January 1, 2017

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Newsroom, 01.01.2017, 12:00

EU ACCESSION ANNIVERSARY

January 1, 2017 marked ten years since Romania joined the European Union. Romanian Foreign Minister Lazar Comanescu says that Romania has been one of most active supporters of consolidating the process of EU integration during this time, displaying the will and capacity to contribute to the effort of reinvigorating the European Union. According to the Eurostat, during this period the country’s GDP went up from 98 billion euros in 2006, before the accession, to 160 billion euros in 2015. Bucharest was granted over 26 billion euros worth of funds. All this time, our country failed to absorb all the funds made available by Brussels, with one of the poorest performances in this respect at EU level. Another benefit of EU integration is the free movement of Romanian citizens across community space. At the same time, millions of Romanians resettled in other countries seeking better jobs. After a decade of EU accession, Romania is still being monitored under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, is not a member of Schengen while joining the Eurozone remains a long-term objective.

NEW YEAR WISHES

On January 1, President Klaus Iohannis delivered his traditional New Year’s address. The president told Romanians not to lose confidence in Romania. Acting Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos also told Romanians everywhere to smile more, wished them happiness and urged them to have the confidence and strength to recognize that prosperity fulfills oneself only when built with hard work and honesty. In turn, Prime Minister designate Sorin Grindeanu expressed hope that the New Year would bring Romanians peace and quiet, progress and a better future, giving assurances that the new Government will take measures to increase living standards for Romanians.

TERRORIST ATTACK

Some 39 people were killed, of whom 15 foreign nationals, and another 60 wounded in a bloody shooting at a nightclub in the Turkish capital city Istanbul on New Year’s Eve. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the attack was aimed at destabilizing the country and creating chaos, adding that Turkey will fight terrorism to the end in an effort to destroy its root causes. In turn, world leaders have condemned the attack. According to the Romanian Foreign Ministry, the Romanian Consular Office in Istanbul is trying to ascertain whether there are any Romanians among the victims. 2016 was a violent year for Turkey. Scores of people were killed in terrorist attacks perpetrated by Kurdish or Islamic State militants.

FEAST DAY

Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians in Romania are today celebrating the feast day of Saint Basil, Bishop of Caesarea, one of the fathers of the Orthodox Church and a great Christian theologian. Born in Asia Minor, Saint Basil led a life of piety, love and charity. His written works focus on the family, raising and educating children. He was the first bishop to found hospitals and asylums for the poor and suffering. Some 600,000 Romanians celebrate their name day today.

EU PRESIDENCY

On January 1, 2017 Malta has taken over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Major priorities on the agenda are managing the migration crisis, strengthening security and developping a single market. As regards migration, the Maltese Presidency of the EU will focus on reforming the common European asylum system. In the field of the European single market, the main objectives refer to promoting community trade, supporting small and medium-sized enterprised, as well as attracting private investment to generate jobs in case of an economic slump. The social inclusion of vulnerable and minority groups is another important point on the agenda of Malta’s term at the helm of the European Union.

TENNIS

Romanian tennis player Monica Niculescu (38 WTA) on Sunday qualified to the round of 16 of the WTA tournament in Shenzhen, China, totalling over 600,000 dollars in prize money after defeating Kai-Lin Zhang of China (134 WTA). Also today, Sorana Carstea (79 WTA) defeated Kristina Kucova of Slovakia (81 WTA) and has also advanced to the next stage. In the first opening round, Simona Halep, WTA no. 4, who is also the competition’s second seed, will go up against Jelena Jankovic of Serbia (54 WTA). (Translated by V. Palcu)