstances, the Prahova County Environment Protection Agency did not issue an environment permit for the new operator. The Ploiești municipality has filed a notification in this regard.

     

    GERMANY – The Conservatives have won Sunday’s parliamentary election in Germany, although the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the far-right party, grabbed its best score yet. The CDU/CSU coalition of center-right parties grabbed some 29% of the vote, while AfD came in second with 20%, an unprecedented result for a far-right party in post-Nazi federal Germany.  “We have never been stronger at national level”, AfD leader Alice Weidel said after the election. Set up in 2013, the anti-migration party doubled its score compared to the 2021 election. The acting chancellor Olaf Scholz is the big loser of the current ballot, after the Social-Democrats grabbed only 16% of the vote, compared to 25% in 2021. The Greens won some 13%, the radical left 9%, while the Liberals apparently won’t reach the 5% threshold that allows them representation in the Bundestag.

     

    AWARD – Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude has scooped the Silver Bear for best script at the Berlin International Film Festival, for his feature film “Kontinental 25”, which tells the story of a bailiff facing a moral crisis.

     

    TENNIS – Two tennis players represent Romania in the WTA singles top 100, according to this Monday’s updated standings – Irina Begu (75) and Jaqueline Cristian (85). Gabriela Ruse (101), Anca Todoni (102) and Sorana Cîrstea (120) are not far off. In the doubles standings, Monica Niculescu ranked 35th, while Gabriela Ruse 51st.  (VP)

  • Romanian foreign policy priorities

    Romanian foreign policy priorities

    The European Union understands that Romania remains a strong, stable state with priorities aligned with European ones, the Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, said after meeting on Tuesday with Romania’s Foreign Minister, Emil Hurezeanu, in Brussels. The two officials discussed support for the EU enlargement process, continuing support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, developing a strategic vision for the Black Sea, promoting convergence and cohesion objectives in negotiations on the upcoming post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework or consolidating European action in the field of defense. Roxana Mînzatu:

     

    “We are aware Romania’s contribution is making Europe strong, not only from the perspective of the security of the Eastern Flank, of energy security. There are multiple ways Romania makes Europe stronger, and the European Union understands that. We also discussed Romania’s role in supporting candidate states, especially Moldova, Ukraine. It is important to look at how we support the preparation of candidate states. Romania’s role is particularly important”.

     

    According to the European Commission Vice-President, one of the topics discussed during the meeting referred to the automotive industry, a vital sector for Romania as well. “’I will be part of this effort to support industries, to create new jobs and develop new investments in Europe”, Roxana Mînzatu gave assurances. The two officials also discussed the Green Industrialization Plan, which the European Commission will soon launch and ways Romania can contribute, but also benefit from clear priorities within this mechanism.

     

    “We want Romania to be a well-developed, robust presence in areas of interest to the EU”, Emil Hurezeanu said in turn. The Romanian Foreign Minister added that the EU is preparing plans, ideas and strategic documents, and Romania has specific interests in this regard. Minister Hurezeanu in particular referred to projects targeting the Black Sea strategy, the Republic of Moldova or the 2028-2034 multiannual budget. During his two-day visit to Brussels, Emil Hurezeanu attended the Foreign Affairs Council meeting and discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The minister recalled Romania’s support for the sovereignty, integrity and independence of Ukraine and stressed the importance of continuing the EU’s multidimensional support for the neighboring state. Minister Hurezeanu also reiterated Romania’s support for the European accession efforts of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

     

    On the sidelines of his meeting with the NATO Secretary General, the Romanian official discussed security developments on the Eastern Flank, with a focus on the Black Sea region and the continued effort to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense postures. Emil Hurezeanu emphasized Romania’s contribution to Euro-Atlantic security and the deep commitment of Romanian society to democratic values. (VP)

  • December 15, 2024 UPDATE

    December 15, 2024 UPDATE

    FAC – Romania’s Foreign Minister, Luminița Odobescu, is attending the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting hosted by Brussels on Monday. This will be the first meeting presided by the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, since she took office on December 1. The agenda for talks includes Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, developments in Georgia, the Middle East, Syria and Belarus. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will be tackled in light of the recent developments on the ground, amidst growing EU pressure on Russia, including through the adoption of the 15th package of restrictions and the continuation of EU multidimensional support for Ukraine.

