Radio România Internațional

Tag: Ukrainian refugees

Working in Romania

Turkish citizens who work legally in Romania will benefit from the recognition of seniority, when calculating pensions, following a protocol signed by the Romanian Minister of Labor, Simona Bucura-Oprescu and her Turkish counterpart, Vedat Işikhan. The provisions of the agreement will also benefit Romanian citizens with unique residence and work permits, valid in Turkey. Under the said protocol, the social security institutions in Romania and Turkey will work closer together to make sure Turkish citizens working in Romania, but also the Romanians working in Turkey, are provided with the necessary framework to better protect their rights. The top priority is to ensure the receipt of pensions, Minister Oprescu said. In turn, the Turkish official expressed confidence that the partnership will strengthen ties between his country and Romania. The Romanian Minister said that the first meeting of the Turkey-Romania Joint Working Group in the field of labor and social security has already taken place, expressing confidence that the action plan for the 2024-2025 period will further develop cooperation. According to the Romanian Minister, the records of the Labor Inspection show that there are approximately 10,000 Turkish citizens working in Romania.

From the start of the war in Ukraine until mid-July, over 23,000 Ukrainians registered with the National Employment Agency in Romania. The biggest number of registered Ukrainian refugee citizens, 7,201, reside in Bucharest and Ilfov County, 5,704, in Constanța County, in the southeast, 1,585 in Maramureș County, in the northwest, and 1,492 in Brașov County, in the center. According to official data, 3,154 Ukrainian citizens were active on the labor market as a result of the employment services provided by the National Employment Agency. Ukrainians have taken up jobs in the automotive industry, textile manufacturing, constructions, freight transport, tourism, public catering, IT, education, music and the administration. At present, 5,934 jobs offered by 693 employers are available to Ukrainian refugees residing in Romania. The main fields where jobs are available are the hospitality sector, the car-manufacturing industry and constructions. The National Employment Agency specifies that Ukrainian citizens who register with the Agency are offered free-of-charge services providing them with information and professional advice, labour mediation, professional training and assistance from the European Employment Services (EURES).

Nine citizens from Nepal were detained by Romanian Border Police on the Romanian-Serbian border while trying to illegally leave the country to reach Western Europe. Following an inspection, the Border Police discovered that the Nepalese citizens, aged between 20 and 37, entered the country legally on the basis of work visas. Pending the finalization of the inquiry, the suspects risk expulsion and even a ban upon returning to the European Union for a period of 5 years. (VP)

25 July 2024
Bilingual textbooks for Ukrainian children and teenagers in Romania

Today’s edition explores a series of bilingual Romanian language textbooks addressing Ukrainian children and teenagers in Romania.

The initiative was carried out by Terre des hommes Romania Foundation, in partnership with UNCHR, the UN Refugee Agency and Swiss Solidarity, and addresses pupils and teenagers, as well as their parents. The manuals can be used both in class and at home.

More about the reach of this project from interviews featured in today’s installment, featuring Pablo Zapata (UNHCR representative to Romania), Rodica Novac (project coordinator on behalf of TdH) and Angelica Stus (co-author of the textbooks).

RadioRomaniaInternational · In the Spotlight – Bilingual textbooks for Ukrainian children and teenagers in Romania

28 March 2024
The UNHCR Refugee Response Plan – the chapter for Romania

According to data provided by the UNHCR, since February 2022, over 5.4 million people have crossed the border from Ukraine and Moldova into Romania, of which over 155,000 received various forms of temporary protection. Some 78,000 Ukrainians are still present in Romania.

On February 23, at the North Rail Station in Bucharest, the UNHCR, together with UN agencies and NGOs, launched the Refugee Response Plan. This year, the 37 partners of this initiative, comprising 24 national NGOs, 7 international NGOs, and 6 UN agencies will implement targeted activities to support the protection and inclusion of refugees from Ukraine in Romania.

More details about this initiative and ongoing efforts to help Ukrainian refugees in Romania from the UNHCR representative to Romania, Pablo Zapata, in this exclusive interview for RRI.

RadioRomaniaInternational · In the Spotlight – The UNHCR Refugee Response Plan – chapter for Romania

Click on the link below to listen to the full interview

RadioRomaniaInternational · Interview with Pablo Zapata, UNHCR representative to Romania

29 February 2024
July 13, 2023

Resignation — The Romanian Labor Minister Marius Budai has resigned today against the backdrop of the scandal regarding the care centers for the elderly. The Romanian authorities continue checks at residential social centers throughout the country. More than 1,500 centers have been controlled so far, and 15 nursing homes for the elderly, the disabled and children have been closed. The activity of another 26 has been suspended. The authorities issued 60 fines worth almost 800,000 lei (the equivalent of about 160 thousand Euros). A nursing home that was operating illegally was identified and a criminal case was also opened for abuse of office, fraud, false declarations, unlawful practicing of a profession and tax evasion in the case of a commercial company that owns three nursing homes. On the other hand, the Bucharest Court of Appeal will judge on July 20 the appeals made by the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) regarding the placement under house arrest, under judicial control or the failure to take any measures in the case of the 20 defendants detained last week in the investigation regarding the nursing homes for the elderly and the people with disabilities from Ilfov county (south, near Bucharest), where the so-called beneficiaries were beaten, insulted, starved, subjected to forced labor and deprived of minimum hygiene conditions.

Schengen — The European Parliament reconfirmed its support for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area. Through a resolution adopted on Wednesday, with a large majority, the MEPs ask the Council of the European Union to approve the candidacy of the two states by the end of this year. The document shows that Romania and Bulgaria meet all the criteria to join the free travel area and that the exercise of the right of veto, “without having presented any justification of a legal nature related to the accession criteria”, fuels anti-European sentiment and harms the economy. The European Parliament emphasizes that Romanians and Bulgarians are discriminated against, because they face delays, bureaucratic difficulties and additional costs when traveling or doing business abroad, in comparison with the Schengen Area citizens. The European Parliament also asks the Commission to estimate the financial losses, lost gains and environmental damage that Romania and Bulgaria have incurred, since June 2011, due to not being members of the Schengen area and to analyze the possible compensation mechanisms.

