May 10, 2026
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 10.05.2026, 14:00
May 10 – a threefold celebration
May 10 marks a day of profound significance for the Romanian people, celebrating a triple historical milestone. The day commemorates National Independence Day, recalling the events of 1877 when Romania seized the opportunity during the Russo-Turkish War to break free from Ottoman rule. It was on this day 149 years ago that Prince Carol I promulgated the motion of independence, marking the official birth of the sovereign Romanian state.
Furthermore, May 10 is celebrated as Royalty Day, having served as the nation’s official National Day from 1866 until the communist takeover in 1947.
Finally, the date marks the beginning of the 48-year reign of Carol I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, the first king of a four-monarch dynasty.
Commemorative events organized by the Defense Ministry took place at the Monument to the Heroes of the Motherland in Bucharest and in various major cities across the country.
Ilie Bolojan’s message to Romanians
Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan addressed the nation on Sunday, linking the courage of 1877 to modern challenges. In a message published on Facebook, Bolojan noted that May 10 is the date Romania took a decisive step by unequivocally assuming its status as an independent state. He highlighted that through the vision of leaders like Mihail Kogălniceanu and Carol I, the country proved on the battlefield that freedom must be both earned and defended.
Moving to the present day, the Prime Minister emphasized that the current challenge lies in the efficient and fair functioning of institutions for all citizens. He called for deep reforms in administration, the economy and public services, stating that the independence won over a century ago compels today’s leaders to act with responsibility, reduce waste and regain citizens’ trust.
Summit in Bucharest
President Nicușor Dan will host a high-level summit this Wednesday in Bucharest, bringing together the Bucharest 9 (B9) format and the Nordic countries. The event will see the participation of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte along with various presidents and ministers. The summit will be co-chaired by President Dan and Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
Initiated in 2015 by Romania and Poland, the Bucharest 9 format brings together countries on NATO’s Eastern Flank, including Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, with a view to coordinating regional security and defense efforts.
The car scrapping program
Romania’s car-scrapping scheme is entering its final stages with a record-breaking budget and a strategic new condition: eligible vehicles must now be produced or assembled in Europe. Interim Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu announced that the budget for individuals will reach 300 million Lei, a 100 million increase compared to the previous year. In a significant detail for consumers, the Dacia Spring model remains eligible for the program. Despite being manufactured in China, it is officially considered a European brand, ensuring it stays within the scope of the national fleet renewal initiative.
Venice Biennale kicks off
The 61st edition of the Venice Biennale has opened its doors without a formal ceremony and under the shadow of controversies regarding the participation of Russia and Israel, which recently led to the resignation of the jury. For the first time since the Biennale’s founding in 1895, the Golden Lion will not be awarded by a panel. Instead, prizes will be determined by public vote at the conclusion of the exhibition on November 22.
Approximately 100 countries are represented this year, with seven participating for the first time. Romania is represented by a sculptural visual-sound installation titled “The Black Sea”, a project by artists Anca Benera and Arnold Estefán that merges scientific and artistic perspectives.
Romania at the Thessaloniki Book Fair
Romania is currently present at the 22nd edition of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, running from May 7 to May 10. As one of the most important editorial events in Southeast Europe, Romania’s participation aims to promote contemporary literature and strengthen the cultural dialogue between Romania and Greece. A major objective is to increase the visibility of Romanian authors in anticipation of 2028, when Romania will serve as Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair. A centerpiece of the Thessaloniki program is the “Literary Bridges: Bucharest – Athens” series, which highlights mutual translations and editorial collaborations between the two cultural spaces. (VP)
