February 12, 2026
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 12.02.2026, 13:55
Nicușor Dan at the informal European Council meeting
Romania’s President, Nicușor Dan, is attending an informal meeting of the European Council in Brussels today. The main purpose of the gathering is to discuss ways to generate greater prosperity, well‑being and high‑quality services for citizens, in a global context marked by profound transformation. Strengthening the single market and stepping up the European Union’s competitiveness are the key solutions under review.
From this perspective, the agenda includes topics such as reinforcing European industry and building the EU’s strategic autonomy, cutting red tape and national barriers, simplifying legislation and encouraging investment and innovation.
Ahead of the meeting, President Nicușor Dan said that Romania’s top priority is to reduce energy prices and ensure a fair distribution of competitiveness funds across the Union. The Romanian president also supports simplifying administrative procedures for businesses, to facilitate increased investment and the expansion of Romanian companies on European markets. He will also call for longer transition periods for implementing environmental policies, so that they remain sustainable and do not negatively impact the economy.
Defense meetings
Romania’s Defense Minister, Radu Miruță, is in Brussels today for a meeting with his counterparts from NATO member states, where Romania will present its target of allocating 2.7% of GDP to defense spending. Earlier, the Romanian official held talks with Scott W. Bray, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Security and Intelligence.
Minister Miruță highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea region for allied security and the need to maintain a high level of vigilance and adaptability. He also reiterated the importance of close cooperation in the fields of security and intelligence sharing, as essential elements for strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture, particularly on the Eastern Flank.
Yesterday, also in Brussels, Radu Miruță took part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, where European defense ministers gave their final approval to rearmament programmes for eight member states. Romania received the second‑largest allocation in the European Union under the SAFE mechanism, amounting to €16.7 billion.
Romania to take over the presidency of SEECP
Romania will take over the rotating presidency of the South‑East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) from Bulgaria on 1 July, with the mandate running until 30 June 2027. According to a statement from the Romanian Foreign Ministry, by assuming this responsibility Romania reaffirms its commitment to regional cooperation, good‑neighborly relations and support for EU enlargement.
Romania’s mandate will focus on accelerating the European integration of partners involved in the process, boosting regional cooperation with an emphasis on energy, transport and digital connectivity, strengthening political and economic dialogue among participants, and enhancing regional resilience in the face of current geopolitical challenges and hybrid threats.
Established in 1996, SEECP is a non‑institutionalized regional cooperation structure, a political forum managed exclusively by participants from South‑East Europe.
Romania’s Tourism Trade Fair opens in Bucharest
The spring edition of the Romanian Tourism Trade Fair opened today in Bucharest. Over four days, industry representatives are presenting their offers for 2026 holidays. Early‑booking packages for the Romanian seaside, exotic destinations and foreign trips, mountain holidays, as well as cultural and themed tours in Romania and abroad are among the proposals showcased at the fair.
According to specialists, Romanians are travelling less and less within the country. Data from last year show that only two months were profitable for domestic tourism. At the same time, the number of people staying in accommodation facilities at the end of the year dropped significantly, the vice‑president of the National Association of Travel Agencies, Adrian Voican, has told Radio Romania.
Romanian productions at the Berlin International Film Festival
Romania is participating in five sections at the 76th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, set to open today. The event is one of the most important film festivals in the world. Romanian participation is supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute.
The productions presented include Shot Reverse Shot by Radu Jude and Adrian Cioflâncă, On Our Own directed by Tudor Cristian Jurgiu, and The Universe Atlas by Paul Negoescu, a Romanian‑Bulgarian co‑production. Romania is represented by the Romania–France–Lebanon co‑production Someday, a Child.
Romania has won the Golden Bear three times: with Child’s Pose in 2013, Touch Me Not in 2018, and Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn in 2021. (VP)
