February 23, 2026
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 23.02.2026, 13:55
Parliament’s agenda
The Senate is debating and voting today on a simple motion filed by the populist opposition against the USR Foreign Minister, Oana Țoiu.
The motion accuses her of pursuing what it describes as a “wrong, progressive approach to foreign policy, disconnected from Romania’s economic realities”. Although a simple motion does not automatically lead to a minister’s dismissal, it carries political weight and reflects tensions within Parliament.
In the Chamber of Deputies, Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu has been invited to take part in the political debate known as the “Government Hour”. The Social-Democrats are seeking explanations over the blocking of what they call a strategic investment project – a dam in south-western Romania.
A court has annulled the construction permit for the dam. Minister Buzoianu has stressed that the government cannot intervene over a final court ruling. The solution, she argues, is to ensure that future permits strictly comply with legislation, so that the state does not expose itself to legal vulnerabilities when promoting major infrastructure projects.
Romania signs declaration on connectivity
Romania has adopted, alongside Albania, Bulgaria, Italy and North Macedonia, the Ministerial Declaration of Tirana at the meeting dedicated to Corridor VIII.
According to the Foreign Ministry in Bucharest, the five states reiterated the political, economic and strategic importance of the project, which seeks to address connectivity gaps in South-Eastern Europe.
The declaration underlines the importance of the Black Sea and the Western Balkans as significant economic areas with considerable development potential. In this context, Corridor VIII is seen as playing a key role by facilitating trade flows and improving regional and European supply chains.
The Foreign Ministry also notes that both the private sector and local communities stand to benefit from the corridor’s development, which is expected to strengthen the resilience of regional economies and generate new investment opportunities.
At the same time, Corridor VIII is designed to enhance military mobility, contributing to efforts to consolidate NATO’s Eastern Flank and to strengthen NATO–EU cooperation.
Security talks in Washington
Security issues were high on the agenda in Washington, where Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu met US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
According to the Romanian Interior Ministry, talks focused on migration management, border security, the fight against organized crime and emerging threats.
Also discussed was the Visa Waiver Programme. The Romanian side underlined the high level of interest this issue holds in Romania and presented the technical instruments that have already been put in place. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and cooperation on the matter.
FAC meeting in Brussels
In Brussels, EU Foreign Ministers are today meeting on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council.
The meeting is chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and comes just one day before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The war launched by Russia against Ukraine in 2022 and the developments in the Middle East top the agenda.
Ministers are expected to hold discussions following an informal exchange of views with their Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha. One of the stated objectives of the meeting is the adoption of a 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia, after member state ambassadors failed to reach an agreement last week.
Romania, guest of honor at the 2028 Frankfurt Book Fair
Romania will be Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2028, the world’s most important book fair and creative industries marketplace, with a tradition spanning over 500 years.
Romania will have a pavilion covering approximately 1,500 to 2,000 square meters. Authorities in Bucharest say the Guest of Honor status marks Romania’s entry into a major international exposure programme with significant cultural, economic and diplomatic impact.
This year’s Guest of Honor is the Czech Republic, followed by Chile in 2027. Previous guests have included countries and regions such as New Zealand, Flanders and the Netherlands, Norway, Lithuania, India and the Philippines.
For Romania, 2028 will represent a unique opportunity to showcase its literature, publishing industry and broader creative sector on a global stage.
Romania in Rugby Europe Championship
Romania’s national rugby team was trounced by Portugal, 44-7 on Sunday evening in Oeiras, in their final Pool B match of Rugby Europe Championship.
Portugal secured three victories and a total of 15 points, while the “Oaks” finished with one win, against Belgium, and five points overall, ranking 2nd in the group.
In the semifinals, scheduled for March 7 and 8, Romania will face Georgia in Tbilisi, while Portugal will play Spain. (VP)