Statistics — The Border Police General Inspectorate (IGPR) informs that on Wednesday, 123,649 people entered Romania through the border points, of whom 16,483 were Ukrainian citizens. According to a press release issued on Thursday, starting on February 10, 2022, two weeks before the Russian army invaded their country, 4,998,837 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania. The number of Ukrainian citizens who took up employment in Romania after the start of the war reached a new record last month – said the Romanian Labor Minister, Marius Budai. According to him, at the national level, 6,810 employment contracts were concluded for Ukrainian citizens, the highest level since February 24, 2022 until now. All in all, the minister said, 7,972 active contracts of Ukrainian citizens are registered, of which 6,810 were concluded after the start of the Russian invasion. Most Ukrainians employed in Romania, 1,452, work in the manufacturing industry, and 1,181 in the construction industry. Another 737 are employed in the trade domain. From the point of view of the areas in which they chose to work, the most (2,770) found work in Bucharest, and 418 in Timiş county (west).

Football — Romanias football champions, Farul Constanţa (southeast), defeated, on Wednesday evening, at home, 1-0, Sheriff Tiraspol from the Republic of Moldova, in the first leg of the first preliminary round of the Champions League. The return match takes place next week, in Tiraspol. The qualified team will play in the next round with the winner of the two-legged tie between Maccabi Haifa (Israel) and Hamrun Spartans (Malta). In the first match, the Israelis won 4-0. We remind you that three Romanian teams are participating in the Conference League. In the 2nd preliminary round, the former champions CFR Cluj (north-west) will meet Adana Demirspor, from Turkey. The winner of Romania’s Cup and Supercup, Sepsi Sfântu Gheorghe (center) will play against CSKA Sofia from Bulgaria, and the runner-up FCSB (Bucharest) with CSKA 1948 Sofia. The first leg takes place on July 27, and the return leg a week later.

Inflation – The annual inflation rate slightly decreased in Romania in June 2023, to 10.3%, from 10.64% in May, in the context in which the prices food stuffs rose by 17.88%, of non-foods by 4.84%, and of services by 11.5%, according to data published on Thursday by the National Institute of Statistics. In June compared to May, the inflation rate was 0.4%. The National Bank of Romania (BNR) revised upward to 7.1% the inflation forecast for the end of this year and maintained the estimate of 4.2% for the end of 2024, according to data presented in May by Governor Mugur Isărescu. (LS)

13 July 2023
April 5, 2023

LAW – The Chamber of
Deputies today adopted the draft law amending the Criminal and Criminal
Procedure Codes tabled by the Government, with 191 votes in favor, 66 against
and 12 abstentions. The law eliminates all the amendments previously adopted by
the Senate, including the introduction of a threshold for offenses that
constitute abuse of office, as requested by the Constitutional Court. The Senate had previously introduced a
€50,000 threshold, which the Justice Ministry subsequently reduced to €1,800.
The legal committee on Tuesday discarded this amendment as well as the
introduction of a threshold for offenses that constitute misconduct in office.

CAR INSURANCE – The government is
today resuming debates over the draft law on capping the mandatory car
insurance fees for six months at the level of February 28 this year. The
previous draft, setting the price at the level of March 2022, was withdrawn
after insurance companies voiced criticism. Already postponed twice in the last
eight weeks, the document is needed to stop the rampant increase of civil
liability car insurances, the government argues. The increase is also owing to
the latest price hikes reported for energy and raw materials, while car
insurers refuse to offer the possibility of paying insurances in installments.

REFUGEES – The Government is
today expected to modify the state-funded programme designed to help Ukrainian
refugees. Under the modified law, refugees will receive €400 per month for up
to four consecutive months to offset accommodation expenses on the territory of
Romania. The funds will reach refugees directly, not their hosts, as was the
case previously. Once the period of four month passes, refugees can access
unemployment and employment incentive schemes if they register with employment
agencies. Right now, natural persons in Romania hosting refugees receive €4
meal allowances per day and €10 for accommodation expenses. Starting February
10, nearly 4 million Ukrainians have crossed into Romania, most of them in
route to Western countries.

INFLATION – The National Bank
decided to maintain its monetary policy interest rate at 7% per year, also
preserving the reference interest rate for Central Bank loans at 8% per year,
as well as for Central bank deposits at 6% per year. The decision reflects the
latest macroeconomic evolution. The Bank estimates the annual inflation rate to
increase over the coming period. The inflation rate dropped from 16.37% in
December 2022 to 15.52% in February 2023, which largely corresponds to the
Bank’s forecast.

TITLE – The Turkish writer
Orhan Pamuk, the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2006, was
awarded the Doctor Honoris Causa
title from the West University of Timișoara in a special ceremony. Orhan Pamuk
is one of the special guests who are visiting Timișoara, the European Capital
of Culture in 2023. Orhan Pamuk is one of the internationally acclaimed
contemporary Turkish writes. His works have been translated in over 40
languages in published in over 100 countries. His works focus primarily on the
relation between Oriental and Western cultures and the specificity of Turkish
mentality. His best-selling works are My
Name is Red, Istanbul and The Museum of Innocence. Another two
Nobel Prize recipients are expected to visit Timișoara this year – Jean-Marie
Lehn, the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1987, and Jean-Pierre Sauvage, the Nobel
Prize for Chemistry in 2016.

TRUMP – The former US
president Donald Trump has been officially indicted on Tuesday on 34 counts of
forgery of business records. In 2016, Trump made a series of payments to his
lawyer which he motivated as legal counseling fees. In fact, this was hush
money paid to a adult-film actress at a time when Trump was running for the
oval office. The Manhattan district attorney’s office claims the forgery of
records with a view to commit fraud and concealing other actions is a crime.
The Republicans’ potential candidate in next year’s election, Donald Trump says
he is innocent of all crimes and a victim of the new Democratic administration.

TENNIS – Romanian tennis
player Irina Begu has advanced to the second round of the WTA 500 tournament in
Charleston (South Carolina), totaling over $780 thousand in total prizes after
knocking out Dalma Galfi of Hungary 6-1, 7-5. In the next round Begu is today
playing the winner of the match pitting Sofia Kenin of the USA against Aliaksandra
Sasnovič of Belarus. Another Romanian player, Gabriela Lee, lost to Kayla Day
of the USA 6-2, 7-6 in the preliminaries. (VP)

5 April 2023
December 26, 2022 UPDATE

WAR IN UKRAINE – A new drone attack launched by Ukrainian forces hit an airbase
in southern Russia, killing three people. Russian air defense systems
reportedly shot down the drone while it was approaching the Engels base in
Saratov region. According to TASS, three Russian technicians were killed in the
crash. Located some 600 km from the Ukrainian border, the base was hit by
another drone strike earlier this month. Also on Monday, Ukraine wants to call for
excluding Russia from the UN Security Council, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister,
Dmytro Kuyleba has said. Does Russia have the right to remain a permanent
member of the UN Security Council and to be in the United Nations at all?
he said, speaking during a national television marathon. We have a
convincing and reasoned answer — no, it does not.

