November 3, 2025

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 03.11.2025, 13:55

Rheinmetall. In Bucharest, a cooperation agreement was signed that lays the groundwork for the establishment and operation of Rheinmetall-Victoria, which will be the world’s most modern company for the production of double and triple base powders, according to Armin Papperger, director of the German company Rheinmetall AG. During a press conference held alongside Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Armin Papperger stated that these powders are needed worldwide, especially in Europe, to support defense forces, and are also needed in Romania. “With this partnership, Romania is beginning to emerge as a potential player in the defense industry in Southeast Europe. I am glad that Rheinmetall sees us as an important and serious partner and is strengthening its presence in Romania. The future powder factory in Victoria represents an investment of half a billion euros, approximately 700 new jobs, but above all the advantage of producing powders in Romania,” said the prime minister. The Rheinmetall Group is a leader in the defense industry, producing combat vehicles, weapons, and ammunition. The group already has an extensive presence in Romania, including an ammunition factory and stakes in other companies. Through the SAFE program, Romania will receive the second largest European allocation after Poland, nearly 17 billion euros, for weapons purchases and the development of defense infrastructure and industry.

Forum. The NATO Industry Forum, a strategic event held every two years, will take place in Bucharest this week, bringing together military and civilian leaders from member states with representatives of the industrial sector to facilitate dialogue and collaboration in the field of defense and security. The forum is scheduled to take place on November 5 and 6, and this year’s edition will focus on the decision by the heads of state and government of the Alliance’s member countries to significantly increase defense spending. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to arrive in Romania on Wednesday, President Nicuşor Dan said on Sunday.

NATO. President Nicuşor Dan has stated that the withdrawal of some US troops from Romania is ‘a symbolic gesture’, but does not affect national security. This is not a US withdrawal from Europe or a sign of reduced commitment to NATO and Article 5, according to a press release from the US Army. Rather, it is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility, the document states.

Elections. The Save Romania Union (USR), part of the pro-European coalition currently governing Romania, has officially nominated MP Cătălin Drulă, former leader of the party, as its candidate for mayor of Bucharest in the local elections due on December 7, 2025. Under the slogan ‘On the honest path’, Drulă said he would run a campaign based on competence, transparency and results. USR president Dominic Fritz has stressed that Bucharest residents have a very clear choice between a city for people and a city captured by vested interests. The current mayor of District 4, the Social Democrat Daniel Baluta, and the mayor of District 6, the Liberal Ciprian Ciucu, have also entered the race for Bucharest. The position of mayor of the capital remained vacant after Nicusor Dan became president of Romania.

Subsidies. Individuals and families with low incomes can benefit from heating subsidies and electricity supplements during this cold season, announced Romanian Minister of Labor Florin Manole. Applications must be submitted to the local town hall, and payments will begin in December. The assistance is intended to offset the costs of electricity, gas, heat, or fuel for cooking and lighting. Over the last four cold seasons (2021-2024), aid totaling approximately 3.67 billion lei (about 720 million euros) has been granted.

Protest. The director of the Elie Wiesel National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania, Alexandru Florian, requested that the competent institutions take action after the children’s choir of the Orthodox Church Patriarchate sang a song in the National Cathedral on lyrics allegedly written by the poet Radu Gyr, a propagandist for the Legionary Movement, the anti-Semitic far right during the interwar period. Florian is urging authorities to take action on the basis of the emergency ordinance prohibiting organizations, symbols, and acts of a fascist, Legionary, racist, or xenophobic nature, as well as the promotion of the cult of persons guilty of committing crimes of genocide against humanity and war crimes. On Thursday, October 30, at a ceremony organized by the Patriarchate in the new National Cathedral, a children’s choir sang a song whose lyrics are attributed to the Legionary poet Radu Gyr. In response, the Romanian Patriarchate points out that the text of the song performed on October 30 in the National Cathedral does not in any way promote elements of any totalitarian political doctrine. The attempt to associate the Romanian Orthodox Church with extremist ideologies is completely unfounded, especially since the Romanian Patriarchate has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to any movements that promote hatred and violence, xenophobia and racism, which are contrary to Christian teaching and faith, the Patriarchate added.

Handball. Romania’s men’s national handball team defeated Slovakia 33-25 on Sunday in Baia Mare (northwest) and finished second in the Carpathian Niro Trophy. The Tricolours secured their second victory but finished second behind Georgia, who won the Trophy after winning the head-to-head match. In the other match of the day, Georgia was defeated by Ukraine 32-28. (MI)