September 8, 2023

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 08.09.2023, 13:55

LEGISLATION
– Romania needs a new law against drug abuse, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu
said, arguing that the new legislation should provide effective solutions to
harsh realities and transpose EU best practices and regulations into national
law. At the start of today’s government session, Marcel Ciolacu said the new
law is one of the government’s priorities in the current parliamentary session,
expecting the Interior, Justice and Health ministries to come up with a joint
bill. We need a different approach, we need to take swift and firm action,
identify the root causes, not just the effects and start bringing down drug
trafficking networks, Marcel Ciolacu said. Another priority is to modify the
law on gambling with a view to banning the operation of gambling establishments
in cities. The bill has been already adopted by the Senate and has been
submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, the decision-making body in this case.

ROMANIA-USA RELATIONS – Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr on Thursday met US
Ambassador in Romania, Kathleen Kavalec. According to a Ministry release, the
two officials discussed the latest Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports on the
Danube River, close to Romania’s borders. Minister Angel Tîlvăr hailed the strong
solidarity expressed by the Allies. In turn, Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec said
the US government remains firmly committed to consolidating the defense and
deterrence capacities of Romania and NATO against any type of aggression
targeting allied territory on the Eastern Flank. In a telephone conversation
with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Romania’s Foreign Minister Luminița
Odobescu in turn hailed the support and solidarity expressed by the USA and
NATO and highlighted the need for NATO to keep an eye on the developments in
the Black Sea and the region. Secretary Blinken in turn underscored solidarity
with Romania and thanked Bucharest for its support for Ukraine, as well as the
additional measures Romania has taken to facilitate the transport of Ukrainian
grain on its territory.

GRAIN EXPORTS
– The EU’s grain exports stood at 5 mln tons in the 2023-2024 farming season, down
by 32% compared to the previous year, the European Commission announced. Romania
remains the biggest exporter of grain to the EU, with 1.35 mln tons exported in
the first two months, followed by Poland, France, Bulgaria and Germany. Ukraine
is the biggest exporter of wheat and barley to the EU, accounting for half of
total exports this season, Reuters reports.

FEAST DAY -
Christians in Romania today celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
According to Christian tradition, the birth of Virgin Mary, Mother of God, was
a miracle. The Virgin Mary is the most celebrated of all saints, whom the
Church only celebrates on the day of their death. Four feast days are devoted
to the Virgin Mary: the Nativity, the Presentation, the Annunciation and the Dormition.

ENESCU – The
Göteborg Symphonic Orchestra will today perform at the Palace Hall in Bucharest
on the sidelines of the George Enescu International Music Festival held in
Bucharest. Thursday’s program included a special concert featuring the Madrigal
– Marin Constantin Chamber Choir conducted by Anna Ungureanu. The 26th
edition of the George Enescu Festival has been held since 1958. This year’s
edition is themed Generosity through Music. Over 3,500 artists, 40 orchestras
from 16 countries will climb on stage this year.

SPORTS – The
Romanian men’s volley team is today playing Croatia in the round of 16 at the
European Championships hosted by Varna, Bulgaria. Romania grabbed three wins in
the group phase, including against the Olympic champions France. On the other
hand, the Romanian rugby team is playing Ireland on Saturday in the first match
at the World Cup in France. Romania was drawn in Group B alongside the world
champions South Africa, Scotland, Tonga and Ireland. And in news from football,
the Romanian men’s team is playing Israel on Saturday and Kosovo on Tuesday,
both on home turf. With two wins and two draws, Romania is second in the group
tables after Switzerland. (VP)