July 4th, 2025

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsroom, 04.07.2025, 13:55

Government. The coalition government is meeting for fresh talks on the measures to cut the budget deficit. Prior to the meeting, prime  minister Ilie Bolojan will have talks with trade unions and employers’ associations. Trade unions are unhappy that the austerity measures are not distributed evenly, with only employees and pensioners bearing the brunt, which will lead to open social conflicts. A fiscal package made public yesterday entails a combination of tax rises and spending cuts to be applied at least until the end of next year and aimed at cutting the deficit and eliminating the risk for international rating agencies to put Romania into the so-called junk category, meaning not recommended for investment. The measures were also discussed with the European Commission and, according to the finance minister Alexandru Nazare, there are indications that if they are approved by the EU’s ECOFIN Council of 8^th July, Brussels’ assessment will be positive. The measures will lead, however, to a drop in living standards for ordinary Romanians.

4^th July. Prime minister Ilie Bolojan conveyed his greetings to the United States and to the American people on Independence Day celebrated on 4^th July. He said on the government’s Facebook page that this day represents the wish for freedom and democracy, values which Romania is sharing. The Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States is a cornerstone of the two countries’ cooperation, built on trust, respect and common goals. On Thursday, the American embassy in Bucharest hosted a reception to celebrate Independence Day. President Nicuşor Dan said on that occasion that America is Romania’s most important ally and strategic partner.

EU-Moldova. The first EU-Moldova summit is held today in the Moldovan capital Chişinău. This moment is considered crucial for the European future of this ex-Soviet republic, which will see parliamentary elections this autumn and given that Russia is continuing its hybrid war. The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the president of the EU Council Antonio Costa are having talks with Moldova’s president Maia Sandu and other Moldovan officials about the country’s European path, regional security and the EU’s support in the context of the war in Ukraine. A central point on the agenda is the implementation of the growth plan for Moldova worth 1.9 billion euros and aimed at modernising the economy and improving living standards. The European Union is also expected to reiterate its commitment to Moldova’s sovereignty and resilience and to condemn Moscow’s constant hybrid attacks. The summit is being held one year since the official opening of accession talks between Moldova and the EU.

Festival. The first edition of the Neversea Kapital festival is getting under way in Bucharest tonight, to be held until Sunday. Well-known acts will perform on three stages on the National Arena stadium to transform the Capital into a point of attraction on the European map of electronic music. The line-up also features acrobatics, ‘Freestyle Puppertry’ – a modern and interactive concept of puppet theatre, and ‘face painting’ sessions. The Bucharest City said it has come up with a special programme aimed at promoting the capital city and offering a memorable cultural and tourist experience. Traffic restrictions will be in place on the streets near the stadium, and law enforcement will be present during the event and inside the Arena, to combat drug trafficking and use. Specially trained dogs will be used for this purpose to detect prohibited substances.

Weather. More than half of Romania, including the capital Bucharest, is under an Orange Code for heat and severe thermal discomfort today and Saturday. The southwest, west, north, most of the center and south of the country are affected. In these regions, the heat wave is intensifying, and the temperature-humidity index (ITU) exceeds the critical threshold of 80 units. Maximum temperatures are between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius, and the lows will not drop below 20 degrees. Also, a Yellow Code for hot heat is in force until Saturday morning in the rest of the country, where the highs during daytime are between 33 and 38 degrees Celsius. (CM)