September 12, 2025
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 12.09.2025, 13:55
DRONE ATTACK – The UN Security Council is today convening in an emergency meeting at Warsaw’s request, after Russian drones violated Poland’s airspace yesterday. Warsaw described the incident as a deliberate act of aggression. The Polish army, supported by aircraft and air defense systems from allies, shot down the drones, under the coordination of the NATO air command. Moscow denied any intention to attack Poland and expressed its willingness to discuss the matter. The incident could be the result of an error on Russia’s part – US President Donald Trump said, however, expressing regret about the incident.
IMF – On Friday, on the last day of their visit to Bucharest, representatives of the International Monetary Fund met with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to discuss the current economic situation, fiscal reforms and public investment priorities. According to a government press release, IMF officials conveyed their support for the fiscal measures adopted and planned by the Government, which they deemed essential for cutting budget spending and boosting investor confidence. The efforts to stabilize public finances and the commitment to continue structural reforms were particularly appreciated. According to IMF estimates, Romania will report an economic growth rate of 1% in 2025 and 1.4% next year. Accessing and effectively using European funds will play a key role in this regard – the IMF believes. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan gave assurances that the Government will continue to implement reforms and fiscal consolidation measures to maintain financial stability, so that budgetary resources are directed towards investments and the modernization of the economy, supporting stable economic growth and long-term development. The IMF delegation concluded that Romania’s fiscal and economic situation allows for the continuation of reforms and the capitalization of development opportunities in the coming years.
INVESTMENT – Net investments made in the national economy amounted to nearly €17 billion in the first half of 2025, up 1% compared to the same period last year, according to a press release from the National Statistics Institute. According to the source, increases were recorded in new construction works, 4%, and in other expenses 2.1%. A decrease was recorded in the structural element of equipment (including means of transportation) by 6%. In the second quarter of 2025, compared to the second quarter of 2024, net investments went down by 0.5%, as a result of a 11.9% decrease recorded in equipment (including means of transportation).
INFLATION – Inflation in Romania went up significantly in just one month, over July-August, by over 2% and approached 10%, the result of both the increase in VAT and excise duties and the liberalization of the electricity market. The National Statistics Institute reported price hikes across the board. According to statistical data, the highest increases in the last 12 months were reported in the price for electricity, with an average increase of nearly 66%, followed by fresh fruit with approximately 42%, and hygiene and cosmetic services and rail transport with average increases between 18% and 20%. National Bank Governor Mugur Isărescu said in August that inflation would peak in September to as high as 9.7%, and at the end of the year it would probably be over 9%. Since August 1, Romania has applied a standard VAT rate of 21%, an increase from 19% previously, and only a single reduced VAT rate of 11%.
ENESCU FESTIVAL – The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, conducted by the famous Vasily Petrenko, is today performing at the Palace Concert Hall in Bucharest, as part of the “George Enescu” International Music Festival. The soloist of the evening will be pianist Alexandre Kantorow. The program will include Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 op. 46 by Edvard Grieg, Concerto no. 2 in A major for piano and orchestra S. 125 by Franz Liszt and Symphony no. 1 in E flat major op. 13 by George Enescu. The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will also perform today at the Romanian Athenaeum, with Jan Lisiecki, on the piano and Tomo Keller as soloists. The program includes works by Beethoven, Enescu and Prokofiev. The favorite music of the great Gustav Klimt will be heard for the second consecutive evening this year at the Museum of New Immersive Art. At the Romanian Athenaeum, music lovers are expected to attend a royal performance by the Between Worlds Ensemble, conducted by Avi Avital. The soloist is Alessia Tondo. The 27th edition of the “George Enescu” International Music Festival takes place in Bucharest and other cities in Romania until September 21. This year, the event is themed “Celebrations”, marking 70 years since the death of the great Romanian composer. (VP)
