September 20, 2025 UPDATE
A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 20.09.2025, 19:51
Exercise. On Saturday, military equipment belonging to NATO member countries started entering Romania via Curtici (west). These troops will take part in the Dacian Fall exercise (DAFA 2025), which will take place in Romania and Bulgaria between October 20 and November 13. The main objective of the exercise is the operational integration of the structures subordinate and affiliated to the Multinational Division Southeast Command and marks the final stage of raising the NATO combat groups in the two countries to brigade level, said General Dorin Toma, who heads the aforementioned allied structure based in Bucharest. More than 5,000 allied troops with 1,200 technical assets from 10 allied countries will take part in the exercise, which will be conducted simultaneously at training ranges. The participating countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. NATO exercises, including DAFA 25, are defensive in nature and are conducted in full compliance with Romania’s international obligations, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
Russia. NATO and the European Union have condemned the violation of the Estonian airspace by three Russian fighter jets on Friday. The Russian Defense Ministry has denied that its aircraft flew over Estonia. Tallinn invoked Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, requesting urgent consultations with allies on the response. The reactions so far have been of total support. Romania also condemned the violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian fighter jets, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Ţoiu said on social media. This month, Russian drones have also violated the airspace of Romania and Poland. On September 13, a drone belonging to the Russian Federation flew for 50 minutes in the Romanian airspace, to then leave the country under the surveillance of NATO military aircraft. In Poland, authorities reported that at least 19 Russian drones violated national airspace on the night of September 9-10, some of which were shot down by the country’s air force and NATO forces.
IAEA. Romania has rejoined the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency for a two-year term following elections held on Friday, the last day of the agency’s general conference, the Foreign Ministry in Bucharest has announced. Romania previously served on the agency’s board between 2008 and 2010. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the new term is a recognition of Romania’s expertise gained from over 60 years of activity in the civil nuclear sector. Romania came very close to obtaining the position of director of the International Atomic Energy Agency through diplomat Cornel Feruţă, who held this position on an interim basis for six months in 2019.
Celebration. Bucharest Days are celebrated with outdoor concerts, theater performances, film screenings, exhibitions, and guided tours. The series of events marks 566 years since the city was first mentioned in official documents. The “Open Streets” event enlivens Calea Victoriei with dozens of artistic and community events. A spectacular parade on this boulevard recreates the atmosphere of yesteryear: horses, period costumes, artists, and historical figures. A photography exhibition capturing the atmosphere of the capital during the interwar period can be visited at the Arch of Triumph, and the Brâncoveneşti Palaces at the Gates of Bucharest are organizing historical and military reenactments and ceremonies to honor heroes. The Bucharest City Hall opens its doors to visitors for guided tours, film screenings, exhibitions, and creative activities.
iMapp. The world’s largest video mapping festival has returned for two days to Bucharest’s Constitution Square. iMapp celebrates its tenth anniversary and also Bucharest’s 556th anniversary. Seven teams, winners of the world’s most prestigious festivals are presenting their work on the 23,000 square metre facade of the Palace of Parliament. The teams in the competition come from countries on three continents: China, Japan, Indonesia, Hungary, Germany, France and the United States. This year, two special events are being organized in honor of two Romanian artists who are part of the world’s cultural heritage: a projection dedicated to George Enescu and a video mapping work inspired by the work of sculptor Constantin Brâncuşi.
Compensation. Romania has received €5.7 million in compensation for four heritage items stolen from a museum in the Netherlands in January this year: three Dacian bracelets and a golden helmet, which were part of an exhibition featuring over 500 items on loan from Romania. The Ministry of Culture said in a statement that the National Museum of History had confirmed that the insurer had transferred the full amount provided for in the insurance policy. The last installment arrived on September 12, and according to the law, the museum will send the amount to the state budget. If the objects are returned, the money must be returned to the insurer. Meanwhile, the criminal investigation into the theft continues. Culture Minister Andras Demeter has called for proposals to change the procedures when Romanian heritage objects are temporarily exhibited, so as to reduce the risk of similar events.
Festival. The 27th edition of the George Enescu International Festival closes its doors on Sunday in Romania. Throughout the festival, nearly 100 concerts and performances were scheduled. The audience was able to listen to interpretations of George Enescu’s works, from the famous Romanian Rhapsodies to Symphonies, Orchestral Suites, rare chamber works, and the monumental opera “Oedipe,” presented in a production by visionary director Stefano Poda, as well as works by important composers such as Dmitri Shostakovich, Pierre Boulez, and Maurice Ravel. This year, the festival also marks 70 years since the passing of the great composer, paying tribute to his artistic legacy and profound impact on universal classical music. Since its first edition, Radio Romania has been a co-producer of the Enescu Festival. (MI)