     

    INCIDENT – The Romanian Foreign Ministry conducted its own inquiry after a Romanian citizen was detained on the territory of the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia, a Georgian territory current under Russian occupation, whose independence is not currently recognized by the international community. The Romanian national was arrested by security services in the pro-Russian separatist region, and was accused of having tried to film military objectives on this territory. Local authorities claim the Romanian citizen had been forced to make the recordings by Ukrainian military spies, who told him this was the only way he could leave Abkhazia. Romanian authorities are in permanent contact with the citizen’s family and are making efforts to provide consular assistance.

     

    GOVERNMENT – President Klaus Iohannis is expected to convene the new Parliament on December 20. The New Parliament will comprise 7 political parties. The Social-Democratic Party (PSD) will have 122 seats, the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) 91, the National Liberal Party (PNL) 71, the Save Romania Union (USR) 59, the SOS Romania Party 40, the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians (UDMR) 32 and the Young People’s Party (POT) 31. The group of national minorities will be represented by 19 MPs. The youngest members of Parliament are aged 34 and are members of USR and AUR, while PSD is at the opposite pole, with the largest number of MPs aged 65 and over. The Social-Democrats and the Liberals have the largest number of women MPs. On Friday, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies will each set up special committees to validate the new mandates.

     

    LEGISLATION – Current deputies and senators are expected to end their mandate by the end of next week. The Chamber of Deputies is set to adopt a new Forestry Code, a milestone in the Recovery and Resilience plan and a government priority that needs to be adopted by the end of 2024. Among other things, the law stipulates seizing all vehicles involved in illegal logging, the construction of green belts around large cities, the right to pre-emption and quality raw materials at affordable prices for furniture manufacturers, introducing video surveillance on forestry roads and a ban on root cutting in protected areas. On the other hand, the Senate is expected to vote on projects that introduce penalties for public office aggregation or a reduction in the number of maximum terms held by heads of secrete services. The current legislature ends its mandate on December 20, when the new Parliament is set to convene in its first sitting.

     

    UKRAINE – Romania is a valuable partner of Ukraine, both in terms of the prospective reconstruction of the country, as well as the war effort, Kyiv informs. The opening of new border crossing points is a point in case, the head of the Ukrainian State Agency for Infrastructure Reconstruction and Development, Serhii Sukhomlyn has said. Five new border checkpoints have been opened, while another six are currently being discussed. The Ukrainian official said the new border crossings are of great help to Ukrainian exporters, and that Romania is a valuable partner not just for its assistance in rebuilding infrastructure, but also owing to the military assistance it provides to Ukraine in the conflict against the invading Russian forces.

     

    TIMIȘOARA – The city of Timișoara (west) on Sunday celebrates 35 years since the anti-communist revolution of 1989. Under the motto “35 years of freedom”, the municipality is organizing a large number of commemorative events celebrating the martyrs of the revolution, as well as the moment when Timișoara became the first city in Romania to be declared free of communism. Religious services, wreath-laying ceremonies, exhibitions, film screenings and concerts are all on the agenda. On Monday, the authorities will officially inaugurate the Freedom Portal, a light installation reproducing sounds from the revolution, followed by the traditional march titled “Heroes never die”. Tuesday is an official mourning day, while festivities are expected to end on December 20 with the concert “Rock for revolution”.

