February 8, 2026 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

Vlad Palcu, 08.02.2026, 20:00

Fiscal measures

The Government in Bucharest is expected to adopt the third package of fiscal and budgetary measures next week, which will then be passed by assuming responsibility in Parliament. It contains two major projects: the public administration reform and the first economic recovery measures.

According to Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, implementing the administration reform will create the necessary conditions to move forward with economic recovery. During Friday’s discussions on this topic with social partners, the Prime Minister outlined the pillars of this year’s draft budget, the adoption of which depends on the approval of the new fiscal package. These pillars include a reduced budget deficit of 6.2%, investments standing at 7% of GDP, the finalization of National Recovery and Resilience Plan projects by September, and an inflation target of 4% by year-end.

According to the Government, the economic recovery project’s main goal is to boost investments and contains two essential components: one fiscal, and another providing support schemes for businesses.

Parliament’s agenda for next week

The Senate in Bucharest will debate and vote on three simple motions submitted by the opposition on Monday.

The first motion criticises the Government for how it presented Romania’s interests in the European decision-making process concerning the Mercosur Agreement, allegedly without analysis and against the country’s own interests, as stated by its initiators.

In the second document, Minister Radu Miruţă is accused of compromising the credibility of defence policy through irresponsible statements and a lack of strategic analysis.

In the motion regarding the situation in education, the opposition states that education has entered a dangerous zone of austerity, without protection or any form of support.

Separately, also on Monday, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan is invited to the Chamber of Deputies for ‘Government Hour’, for debates requested by USR. Also on the deputies’ agenda is the draft law on femicide, which proposes prison sentences of up to 25 years or life imprisonment for gender-based killings, as well as clear obligations for prevention and support from the relevant institutions.

Oana Țoiu, on a visit to London

Romania’s Foreign Minister, Oana Ţoiu, will undertake a working visit to London on Monday and Tuesday, within the context of Romania’s efforts to strengthen political dialogue and bilateral cooperation with the United Kingdom. According to a Foreign Ministry communiqué, the visit’s agenda includes meetings with her British counterpart, Yvette Cooper. Discussions with Foreign Secretary Cooper will focus on deepening diplomatic relations, developing economic cooperation, support for Ukraine, as well as regional and Euro-Atlantic security aspects. The Minister will also meet with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Romania, with talks set to address prospects for strengthening Romanian-British parliamentary cooperation.

The visit’s agenda also includes a meeting with representatives of the Romanian community in London, which will provide, according to the Foreign Ministry, an opportunity to discuss the priorities and concerns of Romanian citizens settled in the UK. Additionally, Minister Ţoiu will visit the University of Oxford, home to the Romanian Language Lectureship. Oana Ţoiu will participate in a debate dedicated to foreign policy in the context of current crises, focusing on Romania’s contribution to strengthening security, democratic resilience, and regional stability, as well as the role of the Romanian academic diaspora in promoting expertise and international dialogue, the Foreign Ministry further announced.

Romanian athletes at the Winter Olympics

Romanian athletes will compete in luge and ski jumping on Monday at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, taking place over February 6-22. Romania is represented by 29 athletes across nine disciplines at the competition’s 25th edition. Mihai Covaliu, the president of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, believes only the men’s bobsleigh team could realistically aim for a medal, given that Romania is not traditionally a powerhouse in winter sports. On the eve of the opening ceremony, the sporting personalities designated to carry the Olympic torch on the final leg of the relay included the head coach of the Inter Milan football team (the current leader in Serie A), the former renowned Romanian international player, Cristian Chivu. (VP)