November 13, 2025
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 13.11.2025, 13:55
Alexandru Munteanu visits Bucharest
Romania has been, is and will be the strategic partner and closest supporter of the Republic of Moldova, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said after the talks he had on Thursday in Bucharest with his counterpart from Chișinău, Alexandru Munteanu, who was on his first foreign visit since taking office. Bolojan noted that the two states must deepen joint projects, especially those related to the interconnection of energy and transport infrastructure, increase bilateral trade and expand cooperation in the field of security.
In turn, Prime Minister Munteanu emphasized that Romania has never forgotten the Republic of Moldova, has supported it on its European path and made essential investments.
Earlier, the Moldovan head of government was received by President Nicușor Dan, who said that Romania remains the most sincere and firm supporter of the Republic of Moldova at all levels, especially regarding state modernization, reforms, and European integration. “I encouraged the new Government to act decisively and responsibly, with a focus on economic growth, the well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, and EU integration”, the president wrote on Facebook.
Alexandru Munteanu also had meetings with the Presidents of Parliament. He will be received by Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown.
Defense Strategy
President Nicușor Dan on Wednesday presented Romania’s new National Defense Strategy. Hostile actions by Russia are identified as the main threat to national security, but the document also highlights other vulnerabilities, ranging from demographic decline to the state’s weak administrative capacity.
Another clearly defined vulnerability in the national defense strategy is corruption. The document is open for public debate and is scheduled to be approved by the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) on November 24. Two days later, the President is expected to present the document in Parliament.
Dacian Fall 2025 comes to an end
Today marks the conclusion of the largest military exercise this year, held in NATO training areas across Romania. Dacian Fall 2025 started on October 20 and brought together 5,000 servicemen from 10 NATO member countries, with 1,200 vehicles and technical assets also taking part.
Over half of participating soldiers came from France, the framework nation in Romania. The exercise was coordinated by the Multinational Division South-East, headquartered in Bucharest, and represented the final stage in the temporary elevation to brigade level of NATO’s battlegroups in Romania and Bulgaria.
Following the Press Day organized on Wednesday, today the Cincu Training Area in Brașov County (central Romania) is hosting the Distinguished Visitors’ Day, attended by Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu, jointly with other officials and ambassadors.
ECOFIN to greenlight Romania’s revised Resilience and Recovery Plan
Romania’s Finance Minister, Alexandru Nazare, is attending today’s meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Brussels. For Bucharest, one of the most important expected outcomes is the adoption of the Council Decision on Romania’s revised Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Alexandru Nazare is expected to emphasize that this step confirms the ambitious adaptation of the country’s reform and investment program to current realities, essential for accelerating sustainable growth and strengthening national economic resilience.
The Recovery and Resilience Mechanism enables EU member states to access funding through a support program designed to repair the economic and social damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Erasmus+ gets new budget
Romanian Vice-President of the European Commission, Roxana Mînzatu, announced on Thursday that the Erasmus+ program will have a budget of over €5 billion in 2026 for mobility, training and educational projects throughout Europe. According to a press release from the Representation of the European Commission in Romania, the funds will support skills development, inclusion, digital and green transition, as well as Ukrainian students and teachers.
The announcement came on the very day Mînzatu hosted the European Summit for Education and Skills in Brussels, an event attended by over 500 education and labor ministers from the EU, alongside organizations and companies from the field. Erasmus+ 2026 will offer mobility opportunities for over one million participants and will involve over 100,000 organizations.
Measures to boost child protection
Romanian authorities are taking additional measures to protect child victims of human trafficking. A legislative proposal, signed by 40 MPs from all parties, has been submitted to Parliament to amend the Criminal Procedure Code so that trial durations are shortened and support for minor victims is increased.
According to officials, Romania faces one of the most serious situations in Europe, with nearly half of all human trafficking victims being children, and the legislation must reflect the urgent need to resolve these cases, which currently drag on over 1,000 days in courts of first instance.
New protests in Bucharest
Union members from the Alliance of Trade Unions in Romania’s defense, aerospace and naval industries are today protesting in front of the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism.
Among other things, they are disgruntled with the lack of contracts and orders, as well as the sector’s declining attractiveness for young specialists and skilled workers.
The protesters also accuse the relevant minister, Radu Miruță, of refusing open, transparent and constructive dialogue with the defense unions. Yesterday, thousands of union members from various sectors demonstrated in central Bucharest against the government’s social and wage policies. (VP)