REFUGEES – Some 341 thousand people, both Romanian and foreign nationals, crossed
the Romanian border over December 24-25, the Border Police Inspectorate
announced. Some 204 thousand people entered Romania during the interval, of
whom 18,325 were Ukrainian citizens. Starting February 10, 2022, some 3.1
million Ukrainians entered Romania, most of whom were en route to other
countries in Western Europe. According to the Interior Ministry, over 4,000
people filed for asylum in Romania and thus benefit from every right under the
Romanian law. Since March, some 100 thousand stay permits have been issued for
temporary protection beneficiaries. A third of refugee centers are currently
occupied, the Border Police Inspectorate also reports.

EXTADITION – Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Moldova
are among the countries that ignore Romania’s request to extradite known
criminals who are wanted for corruption back home. Bucharest journalists recall
that high-profile politicians or businessmen are hiding abroad to avoid serving
time in Romania. The list includes medical doctor Sorin Oprescu, who remained
in Greece after the Court of Appeal in Athens denied Romania’s request to
extradite the former Bucharest Mayor General, sentenced to 10 years and 8
months for bribe-taking. In Italy, the former anti-mafia prosecutor Alina Bică managed to persuade magistrates
with the Bari Court of Appeal that she deserved to serve her 4 year sentence
for aiding and abetting here. Also in Bari, the former intelligence officer
Daniel Dragomir, sentenced to 3 years and 10 months, has also taken refuge. The
Republic of Moldova is refusing to hand over Cristian Rizea to Romanian
authorities. Rizea received a final sentence of 4 years and 8 months for
influence peddling. Puiu Popoviciu has been living in the United Kingdom for
years, after London magistrates ruled that Popoviciu’s investigation had been
politically instrumented. Popoviciu was sentenced at the time to 7 years for
fraud. Finally, Alexander Adamescu, the son of former magistrate Dan Adamescu,
managed to postpone his extradition from the United Kingdom for three
consecutive years, although two British courts of law ruled Adamescu should be
put on trial in Romania for bribery.

CHRISTMAS – On
the second day of Christmas, Orthodox and Eastern-Catholic Christians in
Romania celebrated the Synaxis of the Mother God, while Catholic Christians
celebrated Saint Stephen, the first martyr, who is celebrated on December 27 in
the Orthodox calendar. In his Christmas address, Romanian Orthodox Church
Patriarch Daniel spoke about the importance of faith, prayer and generosity.
The gold of faith and good deeds, the incense of fervent prayer and the myrrh
of upright living, these are the gifts that every Christian, rich or poor, can
give to Christ, the Patriarch said. In turn, Eastern-Catholic Archbishop Lucian urged faithful to pray for
peace in our families and peace in crisis-ravaged Europe and peace to nations
at war and the whole world. Despite all hardships, Christians have discovered
solace and hope in Messiah, following the true light, Roman-Catholic Archbishop
Aurel Percă also said in his Christmas sermon, urging Christians to come closer
to the Church, so that God’s love should make our world better, bringing hope,
peace and joy.

HANDBALL – The men’s handball teams of Romania, Egypt, Algeria and
Slovakia will take part in this year’s edition of the Carpați Trophy tournament, held over
December 28-29 in Oradea, the Romanian Handball Federation reports. Egypt and
Algeria have secured qualification to the 2023 World Cup, to be held in January
2023. Coach Xavi Pascual has called up 24 players to the squad, which convened
on Monday for training. (VP)

26 December 2022
December 26, 2022

WAR IN UKRAINE – A new drone attack launched by Ukrainian forces hit an airbase
in southern Russia, killing three people. Russian air defense systems
reportedly shot down the drone while it was approaching the Engels base in
Saratov region. According to TASS, three Russian technicians were killed in the
crash. Located some 600 km from the Ukrainian border, the base was hit by
another drone strike earlier this month. Also on Monday, Ukraine wants to call for
excluding Russia from the UN Security Council, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister,
Dmytro Kuyleba has said. Does Russia have the right to remain a permanent
member of the UN Security Council and to be in the United Nations at all?
he said, speaking during a national television marathon. We have a
convincing and reasoned answer — no, it does not.

SEARCH – Romanian authorities will resume search and rescue operations
to locate the four Ukrainian citizens who crossed the Maramureș
Mountains to enter
Romania. The Border Police spokesman said rescue teams failed to reach them on
Sunday after having established contact previously. The caller was most likely
located on the opposite side of a cliffy area, which prevented rescue teams
from getting to him. Rescue teams managed to save another two Ukrainians on
Saturday.

REFUGEES – Some 341 thousand people, both Romanian and foreign nationals, crossed
the Romanian border over December 24-25, the Border Police Inspectorate
announced. Some 204 thousand people entered Romania during the interval, of
whom 18,325 were Ukrainian citizens. Starting February 10, 2022, some 3.1
million Ukrainians entered Romania, most of whom were en route to other
countries in Western Europe. According to the Interior Ministry, over 4,000
people filed for asylum in Romania and thus benefit from every right under the
Romanian law. Since March, some 100 thousand stay permits have been issued for
temporary protection beneficiaries.

EXTADITION – Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Moldova
are among the countries that ignore Romania’s request to extradite known
criminals who are wanted for corruption back home. Bucharest journalists recall
that high-profile politicians or businessmen are hiding abroad to avoid serving
time in Romania. The list includes medical doctor Sorin Oprescu, who remained
in Greece after the Court of Appeal in Athens denied Romania’s request to
extradite the former Bucharest Mayor General, sentenced to 10 years and 8
months for bribe-taking. In Italy, the former anti-mafia prosecutor Alina Bică managed to persuade magistrates
with the Bari Court of Appeal that she deserved to serve her 4 year sentence
for aiding and abetting here. Also in Bari, the former intelligence officer
Daniel Dragomir, sentenced to 3 years and 10 months, has also taken refuge. The
Republic of Moldova is refusing to hand over Cristian Rizea to Romanian
authorities. Rizea received a final sentence of 4 years and 8 months for
influence peddling. Puiu Popoviciu has been living in the United Kingdom for
years, after London magistrates ruled that Popoviciu’s investigation had been
politically instrumented. Popoviciu was sentenced at the time to 7 years for
fraud. Finally, Alexander Adamescu, the son of former magistrate Dan Adamescu,
managed to postpone his extradition from the United Kingdom for three
consecutive years, although two British courts of law ruled Adamescu should be
put on trial in Romania for bribery.

