November 10, 2026 UPDATE
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 10.11.2026, 20:00
Nicușor Dan outlines economic and security priorities following Government appointment
Romanian President Nicușor Dan held a press conference in Bucharest on Tuesday, his first since the swearing-in of the PSD-dominated Luca Niculescu Government. He spoke about Romania’s financial situation and why credit rating agency evaluations are crucial. It is absolutely mandatory that the fiscal trajectory committed to the markets be maintained, as well as the budget deficit reduction target, Nicușor Dan specified. According to the head of state, the entry of the populist opposition party AUR into government would have meant a rapid economic collapse, a downgrade of the country’s credit rating, a drop in living standards, as well as damage to Romania’s external relations, including its security. He categorized AUR as an isolationist party. At the same time, in his view, snap elections would also have led to a rapid collapse of the economy and living standards. The President added that it is an illusion that the PNL and USR, given their seat count in Parliament, could have governed without the PSD even with presidential backing. On another note, he stated that the appointment procedure for chief prosecutors was sound and that there has been a resurgence in prosecutorial activity. Regarding maritime security, he explained that Romania’s cooperation with Bulgaria is excellent, particularly concerning the establishment of the Black Sea security hub. Finally, the President declared that maintaining US troops in the country is mutually beneficial for both Romania and the United States, noting that the location of the Mihail Kogălniceanu airbase is exceptionally well suited for projecting the force of a military like the US Army.
Black Sea Security
“The EU and Europe stand with Bulgaria, because the security and safety of the Black Sea means the security and safety of Europe”, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following a meeting with Prime Minister Rumen Radev. The official from Brussels was on a visit to Bulgaria on Tuesday, a day after visiting Bucharest, where she announced €50 million in funding for the Maritime Security Centre, which Bucharest and Sofia will manage jointly. The head of the European executive also announced an allocation of €10 million for search and rescue operations in the Black Sea. During Monday’s talks, President Nicușor Dan highlighted the importance of the security hub initiated by Romania alongside Bulgaria, set against the backdrop of numerous recent incidents, including drone incursions, acts of sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.
Cernavodă NPP shutdown
Unit 2 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant will be synchronized with the National Power System (SEN) on Wednesday, reaching its nominal capacity on November 12, according to national operator Nuclearelectrica. Regarding Unit 1, specialist teams at Cernavodă NPP are currently carrying out specific assessments and implementing remediation plans to reconnect to the SEN as quickly as possible, the company added. Unit 1 of Cernavodă NPP was brought to a controlled shutdown and disconnected from the National Power System on July 28 due to low water levels on the Danube. Subsequently, in mid-August, Unit 2 was also disconnected. Unit 1 was resynchronized with the National Power System on Friday, but was disconnected again on Monday following a fault in the conventional side of the reactor. The controlled shutdown of both Cernavodă units deprived Romania of nuclear power output for nearly 100 days, during a time when they typically supply 20% of the country’s electricity needs. Romania imported energy throughout this period to cover the deficit, with losses estimated at around €185 million.
Bulgarian motorway crash
A Romanian citizen has been injured and is receiving medical care following a road traffic accident in Bulgaria on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Dan Neculăescu announced on social media.
“We convey our deepest condolences following the tragic accident on a motorway in Bulgaria. Our thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and to all those affected by this tragedy. We wish the injured a full and speedy recovery. A Romanian citizen is also among those injured and is receiving medical care. Our consular teams stand ready to assist,” wrote the head of Romanian diplomacy. President Nicușor Dan also expressed condolences on Tuesday to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash in Bulgaria. Bulgarian Health Minister Katia Ivkova reported that 12 people died following two multi-vehicle pile-ups on the Trakia motorway in south-eastern Bulgaria. Dozens of people were injured, and dozens of vehicles were involved in the crashes.
Change in broadcaster leadership
Romanian senators and deputies, meeting in a joint plenary session on Tuesday, have confirmed the interim heads of the public radio and television broadcasters in their posts as Director General.
Sorina Matei, backed by the populist opposition party AUR, was confirmed at the Romanian Television Corporation, while Răzvan Dincă, supported by the governing PSD, was confirmed at the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation. Earlier, Parliament validated its 16 nominees for the new Boards of Directors across both institutions. For the radio board, three members were nominated by PSD, two by AUR, and one each by PNL, USR and UDMR (all three in opposition). For the television board, two members each are supported by PSD, PNL and AUR, with one each from USR and UDMR. The mandates for the new leadership teams at both institutions will run for three years and approximately three months. (VP)
