28 November 2015
The Romanian cabinet discuss 2016 budget and the country's absorption of European funds
Roxana Vasile, 28.11.2015, 12:00
Government – The Romanian prime minister Dacian Ciolos and his cabinet today held an informal meeting to discuss the budget for 2016 and the absorption of European funds. This week, the minister for European funds Aura Raducu said Romania aims to increase the absorption rate of European funds to 70% by the end of the year. Also, Ciolos said the 10% rise in public sector salaries starting on December 1st would not bring about cuts in other areas, but that the government is making efforts to increase the absorption of European funds.
Diaspora – Representatives of the Romanian communities abroad meet in Alba Iulia and Zlatna in central Romania for the 19th Congress of Romanian Spirituality between the 29th of November and the 2nd of December. The congress was established by the Cultural League for the Union of Romanians Everywhere and aims to promote Romanian culture, strengthen the link between the Romanians living abroad and Romania and convince Romanians NGOs and authorities to give real support to Romanian communities abroad. Representatives from 30 different countries and regions as well as from Romania will attend this years congress.
Floods – Southern Romania is affected by floods caused by heavy rain. The emergency personnel have intervened to remove water from peoples homes and gardens and the fallen trees blocking the roads. More than 2,600 homes were without power. A flood warning has been issued for rivers in one county in south-eastern Romania in particular and for 20 other counties. Rain and snow warnings are also in place across the country. The interior minister Petre Toba said 40,000 personnel and 7,300 pieces of equipment are on stand-by ready to help if necessary. Prime minister Dacian Ciolos has ordered a risk assessment for the regions most affected by extreme weather events.
Christmas – A Christmas market opened in the centre of Bucharest on Friday night. Its 60 stalls sell everything from food to jewellery and Christmas ornaments. The market is decorated with over 10,000 bulbs, while its 15 metre high Christmas tree is illuminated by 20,000 bulbs. Concerts and performances will also be held every day at the market. A humanitarian campaign is also being run, encouraging people to donate toys and books for children in difficulty.
Boxing – The Romanian-Canadian boxer Lucian Bute says he is ready to face the British champion James DeGale in Quebec today. Butes goal is to win the IBF super middleweight belt won by DeGale this spring after beating the American boxer Andre Dirrell. Lucian Bute held the IBF super middleweight title for almost five years before losing to the British challenger Carl Froch in 2012.
(Translated by: C. Mateescu)