     

    HANDBALL – The Romanian women’s handball team will play Italy in the playoffs for the 2025 World Cup, following Sunday’s draw in Vienna. The two matches will be played in April. The 2025 World Cup will be co-hosted by Germany and the Netherlands over November 26 – December 14, 2025. Romania has taken part in every edition, and its best ranking was 12th place in 2023. (VP)

  • December 4, 2024 UPDATE

    December 4, 2024 UPDATE

    PARLIAMENT – The interim president of the National Liberal Party, Ilie Bolojan, on Wednesday said the pro-European parties in the new Parliament, PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR and the group of national minorities have agreed to create a coalition as part of a joint resolution. The coalition will seek to ensure stability and reforms. The four parties are expected to hold together over 55% of total seats in Parliament after the completion of the redistribution process. The other three parties that entered Parliament, AUR, SOS Romania and POT, seen as ultranationalist and sovereigntist, will hold 37% of MP seats. The exact figures will be made public at the end of the week once all mandates that were left vacant after the election are redistributed, the president of the Permanent Election Authority, Toni Greblă, says. The new Parliament is expected to officially start its activity on December 20, when the four-year term of the current legislature is set to end.

     

    DOCUMENTS – The president of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, on Wednesday declassified 5 documents presented by the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the Romanian Intelligence Service and the Special Telecommunications Service in the November 28 meeting of the Supreme Defense Council. The documents regard infringement of electoral advertising regulations ahead of the 1st round of the presidential election. We recall that following last week’s meeting, Council members noticed that cyber-attacks sought to influence the first round of the presidential election, held on November 24.

     

    FINANCE – Finance Minister Marcel Boloș on Wednesday said the Government has withdrawn 6 bln EUR from the Reserve Fund to deal with imbalances triggered by the recent political uncertainty. Romania is undergoing a period of uncertainty until a new government is sworn in to stabilize and finalize the country’s budget policies, the Finance Minister added, expressing hope the crisis would end. The same difficulties in terms of state bonds and loans are also transparent on the stock market, Minister Boloș went on to say.

     

    FLOODS – The Government has updated the national strategy for the management of medium and long-term flood risks. The updated document provides a number of general objectives, including the need ot modernize the protection infrastructure, including embankments and dams, implementing natural solutions, such as water draining, introducing tight regulations for the use of farmland in at-risk areas and providing risk management training to technical staff. The implementation of these goals are estimated to cost approximately 18 bln EUR, which will be covered with EU funds from the Recovery and Resilience mechanism.

     

    NATO – Ukraine’s allies should provide enough military assistance to “alter the course of the war once and for all”, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in Brussels, which hosted the two-day meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers. On Tuesday, in her speech before the Foreign Affairs Council, Romania’s Foreign Minister, Luminița Odobescu, said NATO membership presented Romania with the strongest security guarantees it ever had. Over 5,000 NATO troops are currently deployed to Romania for deterrence and security consolidation purposes, the Romanian official recalled. Another positive effect of the presence of foreign troops is an economic boost, while NATO membership itself reinforces Romania’s credibility at international level, including on financial markets, the Romanian official said.

     

    GAUDEAMUS – A new edition of the Gaudeamus Book Fair has kicked off in Bucharest. Organized by Radio Romania, the event this year is presided by a special honorary guest, Mircea Cărtărescu, one of the best-known and internationally acclaimed Romanian contemporary writers, the recipient of countless national and international awards. Some 200 exhibitors are taking part in the fair, which until December 8 will bring visitors hundreds of book launches and numerous premieres. (VP)

  • 1,000 days of war in Ukraine

    1,000 days of war in Ukraine

    Representatives of several states, politicians and diplomats conveyed messages of support on the anniversary of 1,000 days since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. In this context, leaders of European institutions spoke about the bravery and courage of Kyiv. The European Parliament promises the Union will stand by Ukraine for as long as it is necessary to achieve fair peace. The European Parliament held a plenary session where president Volodymyr Zelenskyy also took part via videoconference. The Ukrainian president said that, in the absence of European aid, Ukraine would have fallen under Russian occupation. Zelenskyy thanked the community bloc for its help, which made resistance to Moscow possible, and called on the world to respond strongly to Vladimir Putin’s new threats after the Russian president approved changes to the country’s military doctrine, which now calls for a nuclear response in the event of an attack with conventional weapons if backed by a nuclear power. By changing the nuclear doctrine, president Zelenskyy argues, the Russian president shows that he does not want peace, but that he wants to destroy Ukraine and the whole world.