CHRISTMAS – On
the second day of Christmas, Orthodox and Eastern-Catholic Christians in
Romania celebrated the Synaxis of the Mother God, while Catholic Christians
celebrated Saint Stephen, the first martyr. In his Christmas address, Romanian
Orthodox Church Patriarch Daniel spoke about the importance of faith, prayer
and generosity. The gold of faith and good deeds, the incense of fervent
prayer and the myrrh of upright living, these are the gifts that every
Christian, rich or poor, can give to Christ, the Patriarch said. In turn, Eastern-Catholic Archbishop Lucian
urged faithful to pray for peace in our families and peace in crisis-ravaged
Europe and peace to nations at war and the whole world. Despite all hardships,
Christians have discovered solace and hope in Messiah, following the true
light, Roman-Catholic Archbishop Aurel Percă also said in his Christmas sermon,
urging Christians to come closer to the Church, so that God’s love should make
our world better, bringing hope, peace and joy.

HANDBALL – The men’s handball teams of Romania, Egypt, Algeria and
Slovakia will take part in this year’s edition of the Carpați Trophy tournament, held over
December 28-29 in Oradea, the Romanian Handball Federation reports. Egypt and
Algeria have secured qualification to the 2023 World Cup, to be held in January
2023. Coach Xavi Pascual has called up 24 players to the squad, which convened
on Monday for training. (VP)

26 December 2022
November 29, 2022 UPDATE

NATO SUMMIT
– Russia is solely responsible for the war in
Ukraine, which represents a blatant violation of international law and the UN
Charter, NATO Foreign Ministers said in Bucharest in a joint statement signed
at the end of the first day of the NATO Foreign Affairs summit. NATO officials
say the Russian aggression has disrupted global food supply chains and endangered
the most vulnerable countries and nations. Additionally, NATO Foreign Ministers
also spoke of a Russian crusade against Ukraine, including forced
displacement, torture and barbaric behavior towards women and children. NATO
officials have condemned all parties, including Belarus, that actively the
campaign against Ukraine. NATO is not part of the Ukrainian conflict, but we pledge to support Ukraine
for as long as it is necessary, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on
Tuesday in Bucharest in the opening of the Foreign Affairs NATO Summit in
Bucharest. NATO members must support Ukraine to help this country remain a
sovereign state, Jens Stoltenberg argued, adding that NATO will remain vigilant
and defend every inch of its territory. The NATO official also said NATO
members will supplement the assistance package for Ukraine, including
non-lethal support made up of fuel and generators that will help Ukrainians
cope with the aftermath of Russian missiles hitting key Ukrainian energy
infrastructure. Attending the summit, president Klaus Iohannis pointed out that
the Black Sea is a strategic objective for Euro-Atlantic security, and Member
States must carefully monitor developments in this region. The Romanian
president also said Romania remains a staunch supporter of open-doors policy
and hopes that Finland and Sweden would quickly join the Alliance. This is the
first such event Romania is hosting since it joined NATO and the first of its
kind held in a country on the Alliance’s eastern flank since the start of the
war in Ukraine. The summit comprises 3 working sessions, 2 of which will be
attended by the Allies together with Sweden and Finland. Taking part in the
third session will also be the foreign ministers of Bosnia – Herzegovina,
Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. The war in Ukraine and the provision of
long-term political and practical support from the Allies will be the main
topic of discussion. NATO’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg arrived in
Bucharest on Monday, and had meetings with president Klaus Iohannis, Prime
Minister Nicolae Ciucă and Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu.

PARTNERSHIP
Ahead of US secretary of state Antony Blinken’s visit to Bucharest to take part
in the NATO summit, the US Department of State hailed the celebration of 25
years since the Strategic Partnership with Romania was signed. A US Department
of State news release mentions Bucharest’s contribution to NATO and
multinational operations, the fact that the country hosts several NATO and
American military structures, including the missile defense system in Deveselu.
On Tuesday, during his visit in Bucharest, Secretary of State Antony Blinken
met Romania’s Foreign Minister, Bogdan Aurescu. Talks focused on the
celebration of 25 years since the signing of the partnership, based on the
joint commitment to promoting and consolidating trans-Atlantic ties and
democratic resilience. Both parties pledged to further develop the partnership
at all levels. The Romanian Foreign Minister pointed out that Romania’s
Strategic Partnership with the United States represents a key pillar of
Romania’s foreign policy, also highlighting its importance in ensuring the
country’s security, all the more so amidst security challenges in the Black Sea
region. Moreover, Minister Aurescu reiterated the importance of including
Romania in the Visa Waiver program. Talks also tackled an increase in US
military presence in Romania, consolidating NATO’s posture in the Black Sea
region, Romania’s bid to join OECD and furthering joint projects in the field
of civilian nuclear power. Also on Tuesday, Antony Blinken met with president
Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă.

REFUGEES – The Border
Police Inspectorate announced on Tuesday that some 63 thousand people entered
Romania on Monday, of whom over 7,000 were Ukrainian nationals, accounting for
a 9% drop compared to the previous day. According to a press release published
on Tuesday, close to 3 million Ukrainian refugees have entered Romania starting
February 10, most of whom were en route to countries in Western Europe. Over 80
thousand Ukrainians have chosen to stay.

NATIONAL DAY – The Romanian Cultural
Institute organizes 50 events until December 10, to celebrate the National Day
of Romania in 31 cities abroad. According to the president of the Institute,
Liviu Jicman, the events held in emblematic locations in the respective
countries place the works of Romanian artists among the most important cultural
landmarks of today and contribute to raising awareness among foreign cultural
and arts communities and the general public with respect to the Romanian
culture. On December 1, the National Day of Romania, a parade
will be organized in Bucharest and another one in Alba Iulia. On Monday, the
Parliament celebrated 104 years since the Great Union in a special meeting. (AMP
& VP)

29 November 2022
November 2, 2022

AMENDMENTS – The Government is expected to
pass a number of legislative amendments in preparation of Romania’s Schengen
accession. The Government noted the current legislation no longer reflects the
current European framework for exchanging information among Member States,
while the national digital reporting system also needs improvement. The
government wants to decide which authorities should have a right to access,
transmit or consult data from the national digital system.

COLD SEASON – 58% of Romanians say they
will have trouble paying energy bills this upcoming winter, estimating
temperatures in their homes will be lower compared to previous years, a recent
study reveals. According to its findings, soaring utility expenses have shaped
Romanians’ purchasing behavior. 55% of Romanians said they have stopped buying
non-essential products. 40% of respondents have described energy bills as their
biggest concern for the period ahead.

