July 9, 2025
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 09.07.2025, 13:55
PROTESTS The ‘Spiru Haret’ Federation of Education Trade Unions and the Federation of Free Trade Unions in Education (FSLI) organise joint protests in Bucharest on 9, 10, 14 and 15 July in front of the headquarters of the government, parliament and political parties. The common goals of the confederations are to protect workers, incomes and working conditions, to promote a true social dialogue, and to support a fair tax model. The protests follow the government’s adoption of a first set of fiscal measures aimed at reducing the excessive budget deficit. The finance minister Alexandru Nazare presented this set on Tuesday at the meeting of the Council for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Union (ECOFIN Council). A second set of fiscal measures will be posted for public review by the end of this month, and the measures include, according to PM Ilie Bolojan, reforms targeting the special pensions received by certain professional categories, state-owned companies, central and local administration. Another priority to improve the spending of EU funds.
UKCRAINE Romania’s PM Ilie Bolojan had a telephone conversation on Tuesday evening with his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal, about Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, its impact on the infrastructure and civilian population, as well as its regional and global effects. The Romanian official reiterated Romania’s support for Ukraine and the commitment to carry it on, including support for Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Ilie Bolojan also welcomed Kyiv’s efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace, reads a news release sent to AGERPRES. The Romanian PM voiced his appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Ukrainian troops on the front and for the efforts of the Ukrainian administration in general. Ilie Bolojan also emphasised the importance of protecting the rights of the Romanian minority in Ukraine and the need for an open and efficient dialogue on this topic.
WEATHER After several days of excessive heat, temperatures have dropped in most of Romania, especially in the west, north and centre, while in the south-east the heat wave lingers and there is high thermal discomfort, with a temperature-humidity index slightly above 80. An orange and yellow code warning for excessive heat is in place today in 5 counties in the south-east. Meanwhile, orange and yellow code alerts for instability or strong wind have been issued in most of the country. In the east, centre and south-east, where an orange code alert has been issued, thunderstorms, strong wind (70-90 km/h) and medium and large hail are expected.
EMERGENCIES The General Inspectorate for Emergencies reported on Wednesday that Tuesday’s storms affected 80 localities in almost half of Romania’s counties. Emergency teams moved to remove damaged components from dozens of buildings, to clear fallen trees and poles that damaged vehicles. For the time being there are no reports of stranded people or medical emergencies that could not be attended due to extreme weather phenomena.
FESTIVAL A new edition of “Beach, Please! Festival” takes place until Sunday in the Romanian Black Sea coast resort of Costineşti. Over 200 artists will be perform, including international artists such as ASAP Rocky, Young Thug, 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Peso Pluma, Yeat and Ken Carson. Taking place on a 21-hectare plot in the heart of Costineşti, the 2025 edition boasts the largest stage ever set up in Europe, the most powerful sound system implemented on the continent and a production on par with the largest festivals in the US.
FOOTBALL Romania’s football champions FCSB (Bucharest) will face Inter Club d’Escaldes, from Andorra, on home turf today in the first qualifier round of the Champions League. If they move up to the next round, FCSB will play against the winner between the Welsh team The New Saints FC (TNS) and the North Macedonian team KF Shkendija. The two teams drew 0-0 in the first leg. The other Romanian teams in European competitions are CFR Cluj, Universitatea Craiova and Universitatea Cluj. (AMP)
