February 16, 2026
A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 16.02.2026, 13:55
Government. The four-party coalition government in Bucharest intends to adopt this week, most likely on Thursday, the public administration reform and the economic recovery package, both by emergency ordinance – the fastest way to implement them. Liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan explained that the 10% cuts in administration will not apply to institutions that made spending cuts last year. Although he said there is agreement within the coalition on this issue, some PSD ministers, including the Minister of Agriculture, say they will not approve the ordinance to reduce spending, as cuts were made in the ministry in 2025. In addition to measures to revive the economy, the Social Democrats are also proposing a plan to support the population, halt price increases for food and utilities, and revive industry. Political sources say these issues will be discussed early this week at a meeting of the governing coalition, at the request of the prime minister.
Reform. The reform of magistrates’ pensions will be back on the agenda of the Romanian Constitutional Court (CCR) in two days’ time, after five postponements of a decision. The last one was made after the High Court of Cassation and Justice asked the CCR to refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union to verify whether the changes proposed by the government comply with EU law. On Wednesday, the constitutional judges are expected to decide whether to grant this request or declare it inadmissible. Accepting this request would delay the ruling on magistrates’ pensions by at least several months. The government spokesperson said last week that it is only a matter of days before Romania is officially informed by Brussels whether it has lost the 230 million Euro from the NRRP, which depended on this reform.
Employment. At the end of November 2025, the number of employees in Bucharest was 1,113,044, down by 880 compared to October, but up by over 12,000 compared to November 2024. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the average net salary was 7,113 lei, up 423 lei compared to November 2024. In Bucharest, there were 6,415 unemployed persons registered, a significant decrease compared to November 2024, according to the INS. (1 euro = approximately 5 lei – ed.).
Conference. Romanian Minister of National Defense Radu Miruţă attended the Munich Security Conference from February 12 to 15, one of the most important and prestigious international forums dedicated to debates on security and defense issues. Romania was also represented by Foreign Minister Oana Ţoiu at the debates on improving cooperation to respond to threats to freedom of navigation and critical underwater infrastructure. She stressed that security in the Black Sea and the Indo-Pacific are interconnected, and any disruption of trade flows in one region has a knock-on effect on global stability. Also in Munich, the foreign ministers of Romania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova signed a declaration on strengthening cooperation in the field of energy and cybersecurity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.
Board of Peace. Romanian President Nicuşor Dan announced this week that he will attend the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, responding to an invitation from the US President Donald Trump. “Romania will have observer status, and I will reaffirm our strong support for international peace efforts and our openness to participate in the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip,” the head of state said. According to him, the decision is based on Romania’s support for the diplomatic process enshrined in the resolution adopted in November by the UN Security Council, initiated by the US.
Exhibition. On February 19, in Milan, northern Italy, the exhibition “Brâncuşi 150” will be inaugurated, an international cultural and artistic event dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, the Romanian Constantin Brâncuşi. The exhibition is part of a large-scale and unprecedented tribute project, presented simultaneously in 20 countries on six continents, with a synchronized opening on the same day.
Rugby. Romania’s national team defeated Belgium 23-6 (6-6) on Sunday evening at home in Iaşi (east) in a Rugby Europe Championship 2026 match. According to the sports press in Bucharest, the Romanians thus mitigated the bitter taste of their unexpected defeat in the season opener, 24-30 against Germany, away from home. In other matches, Georgia outclassed the Netherlands away 61-12, Spain beat Switzerland 53-14, and Portugal won in Germany 68-12. In Group B, Portugal leads with 10 points, followed by Romania with 5 points, Germany with 4 points, and Belgium with 0 points. Romania will play its last match in the group on February 22, away against Portugal. (MI)