MOLDOVA – Moldova’s President, Maia Sandu,
received assurances regarding Bucharest’s full support for Chișinău
in the context of the energy crisis in this country. President Sandu on Tuesday
met Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă in Bucharest, expressing gratitude for
their support and Romania’s actions to facilitate the provision of electricity,
natural gas, fuel oil and firewood to Moldovan citizens. Furthermore, Maia
Sandu thanked Romania for quickly responding to offset Moldova’s electricity
deficit. We recall Bucharest has started supplying electricity and natural gas to
Moldova after Ukraine has ceased energy exports to Moldova after its energy
infrastructure was affected by Russian bombings.

REFUGEES – The Border Police Inspectorate
announced some 65 thousand people entered Romania on Tuesday, of whom 7,500
were Ukrainian nationals. According to a press release, some 2.7 million
Ukrainians have entered Romania starting February 10, most of them headed to
countries in Western Europe. Over 86,500 Ukrainians have chosen to stay.

SHIPMENTS – Russia today agreed to resume grain
exports from Ukraine after receiving guarantees in writing from Ukraine
regarding the demilitarization of the maritime corridor used for their transport.
On Saturday, Moscow suspended grain exports invoking drone attacks on Russian military
watercraft in the port of Sevastopol. Russia claimed the drones moved along the
secure corridor addressing trade vessels transporting Ukrainian grain. On
Monday, Russia had warned against the danger of freight ships continuing to navigate
the corridor used by Ukrainian trade vessels to reach the Mediterranean through
the Bosporus strait without its consent.

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT – The Constitutional
Court of Romania today admitted a notification filed by USR in opposition
regarding the law that sanctions the building of small power plants in
protected areas. USR has lodged 11 unconstitutionality claims, including the
violation of the principle of bicameralism, considering there are major
differences between the law adopted in the Senate and the version passed by the
Chamber of Deputies. USR also claims the law is in breach of the right to a
clean environment. Early this year, Parliament adopted the law stipulating that
power plants in protected areas that are over 60% complete are considered
projects of national security and must be rendered operational by the end of
2025. (VP)

2 November 2022
October 31, 2022

VISIT – Chief
of General Staff, General Daniel Petrescu is on a 10-day visit to the USA. The
Romanian official will meet the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Committee, the Chiefs of Services and representatives of certain think-tanks in
the security field. The visit of the Chief of General Staff is part of the constant
actions meant to consolidate the military cooperation with the USA. According
to a Defense Ministry press release, the current solid collaboration between
the two armed forces is one of the objectives of the Strategic Partnership between
our country and the USA, in line with Romania’s national interests in promoting
stability in Europe.

MOLDOVA – The
Moldovan Foreign Ministry has firmly condemned Russian missile attacks on Kyiv
and other settlements in neighboring Ukraine, including the missile taken down
by Ukraine’s air defenses that landed in northern Naslavcea, in the Republic of
Moldova, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry spokesman Daniel Vodă has said.
According to the Moldovan official, these attacks, which continue to escalate
the security context, are a blatant violation of humanitarian international law
that forbids the targeting of civilians. The Moldovan Foreign Ministry
reiterated the fact that any attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
translates into huge economic and social losses for the entire European
continent, including the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, who are affected
by the economic fallout from the war. The Republic of Moldova has strongly
condemned Russia’s use of energy resources as a weapon, Daniel Vodă went on to
say. Ukrainian authorities on Monday reported a new Russian drone attack on the
Dnestrovsc dam in Ukraine, located some 10 kilometers from Naslavcea. The dam
did not sustain any structural damage, although the attack did affect part of
the electronic equipment.

REFUGEES – The
Romanian Border Police announced that some 104 thousand people entered Romania
on Sunday, of whom approximately 8,800 were Ukrainian nationals, accounting for
a 7% drop compared to the previous day. According to a press release published
on Monday, some 2.7 million Ukrainians have entered Romania starting February
10. Most of them were in route to countries in Western Europe. Over 86,500 have
chosen to stay.

SANDU -
Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, on Tuesday is attending the international
conference Women MPs in Romania and promoting gender equality as a national
priority, an event hosted by the Romanian Parliament. During her visit,
president Sandu will meet her Romanian counterpart, Klaus Iohannis, Romania’s
Prime Minister, Nicolae Ciucă, as well as representatives of the Club of
Businessmen from Bessarabia.

COVID-19
– The Health Ministry has announced that 21 COVID-related deaths
were reported over October 24-31 in Romania. In the last week, 3,077 new
infections were reported across the country, a slight drop compared to the
previous week. Since the start of the pandemic, 67,186 thousand people diagnosed
with COVID-19 have died.

DEFENSE – Senator
Angel Tîlvăr is the new Defense Minister of Romania. He will replace Vasile
Dîncu, who stepped down after making a series of controversial statements about
Ukraine. Angel TÎvăr said his main concern right now is Russia’s unprovoked and
unjustified invasion in neighboring Ukraine, as well as Romania’s contribution
to peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world. Angel Tîlvăr also
insisted on earmarking 2.5% of the GDP to defense spending.

TENNIS – Tennis
player Simona Halep continues to rank 10 in WTA standings. The Romanian is
under a temporary suspension after failing a drug test at the US Open. Another
five Romanian tennis players are ranked in the WTA Top 100, Irina Begu (34),
Sorana Cîrstea (38), Ana Bogdan (48) and Gabriela Ruse (98). In the doubles WTA
standings, Romania has three representatives: Monica Niculescu (47), Irina Bara
(86) and Gabriela Ruse (93). (EE &
VP)

31 October 2022
October 31, 2022

VISIT – Chief
of General Staff, General Daniel Petrescu is on a 10-day visit to the USA. The
Romanian official will meet the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Committee, the Chiefs of Services and representatives of certain think-tanks in
the security field. The visit of the Chief of General Staff is part of the constant
actions meant to consolidate the military cooperation with the USA. According
to a Defense Ministry press release, the current solid collaboration between
the two armed forces is one of the objectives of the Strategic Partnership between
our country and the USA, in line with Romania’s national interests in promoting
stability in Europe.

MOLDOVA – The
Moldovan Foreign Ministry has firmly condemned Russian missile attacks on Kyiv
and other settlements in neighboring Ukraine, including the missile taken down
by Ukraine’s air defenses that landed in northern Naslavcea, in the Republic of
Moldova, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry spokesman Daniel Vodă has said.
According to the Moldovan official, these attacks, which continue to escalate
the security context, are a blatant violation of humanitarian international law
that forbids the targeting of civilians. The Moldovan Foreign Ministry
reiterated the fact that any attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
translates into huge economic and social losses for the entire European
continent, including the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, who are affected
by the economic fallout from the war. The Republic of Moldova has strongly
condemned Russia’s use of energy resources as a weapon, Daniel Vodă went on to
say. Ukrainian authorities on Monday reported a new Russian drone attack on the
Dnestrovsc dam in Ukraine, located some 10 kilometers from Naslavcea. The dam
did not sustain any structural damage, although the attack did affect part of
the electronic equipment.

