A roundup of the week’s main stories in Romania.
Terror attacks in Spain
Spain has become the latest target of the ISIS terrorists. On Thursday in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, a jihadist rammed a van into a crowd killing and wounding several people. Another terror attack took place in the resort of Cambrils, on the Mediterranean. Among the victims of the attack in Barcelona are people of various nationalities, including Romanians. In the past 18 months, big cities in Europe, such as Nice, Berlin, London and Stockholm have seen attacks with the same pattern: terrorists drive big vehicles into crowded areas. Political leaders in Bucharest have sent messages of condolences to the Spanish people and the families of the victims of the attacks in Spain. They recalled that Romania had pledged to join the international efforts aimed at eliminating the terror threats.
Romania sees record economic growth
In the second quarter of this year Romania reported the biggest economic growth from the European Union as compared to the same period last year, the European Office for Statistics Eurostat announced. Also in the second quarter, Romania reported a 1.6% growth as compared to the first quarter, which places it on the second position in Europe after Sweden, the Eurostat also reports. Prime Minister Mihai Tudose has underlined that these results confirm that Romania is on a positive trend. However, Ludovic Orban, head of the main opposition party, the National Liberal Party, said that the government compromises Romania's medium and long-time chances of development. Orban believes the executive shows amateurism and improvisation, proposing laws that destroy investments, the economic initiative and the movement of money. Experts say the economic growth seen recently is largely based on consumption, and that economic development without investment is risky.
Romania celebrates Navy Day
Romania hosted over 200 cultural, military and religious ceremonies and services devoted to Navy Day, celebrated every year on August 15th, on the same day with the Assumption of Mary, mother of God and protector of sailors. In 2017 as well Navy Day was celebrated through a serious of events on the Black Sea coast and in Romania's Danube ports. The peak of all these events was a navy drill held in Constanta, which saw the participation of 30 vessels, helicopters and planes as well as three thousand servicemen.
Also attending the events, Romania's president Klaus Iohannis said that Romania is more actively involved as a strong state and relevant regional player. Iohannis also said that Romania needs a well-equipped army ready to live up to the present challenges. In turn, Defence Minister Adrian Tutuianu said the latest developments in the Black Sea aren't limited to the region but have implications as far as the Euro-Atlantic security is concerned. He added that Romania proposed itself and continues to be a pillar of stability, democracy and security.
Startup Nation
The Romanian Ministry for the Business Environment has made public the first 20 companies that won state funding through the Startup Nation, a government programme aimed at creating fresh jobs. These companies are to receive a total of 900 thousand euros and are supposed to create 155 thousand new jobs. In another development, by August 29th, small and medium-sized companies can join a programme entitled Trade and Services through which they can access state funds up to 250 thousand lei (55.5 thousand euros). The programme is addressing companies that are already on the market and plan to expand their business.
Radio Romania - double anniversary
Radio Romania has this week had two anniversaries, two special moments in its history: the 100th edition of the Gaudeamus Book Fair and 50 years since the first Radio Holiday broadcasts. During its four days, the Gaudeamus Fair hosted numerous editorial and musical events, as well as numerous contests. Also these days Radio Romania celebrated 50 years since the Radio Holiday started to broadcast its summer programmes in all seaside resorts. Since its first broadcasts until 1994, the programmes of the public radio's summer station were made by RRI editors.
The Romanian football sides in the European cups
Romania's football champions FC Viitorul conceded a 3-1 defeat on their own turf in the first game in the play-offs for Europa League groups against the Austrians from Red Bull Salzburg. The return match will be taking place in Austria next Thursday. Romania's vice-champions FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, have their presence assured in the competition's groups but FCSB also hopes to get access to the Champions League's groups. On Tuesday, FCSB ended in a draw nil-all their game against Sporting Lisbon in the first game of the qualification play-off for the main European football tournament. The return game is to take place on August 23rd in Bucharest.
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