July 4, 2017
Romania's Higher Defense Council discusses current topics; Romanian officials are invited to the US Embassy for 4th of July celebrations
Ştefan Stoica, 04.07.2017, 14:19
BUCHAREST – In Bucharest, the Higher Defense Council meets today for the first time since the Tudose government got sworn in. On the agenda are the implementation of the global security strategy of the EU, as well as a decision regaring the number of Romanian soldiers to take part in foreign missions in the coming year. Other topics are the recent activity of the national intelligence service, as well as Romania’s defense spending until 2026, in addition to the issue of migration. The meeting was called by President Iohannis, considering the fact that this year Bucharest has earmarked 2% of its GDP for defense.
BUCHAREST – Romanian officials will be attending a 4th of July reception at the US embassy. Ambassador Hans Klemm told the press he wants to enhance the strategic partnership in all areas between the two countries, which was signed 20 years ago, when President Bill Clinton visited Bucharest, invited by his counterpart, Emil Constantinescu. The partnership was confirmed last month when presidents Klaus Iohannis and Donald Trump met in Washington. Common priorities are still security, democracy, rule of law and prosperity.
BUCHAREST – Between 2007 and 2013, Romania was allocated 18.8 billion Euro by the EU, and absorbed 17 billion of them by the end of last year. This is the lowest rate of absorption, with 90.4%, 5% below other states receiving such funds, according to a report published by the National Bank of Romania. Around two thirds of this money was earmarked for major projects such as infrastructure in transportation, environmental protection, and developing education and vocational training, as well as SMEs. The rest of the funding was directed towards social inclusion and improving the economy.
TENNIS – Two Romanian tennis players are present today in the first round in Wimbledon, the most prestigious Grand Slam tournament. Sorana Cîrstea (62 WTA) takes on Dutch player Kiki Bertens (24 WTA), and Monica Niculescu (51 WTA) plays against Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia, 85 WTA. On Monday, in the first round, Simona Halep roundly defeated Marina Erakovic of New Zealand (129 WTA). On Wednesday, Halpe will play against Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia (97 WTA). Ana Bogdan (115 WTA), in her first Wimbledon appearance, defeated Ying-Ying Duan of China, 62 WTA, and in the following game she will face against Caroline Garcia of France. After defeating Naomi Broady of the UK, 109 WTA, Irina Begu (64 WTA) is also going to the second round, playing against Ana Konjuh of Croatia. No Romanian players are left in the men’s tournament.
STRASBOURG – The European Parliament votes today on a bill to grant the Republic of Moldova 100 million Euro in aid. The bill was introduced by Romanian EuroMP Sorin Moisa, who called on Chisinau to drop its controversial reform recently introduced for electing members of parliament in Moldova. This reform is said to unfairly favor the major political parties by the Venice Commission.
KOREA – North Korea has launched another ballistic missile, against international protests. The US military reports that the missile flew for approximately 40 minutes before going down in the Sea of Japan, indicating a longer range that previously tested misles. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said his country will increase cooperation with the US and South Korea in order to enhance international pressure on North Korea to refrain from futher tests.