REFUGEES – The
Romanian Border Police announced that some 104 thousand people entered Romania
on Sunday, of whom approximately 8,800 were Ukrainian nationals, accounting for
a 7% drop compared to the previous day. According to a press release published
on Monday, some 2.7 million Ukrainians have entered Romania starting February
10. Most of them were in route to countries in Western Europe. Over 86,500 have
chosen to stay.

SANDU -
Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, on Tuesday is attending the international
conference Women MPs in Romania and promoting gender equality as a national
priority, an event hosted by the Romanian Parliament. During her visit,
president Sandu will meet her Romanian counterpart, Klaus Iohannis, Romania’s
Prime Minister, Nicolae Ciucă, as well as representatives of the Club of
Businessmen from Bessarabia.

COVID-19
– The Health Ministry has announced that 21 COVID-related deaths
were reported over October 24-31 in Romania. In the last week, 3,077 new
infections were reported across the country, a slight drop compared to the
previous week. Since the start of the pandemic, 67,186 thousand people diagnosed
with COVID-19 have died.

DEFENSE – Senator
Angel Tîlvăr is the new Defense Minister of Romania. He will replace Vasile
Dîncu, who stepped down after making a series of controversial statements about
Ukraine. Angel TÎvăr said his main concern right now is Russia’s unprovoked and
unjustified invasion in neighboring Ukraine, as well as Romania’s contribution
to peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world. Angel Tîlvăr also
insisted on earmarking 2.5% of the GDP to defense spending.

TENNIS – Tennis
player Simona Halep continues to rank 10 in WTA standings. The Romanian is
under a temporary suspension after failing a drug test at the US Open. Another
five Romanian tennis players are ranked in the WTA Top 100, Irina Begu (34),
Sorana Cîrstea (38), Ana Bogdan (48) and Gabriela Ruse (98). In the doubles WTA
standings, Romania has three representatives: Monica Niculescu (47), Irina Bara
(86) and Gabriela Ruse (93). (EE &
VP)

31 October 2022
October 24, 2022

NATO – Two convoys transporting
military equipment from France arrived in Romania on Sunday. The first convoy
includes light infantry vehicles, while the second one transported heavy
infantry armored vehicles, the Romanian Defense Ministry announced. The
equipment adds to the military technology used by the NATO battlegroup in
Romania led by France and located in Cincu, central Romania. The battlegroup
was created in May by pooling in NATO Response Force troops already deployed to
Romania. On the other hand, Spain announced it would send F-18 and Eurofighter
jets to Romania and Bulgaria, to contribute to consolidating the NATO eastern
flank in the context of the war in Ukraine.

DEFENSE
– The Supreme Defense Council will convene on Tuesday in Bucharest. According
to the Presidency, the agenda will focus on the regional security context, the
Russian invasion of Ukraine and consequences for Romania, as well as on improving
the country’s energy resilience. Council members will also be given an update
on measures taken to modernize the army.

PARLIAMENT
– Defense Minister Vasile Dîncu on
Monday resigned, claiming it was impossible to work with president Klaus
Iohannis. Also on Monday, Minister Dîncu was expected to appear before
the Chamber of Deputies to explain his statements over the resolution of the
Ukrainian conflict. In a TV show, the Defense Minister said that negotiations
with Russia are the only way to ensure peace in Ukraine. President Iohannis
subsequently told Dîncu that Ukrainians
are paying a blood price in this war and we must all come to terms with the
idea that only Ukraine can decide when, how and what it is negotiating. This is
our official position and the official viewpoint of the European Union, the
president went on to say.

WAR IN
UKRAINE – Russia has launched missile and drone strikes on Mykolaiv, a city
located some 35 km northwest of the frontline in Kherson, currently under
Ukrainian control, destroying an apartment building. The Kremlin previously
warned of uncontrolled escalation in the Ukrainian conflict. The strike
occurred just as Russia had ordered 60,000 people to evacuate the area to save
their lives from the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Russian Defense Minister,
Sergey Shoigu, said the situation in Ukraine is rapidly deteriorating as part
of telephone calls he had on Sunday with counterparts from Great Britain,
France and Turkey. Minister Shoigu also spoke to the US Secretary of Defense,
Lloyd Austin, for the second time in three days. According to the Pentagon,
Secretary Austin said Shoigu rejected any pretext for Russian escalation in
Ukraine.

REFUGEES
– The Border Police Inspectorate announced some 90 thousand people entered
Romania on Sunday, of whom some 8,000 were Ukrainian nationals, representing a
16% drop compared to the previous day. Starting February 10, 2022, some 2.6
million Ukrainians have entered Romania, most of whom were en route to Western
Europe. According to the Interior Ministry, over 4,300 Ukrainians filed for and
were granted asylum in Romania, thus benefiting from every right under Romanian
now. Another 80,000 Ukrainians have obtained stay permits, which grant them
temporary forms of protection.

UN – The
Romanian Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the decision of the Gabonese
Presidency of the UN Security Council to deny the representatives of Romania
and Lithuania the right to speak in Friday’s session devoted to humanitarian
issues in Ukraine. According to a press release issued by the Romanian MFA, the
decision is all the more regrettable as Romania’s permanent mission to the UN
had been previously notified it has been included on the list of speakers.
Romanian diplomats wanted to tell Council members about Romania’s efforts in
providing assistance to some 2.6 million Ukrainian refugees that have entered
Romania since the start of the war and our country’s contribution to helping
export grain from Ukraine in an attempt to facilitate access to food and
offsetting the global food crisis caused by Russia. Romania’s intervention was
subsequently submitted in writing as an official document pertaining to this
session.

UK -
Former British Finance Minister, Rishi Sunak, is likely to be designated the
new Prime Minister of Great Britain today. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson
announced on Sunday he has withdrawn his candidacy for the leadership of the
Conservative Party, while the other candidate, Penny Mordant, is far from
securing the necessary number of votes allowing him to stay in the race.
Freshly returned from a holiday, Borish Johnson explained he decided to give up
his bid for Downing Street as he was unable to obtain the support of all
Conservatives in Parliament in order to rule efficienty. Meanwhile, thousands
of people protested on Sunday in London, calling for the EU reaccession of the
UK. The current political stalemate was triggered after the Brexit referendum.
Protesters claim Great Britain rejoining the community bloc would also solve
the current energy crisis.

