April 9, 2025

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsroom, 09.04.2025, 13:55

Government. The government is today holding its second meeting this week. The agenda features the 2025-2030 strategy for open governance, an important pillar for the development of an efficient, transparent and inclusive administration that protects citizens’ fundamental rights and enhances the trust and quality of interaction between citizens and state institutions. Also today, the government is analyzing three  draft emergency orders on the national forestation campaign, the digital competence framework Romanian citizens and on state treasury loans.

Ban. A general fishing ban is in place in Romania until 7^th June. This 60-day period is established so as to protect the reproduction of the aquatic resources. In the border waters, the prohibition period begins at a later date. In the waters that act as state border, the prohibition is in place for a period of 45 days, between 24^th April and 7^th June, and in the waters constituting state border with Ukraine between 16^th April and 30^th May. From this year, the prohibition order is multiannual, so the authorities will only intervene in the event of certain species or to change certain periods, according to the fishing law, approved last year.

Pensions. The Superior Council of Magistrates in Romania responded to proposals to amend the special pensions law. The Council warns in a statement that any change affecting the rights of judges and prosecutors must comply with constitutional standards and after talks with the representatives of the judicial system. The bill on magistrates’ pensions, initiated by the ruling coalition formed by the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania, was submitted to Parliament on Tuesday. It stipulates that the retirement age for magistrates will increase gradually and the ceiling for calculating their pensions will decrease to 65% of their incomes.

Church. A new stage in the construction of a monumental Orthodox cathedral in Bucharest was marked on Tuesday with the consecration and installation of a cross on the structure’s main tower. With a height of 7 metres and weight of some 7 tonnes, the cross was put in place with the help of a high-tonnage crane. This symbolic step marks a crucial stage in the completion of the National Cathedral, a structure intended to become one of the most important church buildings in Romania and Europe. The cathedral is now 127 m high, which makes it one of the highest in Europe. It will be consecrated on 26^th October, with the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrating 140 years in 2025 since it was recognised as an autocephalous church and 100 years since it acquired the rank of patriarchal church.

Book fair. The Radio Romania Gaudeamus book fair caravan continues its journey around the country. From today until 13^th April, the organisers have prepared 56 stands for the book fair in Cluj Napoca, bringing together 70 publishers from around the country and abroad, book launches, meetings with writers and special projects dedicated to achievements in education. The events hosted by the city’s main square are also available to watch online at gaudeamus.ro. The Radio Romania Gaudeamus national project is in its 25^th year and comprises over 100 book fairs held around the country.