November 15, 2026 UPDATE
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 15.11.2026, 20:00
President Nicuşor Dan at the Francophonie summit in Cambodia
The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) should strengthen economic cooperation among its member states by facilitating business ties, with a focus on promoting sustainable agriculture, food security and renewable energy, President Nicuşor Dan said on Sunday in Phnom Penh, where he is attending the 20th Francophonie Summit. Speaking during a debate titled “Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Stability”, the Romanian head of state called on the OIF to seek financial backing for joint cooperation projects. Discussions focused on practical ways to leverage the role, strengths and diversity of the Francophone community to promote peace, reinforce solidarity and lay the groundwork for shared prosperity. According to the Presidential Administration in Bucharest, Romania’s top priority at the two-day gathering is building consensus around Dacian Cioloş’s bid to become Secretary General of the OIF for the 2027 to 2030 term. A former prime minister and European commissioner, Dacian Cioloş has put forward a credible and ambitious vision to revitalize and develop the Francophone community. The project would allow Romania to strengthen its influence in the French-speaking world, deepen ties with member states and secure benefits across all areas of interest. Member state leaders will decide on the next Secretary General during their session on November 16.
Romania vows to boost Black Sea security after drone strikes on merchant ships
Prime Minister Luca Niculescu has announced that Romania will continue to take all necessary measures alongside its allies to bolster security in the Black Sea, saying maritime security in the region has once again come under threat. His remarks came after three commercial vessels were struck by drones on Saturday evening near the Danube Delta, off the coast of Sulina. Radars operated by Romania’s Ministry of National Defense also detected aerial targets in the area, prompting the Romanian Air Force to scramble fighter jets on two occasions. According to the prime minister, the incidents are unacceptable and constitute a violation of international law, reflecting a deteriorating security environment caused by Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Romanian economy minister on official visit to Qatar
Romania’s Minister of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Daniel Zamfir, is in Qatar until November 18 to explore business and investment opportunities in energy, port infrastructure, tourism, transport and digitalization. He is accompanied by a delegation of eight Romanian companies from both the public and private sectors. The agenda includes meetings with officials from the Qatar Investment Authority, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Qatari Businessmen Association and Barzan Holdings, a major player in the defense and security sector.
USA seeks direct Russia-Europe dialogue on Ukraine war
The United States is focusing on brokering direct dialogue between Russia and European nations over the war in Ukraine, following recent three-way talks involving Washington, Moscow and Kyiv, according to US President Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner. He added that both sides in the conflict recognize that practical compromises will be required to end the fighting. Following talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Abu Dhabi, special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were received in Moscow on Thursday by President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin leader urged the American mediators to clarify in their discussions with European leaders whether they want peace or war. He also reiterated his opposition to deploying Western troops to Ukraine as part of any peacekeeping arrangement, a step Vladimir Putin warned would threaten Russia’s national security and prolong the conflict.
Trump, Xi and Putin to hold unprecedented trilateral summit
The Kremlin has confirmed that an unprecedented summit between Presidents Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will take place on November 19 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, southern China, the AFP news agency reports. According to the White House, the three leaders will discuss nuclear proliferation and the war in the Middle East triggered in February by Israeli-American strikes on Iran. However, the conflict in Ukraine is not expected to be on the agenda, with Kyiv and its allies having made clear that decisive talks on European security cannot happen without them.
Cristian Mungiu’s film nominated for five European Film Awards
The drama Fjord, directed by Cristian Mungiu, has earned five nominations for the 39th European Film Awards, which will be held in Athens on January 16. The shortlist was unveiled at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. The film is up for Best European Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress. The Romanian filmmaker is currently in the United States campaigning for the film, which is Romania’s official entry for the Oscars. Earlier this year, Fjord won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, making Cristian Mungiu a rare two-time recipient of cinema’s most prestigious prize.
Romania beats Poland 2-1 in the Nations League
Romania’s national football team claimed a 2-1 victory over Poland on Saturday evening at the National Arena in Bucharest, after the sides went into the break level at nil-nil. The Group B4 win keeps Romania’s hopes alive of avoiding a relegation playoff to stay in League B of the UEFA Nations League. To secure automatic survival, Romania must beat Bosnia and Herzegovina away in Tuesday’s final group match, while hoping Poland fail to beat Sweden. (VP)
