TALKS. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, in addition to challenges to security in the area, also led to the disruption of global markets and supply chains, said Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu at the meeting he had, today, in Bucharest with Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. The Head of Government presented Romania’s steps to develop connectivity to the Black Sea, as part of the EU’s strategy to invest in infrastructure projects worldwide. From this perspective, the Romanian sea and Danube ports play an important role in rendering the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor effective, added the Romanian Prime Minister. The European Commissioner is in Bucharest to discuss Romania’s role in promoting sustainable development worldwide against the background of the current difficult geopolitical context.
GOVERNMENT. The Romanian government gathers today in Timisoara, in a special meeting, the first in this city in the west of the country, to approve, among other things, a series of infrastructure projects with regional impact. Thus, the PSD-PNL coalition Government approves the technical-economic indicators regarding the construction of a stadium with a capacity of 30,000 seats in Timisoara, an investment estimated at 167 million euros, expected for years by the locals. The Cabinet is also analyzing a draft decision regarding the opening of the international border crossing point Beba Veche (Timiș county, Romania) – Kübekháza (Hungary) for the international traffic of persons and for the international traffic of goods, up to the weight limit of 3. 5 tons. Last but not least, the Executive discusses the rehabilitation and modernization of the infrastructure in the port of Drobeta Turnu Severin (south-west), on the Danube. The organization of the Government meeting in Timişoara, in an atypical way, represents, according to the interim Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfred Simonis, a signal of solidarity towards the major projects of a county with an important contribution to the national budget, but which, in the past years, has not benefited from investments financed by the State.
TAROM. The TAROM National Air Transport Company will receive aid from the European Commission until the end of the month and then enter a stage of economic reorganization, said the Romanian Minister of Transport, Sorin Grindeanu. He reiterated the desire of the Bucharest administration to save the company, which has been facing financial difficulties for 15 years. Grindeanu said that with this European aid, TAROM will enter a period of reorganization aimed at placing the company on “solid economic principles”. He said that an operator the size of TAROM usually has between 500 and 600 employees, of which over 90% are seafarers, while TAROM has double the number of employees, which is not sustainable. In this respect, Grindeanu stated that although the objective is to attract investors, the possibility of making 50% of the employees redundant is not excluded.
STRASSBOURG. Russia’s interference in Ukraine and the financial support for that country are among the topics debated today, on the last day of the current session of the European Parliament and the last one before the European parliamentary elections that will take place in Europe from June 6 to 9. On Wednesday, MEPs adopted the first European directive on combating violence against women. The directive contains measures to prevent rape, considers forced marriage and genital mutilation as crimes and prohibits the publication of private information online without prior consent. The Member States will have 3 years to implement these provisions. Also on Wednesday, the European Parliament extended the sanctions aimed at drivers who violate traffic laws on the territory of other states. In addition to the current violations – speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or not stopping at a red light – the list was supplemented with new elements, such as dangerous parking, dangerous overtaking, crossing a continuous line and leaving the scene of the accident.
HOLIDAYS. The Romanian Black Sea coast is preparing for the mini-holidays on May 1st and the Orthodox Easter, celebrated on May 5th, which also marks the start of this year’s summer season. According to the general secretary of the Federation of Employers in the Hospitality Industry, Corina Martin, more than 80,000 people will spend their days off at the seaside, where events for all tastes have been organized. Between May 1 and 7, the resort of Mamaia, which attracts most tourists, will host the Sunwaves International Electronic Music Festival, which is expected to be attended by 6,000 foreign tourists, and which also include a gastronomic festival and outdoor shows. Other favourite destinations for the mini holidays are the spa resorts of Băile Felix (west) and Călimăneşti–Căciulata (south) and the the spectacular area around the Danube Gorges. (MI)