February 7, 2024 UPDATE

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 07.02.2024, 19:48

EU. The unity of the UE is
being tested, said the president of Romania in his address before the European
Parliament on Wednesday, as part of a debate in the This is Europe
series. According to the Romanian official, instability has reached alarming
levels in the EU. The European Union must improve the efficiency of its
decision-making processes, and Romania is fully engaged in this effort,
he added. As for the war in neighbouring Ukraine, Klaus Iohannis said Europeans
must stand by Ukraine and its people. Prior to the address, the Romanian
official had a meeting with the president of the EP, Roberta Metsola, and discussed
Romania’s Schengen accession, the war in Ukraine and the neighbouring R. of
Moldova. Romania’s full Schengen accession as soon as possible, with its land
borders as well, will considerably strengthen the Union and its security and
will facilitate cohesion and cooperation among member states, the Romanian
official argued. In turn, Metsola said Europe would be stronger with Romania in
the Eurozone and the Schengen area, and told Romanians it was important for
them to take part in June’s elections for the EP and not to take Europe for
granted.

Farmers. The
president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced
the EC was dropping a proposal to halve the use of pesticides across the EU,
and explained this had become a symbol of polarisation. The move seems to be a
concession to the farmers protesting in many EU member states. Meanwhile, the
EC proposed last week a partial derogation from rules obliging farmers to keep
certain areas non-productive, and a limitation of Ukrainian imports, while also
promising to streamline the Common Agricultural Policy.

Naval. The Damen Shipyard in Galaţi
(south-eastern Romania) will build a state-of-the-art multifunctional vessel
for the Portuguese Navy. The ship will be able to conduct ocean research
missions, search and rescue as well as emergency aid missions, and will be
equipped with a UAV launching system. Damen Group was awarded the construction
works following an EU call for tenders. Funding will be provided under the EU
Recovery and Resilience Mechanism.

Foreigners. The right of temporary residence of foreign workers in
Romania can be extended to a maximum of two years, and three years in
the case of highly qualified workers respectively, according to the new provisions adopted
by Parliament on Wednesday. The document also states that applicants for a
European Union Blue Card must present: a valid employment contract or a firm
offer of employment for at least 6 months, documents certifying their
professional qualifications, valid travel documents and a visa, if necessary,
proof that they have applied for health insurance, if this is not provided for
in the contract. The law certifies – among other things – that the General
Inspectorate for Immigration will have the right to check the legality of
contracts and the working conditions. The normative act transposes into
Romanian legislation several European norms concerning foreigners from outside
the Union.

Moldova. For
the Republic of Moldova, carrying on and consolidating strategic relations with
neighbouring Romania in all sectors is a priority, was the message brought to
Bucharest by Chişinău’s new foreign minister, Mihai Popşoi. He had talks with
his Romanian counterpart, Luminiţa Odobescu, and was also received by PM Marcel
Ciolacu, who emphasised the interest in developing joint projects benefitting
the citizens of both states. Romania will continue to support Moldova in its EU
accession negotiations, the Romanian official promised.

Polo. The Romanian national team defeated the team of Kazakhstan 25 to 3, on Wednesday, in Group D
of the Men’s World Aquatics Championships in Doha (Qatar). Previously, Romania
was defeated by Hungary 8-15. Italy is
also part of the group. The winners of the groups qualify directly for the
quarter-finals and the teams in the second and third positions are in for a
play-off for the quarters.

Tennis. Romanian tennis player Sorana Cîrstea has spectacularly
qualified for the quarter-finals of the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi (United
Arab Emirates), with over 900 thousand dollars in prize money. On Wednesday,
she defeated the Greek Maria Sakkari, 6-2, 6-1. Cîrstea (33 years old, 26th place WTA) has
thus won her second victory this year. She will face the Russian Daria
Kasatkina (26 years old, 14th place WTA) in the quarters. (MI)