     

    In turn, the Armed Forces of Ukraine published a message addressing the Ukrainian people, reminding them that, for exactly 1,000 days, the national army “has protected European homes, cities, families, friends and the future of our children from the large-scale aggression of the Russian Federation”.

     

    Also to mark 1,000 days of war, a meeting of the European Ministers of Defense was held in Brussels, attended by the NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte. Officials discussed military aid to Ukraine, following the announcement made by the USA, which allowed Kyiv to use US-donated weaponry to attack military targets inside Russia. Since the start of the war, European states have donated Ukraine over 130 billion EUR, of which 45 billion represented military aid. So far, 67,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained in the European Union.

     

    On the other hand, to express support for Kyiv, a thousand days after the start of the war, the buildings of the main European institutions – the Commission, the Council and the Parliament – were illuminated on Monday evening in yellow and blue, the national colors of Ukraine. In Bucharest too, the Parliament building was lit yellow and blue, and the flag of the neighboring state was hoisted at the main entrance.

     

    Ukraine remains undefeated, after 1,000 days of devastating war, the Ambassador of the United States in Bucharest, Kathleen Kavalec, told Radio Romania in a message. The US ambassador added that, according to the UN, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has so far killed 11,000 civilians, including over 600 children. Moscow continues to commit shocking war crimes, including torturing civilians and prisoners of war, while Russian bombs have destroyed schools, hospitals and monuments of Ukrainian history, culture and identity, Ambassador Kavalec said. In her message, the official thanked Bucharest for supporting Kyiv and reminded that the stakes of the war far exceed the borders of Ukraine, one such example being the incidents on the territory of Romania. (VP)

  • Annual meeting of Romanian diplomacy

    Annual meeting of Romanian diplomacy

     

    Close to the end of his 10-year presidential mandate, Klaus Iohannis attended his last meeting with the heads of diplomatic and consular missions and directors of Romanian Cultural Institute on the occasion of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy. According to the head of state, Romania in the last decade has become a reliable, committed and respected actor at regional, European and international levels, a genuine provider of stability and security. The president told Romanian diplomats that the major foreign policy objectives remain the consolidation of Romania’s role and influence in the European Union and NATO, the deepening of the strategic partnership with the United States and the diversification of bilateral dialogue with partners from all continents. The president said he remains a strong supporter of the European Union enlargement process and emphasized that Romania remains committed to supporting the European path of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Klaus Iohannis recalled that Bucharest strongly supported the historic decision regarding the opening of negotiations for accession to the European Union with the two neighboring states, adopted at the meeting of the European Council on December 14-15 last year. Regarding Ukraine, from the first day of the war, Romania has shown its full solidarity and took extensive multidimensional measures to support this country, president Iohannis emphasized. In terms of security and defense, as a member state of NATO, Romania plays a constructive role and serves as a balancing factor, being a provider of security and stability, the president further argued. Romania currently benefits from the highest degree of defense and protection in its entire history, Klaus Iohannis also believes.

     

     

    Regarding the Strategic Partnership with the United States, as an essential pillar of Romania’s foreign policy, it has become more robust during this period and acquired more substance, Klaus Iohannis says. On the other hand, the head of state mentioned that, during the ten years of his mandate, special attention was paid to strengthening partnerships and bilateral strategic relations with states with which Romania shares common values ​​and interests, such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy or Poland.

