January 11, 2026

A roundup of local and world news

Newsroom, 11.01.2026, 14:00

Cold weather in Romania: alert stays in place amid growing energy consumption
The weather in Romania will be unusually cold over the coming days, with snow and temperatures dropping to minus 10 degrees. A yellow code warning against severe cold is in effect until Monday morning across nearly the entire country, except southern regions. Highs will range from minus 10 to minus 2 degrees, with persistent cold even during the day, isolated in the north and center.

Amid the cold snap, Romanian authorities expect higher consumption of electricity and natural gas. Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan stated that the energy system is prepared to handle the low temperatures forecast. According to him, although natural gas consumption nationwide will rise by 20% early next week, the fact that storage facilities are 70% full (well above the European average) provides a safety net. The Energy Minister also noted that most of the consumption will be covered by domestic production and energy storage.

Response to Mercosur deal       
The EU is set to sign the trade agreement with the Latin American Mercosur bloc in the coming days. This is a crucial step towards creating the world’s largest free trade area, though it’s not yet certain, as the document must still be ratified by the European Parliament. EU Member States secured a qualified majority for validation, allowing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to officially sign the pact on January 17 in Asunción, alongside representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

The agreement was approved despite negative votes from France, Poland, Austria, Ireland and Hungary, and Belgium’s abstention.

In Romania, coalition parties have had diverging reactions: PSD says the deal lacks clear clauses to protect Romanian farmers from Latin American imports. Meanwhile, USR Economy Minister Irineu Darău pointed out that Romania supported it only after tough negotiations that secured clear guarantees for industry and agriculture.

Increase in the minimum wage  
In Romania, the bill to raise the minimum wage from €797.2 to €851.3 per month starting July 1 has been submitted to the Economic and Social Council, where it will receive an opinion – a mandatory step before government adoption. Over 1.7 million employees will benefit from this increase, per the explanatory note. The Labor Ministry expects the proposed increase to have positive social effects, boosting employment, strengthening purchasing power and curbing undeclared work.

Car production      
National car production dropped slightly by 2.6% last year compared to 2024, reaching 545,000 units, according to the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association. In terms of new car registrations, association data show over 156,000 units, half hybrid-powered and nearly 9,000 fully electric vehicles, the latter dropping 10% from 2024. Meanwhile, second-hand car registrations in Romania last year totaled 360,000 units, up nearly 10%.

Protests in Iran      
Reports from Iran indicate hundreds have been killed or injured by security forces in recent days as anti-government protests continue nationwide, the BBC reports. Massive crowds continue to take to the streets of Tehran and other cities, with mobilization growing and spreading despite bloody repression.

Iran faces unprecedented mobilization in the past three years and one of its biggest challenges since 1979.

Romania’s Foreign Ministry reminds that a level 8/9 travel warning (“Avoid all travel”) is in effect for all of Iran due to the demonstrations and the risk of escalation. The authorities urge Romanian citizens on the ground to avoid crowds and the stage of protests and to responsibly assess the need to stay in this country.

The EU, UN and other international organizations have criticized Tehran for its violent response to street protests driven mainly by economic woes.

Romanian teams performing in EHF competitions  
CS Minaur Baia Mare has defeated Norwegian side Larvik 28-26 away on Saturday evening, in their Group A debut match in the women’s EHF European League handball. Also Saturday evening, Gloria Bistrița lost at home 38-34 to Montenegro’s OTP Group Budućnost Podgorica in Women’s Champions League Group A. Gloria had won the away leg in Podgorica 29-26, and this was Budućnost’s first group win. (VP)