PILGRIMAGE
– Bucharest is hosting the traditional Christian-Orthodox pilgrimage devoted to
Saint Demetrius the New, patron saint of Bucharest, whose feast day is celebrated
on October 27. Hosted by the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, the pilgrimage
will end on Friday, October 28.

TENNIS -
Romanian tennis player Simona Halep, who received a temporary suspension after
testing positive at a US Open doping test, dropped one place in WTA standings
compared to the previous week and is now ranked 10th. Another four
Romanian players are ranked in WTA Top 100 – Irina-Camelia Begu (33), Sorana
Cîrstea (38), Ana Bogdan (48) and Elena-Gabriela Ruse (96), the latter having
climbed nine spots. Jaqueline Cristian dropped 61 places and is currently
ranked 143. In the WTA doubles standings, Monica Niculescu is ranked 48, Irina
Bara 85 and Elena-Gabriela Ruse 91. (VP)

24 October 2022
October 15, 2022 UPDATE

WAR IN UKRAINE – The USA will send
ammo and military vehicle to Ukraine as part of a new assistance package worth
725 million USD, meant to help Kyiv fend off the Russian invasion, the US
Department of Defense has announced. Saudi Arabia will also send to Ukraine
humanitarian aid worth 400 million USD. Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman told
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, that his country is willing to
continue its efforts to mediate a truce between Kyiv and Moscow. On the ground,
Ukrainian investigators have exhumed Ukrainian military buried in one of the
two mass graves discovered in the wake of the Russian withdrawal from Lyman,
eastern Donetsk. Meanwhile, a power plant in Belgorod, Russia caught fire in
what the regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has described as a Ukrainian
attack.

REFUGEES – According to the
Romanian Border Police Inspectorate, some 96 thousand people entered Romania,
of whom 8,800 were Ukrainian nationals, representing a 7% increase compared to
the previous day. According to a press release published on Saturday, some 2.5
million Ukrainians have entered Romania starting February 10. Most of them were
in route to countries in Western Europe. According to the Interior Ministry,
over 4,300 Ukrainians were given asylum in Romania, thus benefiting from every
right under the Romanian law. Some 70,000 Ukrainians have obtained stay permits
and benefit from temporary protection.

VACCINES – The European
Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has confirmed it is conducting an
investigation into the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines in the European Union.
In a post on Facebook, the EPPO stated no further details will be made public
at this stage. The Social-Democratic Party (PSD) claims the EPPO should also
investigation Romania’s own vaccine acquisition campaign carried out in 2021,
which the party says resulted in a prejudice of 1 billion EUR. PSD says USR
Health Ministers in charge of the campaign are yet to provide a relevant
explanation to justify the acquisition.

NICOLESCO – Countless celebrities
in Romania mourn the death of soprano Mariana Nicolesco, who passed away on
Friday aged 73. Also known as Regina del Belcanto, Primadonna Assoluta or Diva
Divina, Mariana Nicolesco leaves behind a universe that she expanded throughout
her career, musicologists say. Mariana Nicolesco was an honorary member of the
Romanian Academy, Doctor Honoris Causa and honorary professor of several
universities in Romania and neighboring Moldova. She is the recipient of
numerous distinctions and awards, including Commander of the Italian Republic,
Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters from France and the National Order of
the Star of Romania in the Rank of Grand Cross. According to a study, Mariana
Nicolesco featured in the largest numbers of premiers at Teatro alla Scala in
Milan. She was invited by Pope John Paul II to perform Romanian carols as part
of the Vatican Christmas Concert of 1993, broadcast live all over the world.

NATO – Romania’s Foreign
Ministry announced it has redirected unused sums of money previously allotted
to supporting Afghan security forces to NATO funds designed to assist countries
in the region. The total value of these funds stands at 1.4 million USD.
Romania thus contributes to consolidating Ukraine’s resilience and defense
capacity by earmarking up to 400 thousand USD.
Romania will also provide 600 thousand USD to neighboring Moldova and
300 thousand USD to Georgia, another two countries affected by the war in
Ukraine. 100 thousand USD will be delivered to consolidating Jordan’s defenses.
The Government took the decision in line with Romania’s foreign policy and
security priorities, designed to increase our country’s standing at NATO level
and achieve objectives tied to the consolidation of security and stability on
the Alliance’s Eastern Flank, particularly in the Black Sea region.

COMMEMORATION – Festivities were held in Alba Iulia on Saturday
marking 100 years since the coronation of King Ferdinand I, and his wife, Queen
Marie. Held on October 15, 1922, the coronation was a majestic event, lavishly
described by the chronicles of the time and transparent in a large number of
photographs. A century away, the city of Alba Iulia relived the emotion and
grandeur of that event through various exhibitions, film screenings, historical
reenactments, concerts and live performances attended by representatives of the
Royal House of Romania. Ferdinand succeeded his uncle Charles I to the throne
of Romania, becoming the second king of Romania in 1914. At the end of World
War I, with Ferdinand as king, historical provinces inhabited by Romanians
united under one single nation. Therefore, on October 15, 1922, Ferdinand
became King of Greater Romania. The monarch passed away in 1927. (VP)

15 October 2022
October 15, 2022

WAR IN UKRAINE – The USA will send
ammo and military vehicle to Ukraine as part of a new assistance package worth
725 million USD, meant to help Kyiv fend off the Russian invasion, the US
Department of Defense has announced. Saudi Arabia will also send to Ukraine
humanitarian aid worth 400 million USD. Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman told
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, that his country is willing to
continue its efforts to mediate a truce between Kyiv and Moscow. On the ground,
Ukrainian investigators have exhumed Ukrainian military buried in one of the
two mass graves discovered in the wake of the Russian withdrawal from Lyman,
eastern Donetsk. Meanwhile, a power plant in Belgorod, Russia caught fire in
what the regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has described as a Ukrainian
attack.

REFUGEES – According to the
Romanian Border Police Inspectorate, some 96 thousand people entered Romania,
of whom 8,800 were Ukrainian nationals, representing a 7% increase compared to
the previous day. According to a press release published on Saturday, some 2.5
million Ukrainians have entered Romania starting February 10. Most of them were
in route to countries in Western Europe. According to the Interior Ministry,
over 4,300 Ukrainians were given asylum in Romania, thus benefiting from every
right under the Romanian law. Some 70,000 Ukrainians have obtained stay permits
and benefit from temporary protection.