     

     

    A recurring topic and an objective yet to fulfill, Schengen accession was also discussed this year at the meeting of Romanian diplomats. Romania’s accession to the Schengen area with air and maritime borders was an important, although temporary success, while lifting controls at land borders also remains a key objective, the president said. “I am confident that we will succeed in achieving this collective effort to the benefit not only of Romanian citizens, but of a more prosperous Union, free of artificial obstacles”, the head of state pointed out. Another major foreign policy objective is the country’s accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The president urged diplomats to step up inter-institutional effort for the successful completion of this process in the shortest time possible. (VP)

  • July 23, 2024 UPDATE

    July 23, 2024 UPDATE

    DROUGHT – Against the background of the severe drought affecting Romania, water supply is restricted in about 450 cities, towns and villages, most of them in the eastern part of the country. Many farmers say that they have lost their crops, especially where irrigation is not possible. In trying to support those affected, the Minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu, had a first meeting on Monday with commercial banks representatives, whom he asked for solutions to cover rates and interests on loans for farmers facing drought. The affected area so far is almost 2 million hectares for corn and sunflower and 100,000 hectares for wheat and rapeseed. Water levels continue to drop.

     

     

    MEETING – Romania is committed to implementing green transition in a pragmatic and viable way, an example for the region and the world, and that means using natural gas in the short- and medium-term, but also nuclear energy, Romania’s Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said on the sidelines of the Business Forum of the Partnership for Energy and Climate Trans-Atlantic Cooperation hosted by Bucharest. In turn, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu pointed out that only through energy security and competitiveness and by making energy available to the economy and the population can Romania take the next step towards fulfilling a key objective – obtaining clean, green energy. Romania will negotiate with the new European Commission a seven-year deal for meeting the 3% budget deficit target, the Romanian Prime Minister said, adding that Romania is currently in a “fast-track” development phase, highlighting the need for more investments.

     

     

    SUPPORT – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminiţa Odobescu, reiterated Romania’s support for neighboring Ukraine, invaded by Russian troops, and emphasized the need to speed up the European Union’s assistance to Kyiv, including military aid. On the sidelines of Monday’s meeting in Brussels with European counterparts, Minister Odobescu reaffirmed Romania’s support for the peace plan proposed by Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which she believes is capable of guaranteeing sustainable peace, the observance of territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter.

     

     

    REPRESENTATION – Only 6.5% of mayors are women and just 9% local councilwomen, according to data conducted by a local NGO, analyzing the results of the June 9 local election in Romania. The data, which has so far prompted no reactions from political parties, shows that politics remains an exclusive playground of men. At Parliament level, the situation is slightly better, although women representation stands at merely 18%. The NGO calls on parliamentary parties to unlock legislative initiatives to boost women representation to at least 30% and to block access to public funds for all parties that fail to meet this requirement.

     

     

    CONCERT – The Orchestra and Choir of the Bucharest National Opera on Wednesday will perform a sacred music concert at the “Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael” Orthodox Cathedral in Paris. The Romanian Opera tour ends on July 25, at the Romanian Embassy in Paris, with another concert, marking the inauguration of the Romanian House at the Olympic Games. On Monday, Romanian artists performed in the gardens of the Versailles Palace, an event also held in the context of the Summer Olympics. According to Radio Romania’s Paris correspondent, the extraordinary concert entitled “Éthos Roumain” is a project financed by the Government of Romania, through the Department for Romanians Worldwide, in partnership with the Romanian Cultural Institute in Paris. The event aims to boost the visibility of Romanian culture and its promotion abroad, as well as to strengthen cultural ties between Romania and France. (EE & VP)

  • The European Parliament supports Ukraine

    The European Parliament supports Ukraine

    The European Parliament reconfirmed its support for Ukraine for as long as it is necessary to achieve victory against Russia. A resolution adopted on Wednesday presents the first official position of the newly elected European Parliament regarding Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The document reasserts the continuous support of MEPs for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The resolution was fully supported by five of the eight groups of the community legislature – EPP, S&D, Renew, the Greens and the ECR (Conservatives). The delegations of Romanian sovereigntists and ultranationalists from AUR and SOS took a stand against the resolution regarding EU support for Ukraine.

