January 20, 2026
A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 20.01.2026, 13:55
Energy. Romanian Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan convened the National Energy Command in light of the low temperatures in recent days. He gave assurances that the national energy system is coping with the current cold spell in Romania. During this period, gas consumption has increased significantly, by 14.5% compared to the same period last year, but storage facilities are almost 60% full, 10% above the European Union average. A similar situation has been observed for electricity. There are no problems, the authorities are prepared, and the national energy system is operating under optimal conditions, Bogdan Ivan added.
Coalition. The four-party coalition government in Bucharest has not yet reached an agreement on the timetable for parliamentary approval of the administrative reform. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has proposed January 29 as the date for this step, and by Monday, January 26, the draft economic recovery measures, which will be drawn up with the contribution of all the parties in the coalition, should be ready. Discussions at the top of the coalition also focused on spending cuts in the administration and recent tax increases, which have also dissatisfied mayors.
Protest. Romanian farmers are participating today in Strasbourg in protests against the Mercosur Agreement, alongside farmers from other European Union member states. The announcement was made by the president of a farmers’ association, Pro Agro, Ionel Arion. He said that protests by farmers may be organized near the Romanian government headquarters early next week. Despite numerous opponents, there appears to be a majority in favor of the agreement in the European Parliament, according to AFP. Opponents, led by France, the largest agricultural producer in the European Union, say the agreement will lead to an increase in imports of cheap food products, undermining local farmers.
Davos. The official program of the World Economic Forum begins today in Davos, Switzerland, and among the leaders who will deliver opening speeches are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, dpa reports. This annual meeting is overshadowed by US President Donald Trump’s desire to take over Greenland, news agencies note. Trump is expected in Davos on Wednesday and is also scheduled to give a speech. Approximately 3,000 participants are gathering in the Swiss Alpine town for this meeting to discuss the global economy, trade, and artificial intelligence until Thursday under the motto “A Spirit of Dialogue.” Among them are numerous top politicians and hundreds of corporate leaders. Romania is participating with the largest government delegation of any edition of the conference, consisting of Foreign Minister Oana Ţoiu, Minister of Investment and European Projects Dragoş Pîslaru, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, and presidential adviser Radu Burnete. The role of the government delegation at the World Economic Forum in Davos is to promote Romania and its modernization agenda, namely the acceleration and intelligent use of European funds, investments in infrastructure, education, and health, the green and digital transition, and the strengthening of economic resilience, the Minister of Investments said on social media.
Airports. Bucharest’s airports registered a record number of over 17.7 million passengers last year, about 10 percent more than in 2024, the Bucharest National Airports Company announced on Tuesday. Henri Coandă Airport exceeded the historic threshold of 17 million passengers, while the rest traveled through Băneasa Airport, which reopened after 13 years to operate regular passenger flights. Last year, the capital’s airports recorded almost 143,000 landings and takeoffs, 6 percent more than in 2024, according to the Bucharest National Airports Company.
Tennis. Romanian tennis player Sorana Cîrstea defeated Germany’s Eva Lys in three sets on Tuesday in the first round of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. The 35-year-old Romanian is in her last season on the professional circuit. Another Romanian, Gabriela Ruse, also qualified for the second round and will face Australian Ajla Tomljanovic on Wednesday.
Handball. Romania’s men’s national handball team faces North Macedonia today in its last match in Group B of the European Championship – EHF EURO 2026, in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In the other match, Denmark faces Portugal. Romania has suffered two defeats at the Euro, against Denmark, the group leader, and Portugal, and is last in the standings. The top two teams qualify for the main groups. (MI)
