January 15, 2023 UPDATE
A roundup of local and international news.
Newsroom, 15.01.2023, 19:13
CULTURE DAY – Romania celebrated on Sunday National Culture Day, marked annually on January 15, when the birth of national poet Mihai Eminescu is also celebrated. On Friday, President Klaus Iohannis had decorated artists, personalities and important cultural institutions. The distinctions were awarded as a sign of appreciation for the work done and the major impact on the cultural space in the country and abroad. In the last two centuries, the cultural elites have inspired Romanian society to step on the road to Western modernization and democratization – said President Klaus Iohannis, who added that Romanians are proud of personalities whose works have enriched national and universal heritage and spirituality. In turn, PM Nicolae Ciuca said that January 15 is an important day not only for the Romanians but also for all people who love Romanian culture. A number of museums in the country had free entrance on Sunday and extended opening hours. National Culture Day was also celebrated abroad, where the Romanian Cultural Institute has organized a number of events. The Republic of Moldova, with a majority Romanian speaking population, also celebrated National Culture Day and Eminescu’s anniversary on Sunday. Moldovan President Maia Sandu said this is a good occasion to show admiration, respect and gratefulness to the country’s cultural figures.
SCHENGEN – The Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Notis Mitarachi, will visit Bucharest and Sofia next week, in support of the two countries’ Schengen accession. He said Athens took this decision because the extension of Schengen through the accession of Romania and Bulgaria will be directly beneficial for Greece, as it will be connected by road with other EU member states. At the same time, Greece claims that the enlargement of the Schengen area will help boost economic activities. He also said he would have talks with the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU and with the European Commission on this matter. We recall that while Croatias application for Schengen accession was accepted in the JHA Council in Brussels, on December 8 last year, Romania and Bulgaria were faced with the opposition of Austria and the Netherlands, although they successfully completed the evaluation procedures for joining the free movement area as early as 2011.
VIRUSES — The number of respiratory infections is on the rise in Romania. At least 15 people died from flu so far and the number of infections with the flu virus surged by 40% in one week alone, according to the Public Health Institute. Around 15 cases of Flurona, a double infection with flu and Covid, have also been reported since the start of the cold season. The situation is expected to improve next month when experts forecast a drop in the number of infections. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable categories. Pediatric assistance centers have been opened across the country. Wearing face masks in hospitals and crowded areas is highly recommended.
VISIT — Romania’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Daniel Petrescu, ended his official visit to the UK, paid at the invitation of his counterpart, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. According to the Romanian Defence Ministry, the two officials discussed the current security situation and the stage of implementation of the measures aimed to consolidate the defence and deterrence posture on NATO’s eastern flank, as well as bilateral cooperation. General Petrescu also visited a number of military bases and the Royal United Service Institute of London. (EE)