     

     

    In its resolution, the European Parliament asks the EU to maintain and extend its sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as to monitor and review their effectiveness and impact. Reasserting their firm belief that Moscow must financially compensate Kyiv for the major damages it caused, MEPs hail recent EU efforts to direct revenues from frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv. MEPs have also called for “a solid legal regime for seizing Russian state assets frozen by the EU”. The European Parliament also hailed the outcome of the recent NATO summit and reaffirmed its position that Ukraine is on an irreversible path to joining the Alliance. At the same time, MEPs asked the EU and its Member States to increase their military support for Ukraine for as long as it is required and in any form necessary. It also called on the European Commission to come up with long-term financial assistance for the reconstruction of Ukraine, based on the recently established Mechanism for Ukraine.

     

     

    For its part, considering that Kyiv has met the required conditions, the European Commission on Wednesday announced it has greenlit the disbursement of a new installment worth 4.2 billion EUR from the 50 bln-EUR-euro macro-financial assistance package provided to Ukraine by EU27 until 2027. The conditions refer to the implementation of 69 reforms and 10 investments established in the plan agreed between Kyiv and Brussels, which includes measures stipulated in EU accession negotiations. The plan includes reforms in several areas, including energy, agriculture, transport, green transition, digital transformation, as well as objectives to be achieved with a view to joining the EU, such as the adoption of the community acquis, the management of public finances, combating corruption and money laundering. After the disbursement of the new instalment, Ukraine has so far received over 12 bln EUR from the financial aid package promised by the EU. (VP)

  • NATO support of Ukraine

    NATO support of Ukraine

    On the sidelines of the anniversary summit in Washington, NATO decided to continue the integration process of the Ukrainian army and approved an assistance package worth 40 bln EUR for 2025. At the same time, the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands, long requested by Kyiv, is underway. Also, Ukraine will receive 5 new Patriot systems donated by the United States, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania. They will be used to help protect Ukrainian cities, civilians and soldiers. At the same time, NATO announced the establishment of the Security Assistance and Training Mission for Ukraine (NSATU), which will coordinate the supply of military equipment and training for the former Soviet republic by allied and partner states, as well as a new training center in Poland. NATO leaders adopted the final resolution of the summit, according to which Ukraine’s path to NATO is “irreversible”. The document shows that the Alliance supports the NATO accession of Ukraine, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, said. “Ukraine’s future is in NATO.  Ukraine has become increasingly interoperable and politically integrated with the Alliance.  We welcome the concrete progress Ukraine has made since the Vilnius Summit on its required democratic, economic, and security reforms.  As Ukraine continues this vital work, we will continue to support it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership”, the final statement reads. Romania’s president Klaus Johannis in turn called for stepping up support given to Kyiv in the war against Russia and supported the confirmation of the irreversible trans-Atlantic trajectory of Ukraine. The president hailed the fact that negotiations are underway to replace the system donated to Ukraine. Romania wants another Patriot system instead, the Romanian head of state explained. Negotiations are underway in that respect, and some progress has already been achieved.

     

    “We discussed this issue in detail a few days ago in the country’s Supreme Defense Council and we tasked the Ministry of Defense. Negotiations are underway and our desire is to receive another Patriot system in exchange. Of course, not immediately, but in the relatively near future. But to compensate the absence of the system we are giving now, I think we will manage to get systems that will be delivered faster and will ensure better surveillance of the national airspace”.

     

    The President of Romania also referred to the aid that Allies give to Ukraine and emphasized that approximately half of the promised ammunition has been delivered, which is insufficient. In his opinion, Allies must continue to help Kyiv lest it should lose the war. According to experts, without NATO, which provides almost all of its military support, Ukraine risks sustaining defeat on the battlefield. (VP)