May 27, 2024 UPDATE
A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 27.05.2024, 20:00
MINIMUM WAGE – Ruling coalition partners on Monday discussed the possibility of increasing the national minimum wage, which according to political sources is expected to reach 740 EUR. The Social-Democrats and the Liberals want the measure to take effect starting July 1, as Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stated last week. Of this sum, 40 EUR will remain tax-free. The coalition also discussed the possibility of cutting public spending, as well as maintaining a cap on trade markup and extending it to all foodstuffs.
FAC – On the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Romania’s Foreign Minister, Luminița Odobescu firmly criticized the Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. The EU must step up its military assistance for Ukraine, the Romanian official said. On the other hand, Georgia remains one of Romania’s partners, Minister Odobescu pointed out, highlighting the need to support this country and its European aspirations. The adoption of a “foreign agents” bill undermines Georgia’s EU agenda, the Romanian Foreign Minister added.
DIASPORA – The Day of Romanians Worldwide was celebrated on Sunday. On this occasion, officials across the political spectrum have conveyed messages celebrating the efforts of Romanians living and working abroad. President Klaus Iohannis urged Romanians to preserve their identity, language and traditions, arguing the diaspora needs to remain a strong voice both in Bucharest and in other world capitals. Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu recalled that the welfare and security of Romanians abroad, as well as permanent dialogue with the diaspora, should remain key priorities of Romanian diplomacy. Senate Speaker Nicolae Ciucă urged Romanians living abroad to never forget about their identity and instil their love for the homeland in their children. In turn, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu gave assurances the government will continue to support Romanians living outside the country’s borders.
EXERCISE – 500 military from Romania, the USA, France, Poland and Italy on Monday took part in an exercise in Smârdan training center (southeast) as part of the Dacian Strike 24 multinational exercise, held in Romania and Bulgaria. Training drills included deployment of land and air forces. The Multinational Corps Southeast coordinated the entire operation. The Romanian Air Forces and the Royal Air Forces from Great Britain were also involved. In the context of NATO’s advanced presence in southeastern Europe, the Southeast Multinational Command is coordinating training operations of subordinated forces with a view to deterring possible acts of aggression in the region.
MOLDOVA – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday is paying a visit to Moldova, where he will reassert US support for the Republic of Moldova’s EU accession and discuss energy security topics, a US Department of State release reads. According to Radio Romania’s Washington correspondent, Antony Blinken is then expected to travel to Prague, Czechia, to attend an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers. The meeting will address the priorities of the upcoming NATO Summit of July in Washington.
FOOTBALL – Romania’s football champions FCSB will be playing in Champions League’s second preliminary round next season. Romanian Cup winners, Corvinul Hunedoara, will be playing in Europa League whereas CFR Cluj and Universitatea Craiova will be competing in Conference League. Last weekend the so-called Golden Generation of Romanian football held its farewell performance. Back in the 90s, Romania managed to secure qualification to three world cups and two European championships. (DB & VP)
