September 30, 2025 UPDATE (2)
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 30.09.2025, 20:00
SUMMIT – “It is commendable that major European cities are creating a network in which they try to impose their point of view at the European level. I will be among those who will support a greater role in the decision-making process of representative associations of cities within the European Council”, president Nicuşor Dan said on the sidelines of the Timişoara Cities Summit. The summit brought together mayors, ambassadors and leaders from 15 EU member states and candidate countries to discuss the future of the European Union and the role of cities in its expansion. Participants attended debate sessions on topics such as the enlargement of the European Union, continental security, the European Green Deal and direct financing of cities. The summit also hosted the conference “Europe at the Crossroads – Security, Prosperity and Our Common Future”. Attending the event, Nicuşor Dan said that Romania has the geographical advantage in terms of participating in the reconstruction of Ukraine, but “there is still much to do”, also arguing in favor of “an X-ray of the companies” that can be included in this process.
MEETINGS – The president of Romania, Nicuşor Dan, on Wednesday and Thursday is attending an informal meeting of the European Council and the 7th meeting of the European Political Community in Copenhagen, Denmark. The agenda includes the conflict in Ukraine and ensuring European security. Within the framework of the European Political Community meeting, Nicuşor Dan will take part in a roundtable on security in Europe and aspects related to resilience. The Romanian president will also have a number of bilateral meetings.
PROCUREMENT – The Romanian Ministry of Defense has asked Parliament to approve a plan to purchase over 200 Abrams tanks, as well as related ammunition, spare parts and training equipment, worth over 7 billion USD. According to a statement from the line ministry, the goal is to increase the operational capacity of the army, in order to be able to fulfill both the country’s defense missions and international commitments. Romania, which has a 650 km border with Ukraine, currently hosts a US ballistic missile defense system and a permanent NATO battle group. Drones have repeatedly violated the country’s airspace since Russia began attacking Ukrainian ports and infrastructure across the Danube. Romania signed a first contract in 2023 to purchase 54 Abrams tanks from the US military for 1 billion dollars, with full delivery scheduled for 2028.
GAZA – Romania remains committed to supporting lasting peace and stability in the Middle East – president Nicuşor Dan on Tuesday wrote on X. He hailed “the significant effort of American President Donald Trump towards achieving peace in Gaza, as shown by the plan presented yesterday”. “This plan is a real chance to end the war in Gaza, ensuring the immediate release of hostages and the provision of vital humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza” – the president added. According to Nicușor Dan, Romania will continue to work closely with the European Union, the United States of America and other international partners “to reach a constructive commitment and a future of security and peace for all the peoples of the region”.
IMF – Fiscal discipline, responsible public spending, reducing social inequalities, increasing the efficiency of revenue collection, are top priorities for the Bucharest government – Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said during his meeting with the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund, Jeroen Clicq. Talks focused on the current budgetary situation and the measures required to curb the deficit. Ilie Bolojan said that the top priorities are reducing expenses, increasing revenue collection and directing resources towards areas with development potential, such as energy and agriculture. In turn, the IMF Executive Director confirmed that Bucharest is on the right path in the fiscal consolidation process and assured that he will provide support for the reform process. He also highlighted the need for political stability for the implementation of the measures adopted by the Romanian Government. (AMP & VP)
