October 7, 2022
A roundup of local and international news.
Newsroom, 07.10.2022, 14:03
MEETING — Romanian President Klaus Iohannis is today attending an informal European Council meeting in Prague, after having taken part on Thursday in the first meeting of the European Political Community. According to the Presidential Administration, Iohannis emphasised the need for a common European approach of the profound security changes that are taking place and which call for a joint and strong response. He also reiterated his call for determined and coordinated action in the face of the Russian Federations constant efforts to divide the continent. Iohannis also pleaded for consolidating resilience mechanisms to address hybrid threats from Russia, underlining that reducing energy dependence, protecting the critical infrastructure and cyber security must be priority concerns.
SUPPORT — Authorities in Kazakhstan will support Romania in securing its supplies of oil and derivate products, Romanian Energy Minister Virgil Popescu, paying an official visit to that country, said on Facebook. Popescu and his counterpart, Bolat Akchulakov, chaired the works of the 16th session of the Romanian-Kazakh Inter-Governmental Committee. The two officials signed a number of documents on boosting bilateral ties in sectors like energy, economy, trade, investment, transport, agriculture, environment protection and finances. Romanian Labour Minister, Marius Budai, accompanied Virgil Popescu on his official visit to Kazakhstan.
MOLDOVA — The state of emergency, declared after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, has been extended by 60 days in the neighbouring Republic of Moldova. According to the Foreign Minister in Chisinau, Ana Revenco, the third extension of the state of emergency has been prompted by the persistent risks and threats to national security, and the supply of energy resources for the winter season. In her turn, PM Natalia Gavrilita has explained that for almost a year her government has had to operate in an unprecedented context, and has criticised Gazprom for not meeting its contractual obligations, given the 30% decrease in its gas deliveries to Moldova. Gazprom had previously threatened Chisinau with the suspension of gas deliveries and annulment of the contract if due payments are not made by October 20.
SANCTIONS — The EU has passed its 8th set of sanctions against Russia, in response to the country’s continued escalation and illegal war against Ukraine, including by illegally annexing Ukrainian territory based on sham “referenda”, mobilising additional troops, and issuing open nuclear threats, the European Commission said in a release. This package introduces new EU import bans worth 7 billion euros to curb Russias revenues, as well as export restrictions, which will further deprive the Kremlins military and industrial complex of key components and technologies and Russias economy of European services and expertise. The sanctions also deprive the Russian army and its suppliers from further specific goods and equipment needed to wage its war on Ukrainian territory. Also, additional individuals and entities have been sanctioned. EU restrictive measure target key decision makers, oligarchs, senior military officials and propagandists, responsible for undermining Ukraines territorial integrity, the release also reads.
FESTIVAL — More than 340 animation movies will be presented at the 17th edition of the Anim’est International Animation Festival held between October 7 and 16 in Bucharest. Screenings, special events, parties, and master classes by industry professionals will be presented. The list of films to be presented also includes internationally awarded productions, such as Flee”, directed by Jonas Rasmussen and also Romanian films such as ”The Island” by Anca Damian. (EE)