COVID-19 – 478 new cases of
SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported in the last 24 hours, 157 less compared to
the previous day, the Romanian Health Ministry announced on Saturday. Most new
infections were reported in Bucharest, Brașov and Timiș counties. Some 3.2
million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Romania since the pandemic
broke out.

VACCINES – The European
Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has confirmed it is conducting an
investigation into the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines in the European Union.
In a post on Facebook, the EPPO stated no further details will be made public
at this stage. The Social-Democratic Party (PSD) claims the EPPO should also
investigation Romania’s own vaccine acquisition campaign carried out in 2021,
which the party says resulted in a prejudice of 1 billion EUR. PSD says USR
Health Ministers in charge of the campaign are yet to provide a relevant
explanation to justify the acquisition.

NICOLESCO – Countless
celebrities in Romania mourn the death of soprano Mariana Nicolesco, who passed
away on Friday aged 73. Also known as Regina del Belcanto, Primadonna Assoluta
or Diva Divina, Mariana Nicolesco leaves behind a universe that she expanded
throughout her career, musicologists say. Mariana Nicolesco was an honorary
member of the Romanian Academy, Doctor Honoris Causa and honorary professor of
several universities in Romania and neighboring Moldova. She is the recipient
of numerous distinctions and awards, including Commander of the Italian
Republic, Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters from France and the National
Order of the Star of Romania in the Rank of Grand Cross. According to a study,
Mariana Nicolesco featured in the largest numbers of premiers at Teatro alla
Scala in Milan. She was invited by Pope John Paul II to perform Romanian carols
as part of the Vatican Christmas Concert of 1993, broadcast live all over the
world.

EXPLOSION – At least 40 miners
were killed in an explosion at a coal mine in northwestern Turkey, according to
the latest announcement made on Saturday by Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu.
Labor accidents are frequent in Turkey, where the vast economic development in
the last decade was encouraged to the detriment of safety measures,
particularly in constructions and the mining sector. In 2014, 301 people died
in Soma after an explosion caused an underground coal mine to collapse.

HANDBALL – Romania’s handball
champions CS Rapid Bucharest are today playing Buducnost Podgorica of
Montenegro in a new Champions League Group B fixture. Rapid is undefeated in
the last four matches, with three wins and one draw. On Sunday, in Group A,
Romania’s vice-champions, CSM Bucharest, will take on DHK Banik Most of the
Czech Republic at home. CSM is undefeated in the last four games, having
grabbed three wins and a draw. Bucharest is the only European capital with two
teams performing in the most important women’s European inter-club competition.
(VP)

15 October 2022
October 13, 2022

WAR
IN UKRAINE – Romania’s
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, hailed the adoption of a
resolution in the UN General Assembly, condemning Russia’s illegal annexation
of Ukrainian territories. 143 UN members voted in favor, including Romania.
Meanwhile, Russia today launched new attacks on Ukraine. Drone strikes targeted
critical infrastructure in Kyiv, while the city of Mykolaiv was hit by
shelling, authorities say. In recent weeks Ukraine has been the target of air
strikes carried out by Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. Teheran denies having
delivered such drones to Russia while Moscow refused to comment. The Kremlin
has also intensified its attacks on civilian objectives in response to the explosion
on the Kerch bridge, which Moscow claims is the work of Ukrainian intelligence.
Described as war crimes by a number of Western countries, the shelling
continues despite significant losses sustained by the Russian army. Bombing
focused particularly on residential areas and civilian infrastructure
objectives, damaging 30% of the country’s energy infrastructure. In Brussels,
over 50 countries promised to provide fresh military assistance to Ukraine,
including air defense systems.

REFUGEES – The number of Ukrainian
refugees coming to Romania from Western Europe is on the rise, the
International Organization for Migration reports. Lower living costs and
proximity to Ukraine are some of the reasons, the report also states. According
to the Romanian Border Police, some 70,000 people entered Romania on Wednesday,
of whom 9,000 were Ukrainian nationals, accounting for a 15% increase compared
to the previous day. Starting February 10, over 2.5 million Ukrainians have
entered Romania.

VISIT – Dubravka Šuica, EU vice-president
for Democracy and Demography, is paying a three-day official visit to Romania.
Today, the European official will hold talks with Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă
on follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe, the Summit for
Democracy, skills and labor force mobility, demographic changes, children’s
rights and gender equality. According to a press release published by the
European Commission’s Office in Bucharest, Dubravka Šuica will also meet
Daniela Gîtman, Secretary of State within the Romanian Foreign Ministry,
Gabriela Firea, Minister of Family, Youth and Gender Equality, Nicușor Dan,
Bucharest Mayor General, as well as members of the mixed Parliament committees
for European affairs. The EU official will also visit the Ominis complex for
integrated social services addressing vulnerable categories, including
Ukrainian refugees.

DEFENSE – Fourteen NATO members and
partner states, including Romania, signed a joint letter for the purchase of
Arrow 3 and Patriot air defense systems as part of a European Skyshield
Initiative (ESSI) in a ceremony hosted by the NATO headquarters in Brussels, on
the sidelines of the NATO Defense Ministers meeting. Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf
Scholz, announced the project at the end of August, saying that a common
European air defense system would be more effective if individual member states
would build up their own air defenses, which would entail higher costs and more
efforts to implement. According to a Defense Ministry release, today’s meeting
is attended by Romania’s Defense Minister, Vasile Dîncu, and will focus on the decisions
adopted at the NATO Summit in Madrid and the organization of the next summit.
NATO officials will also tackle the Alliance’s nuclear deterrence posture and
specific topics in the nuclear field in connection to the current security
context, marked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

SCHENGEN – In principle, the
Netherlands does not oppose Romania’s Schengen accession, the Dutch Prime
Minister Mark Rutte said on Wednesday during a visit to Brașov, central
Romania. The Dutch official pointed out, however, that any discussion on this
matter will factor in Romania’s fulfillment of all accession criteria.
President Klaus Iohannis expressed confidence Romania will join the travel-free
area, whereas Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă in turn said that Schengen accession
will spell numerous benefits for Romania’s economy.

JUSTICE LAWS – Parliament’s committee
in charge of debating the justice laws is today analyzing the law regulating
the status of prosecutors and judges. On Wednesday, the Committee debated over
half of the bill’s articles, adopting a number of technical amendments. Once
the debates are completed, the Committee will vote separate reports for each of
the three laws in the bill package. Once the reports are compiled, the draft
justice laws will be submitted to the Senate for debate and approval. (VP)

13 October 2022