One of the biggest threats to democracy is the anxious mood of our times, according to The Economist Intelligence Units latest Democracy Index. Romania ranks 59th in the classification, down one position as against 2014, being among the functional but imperfect democracies, with an insufficiently developed political culture and low political participation. The Democracy Index provides a snapshot of the state of democracy worldwide. According to The Economist Intelligence Unit, almost one-half of the world\u2019s countries can be considered to be democracies, but, in their index, the number of \u201cfull democracies\u201d is low, of only 20 countries.<\/p>\n
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The Bodnariu case and the child protection system in Norway will be discussed in about three weeks in the European Parliament. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Romanian MEP Daniel Buda. The case of the Romanian — Norwegian family, settled in Norway, whose five children were taken by the local social services over alleged physical punishments from their parents, continues to generate emotional responses. Concurrently with street protests both in Romania and in the Romanian communities abroad, and with extensive media coverage, the Romanian authorities carry on, within the limits of their powers, to help the family get their children back. A Romanian parliamentary delegation is currently in Norway to discuss the situation with authorities in this country.<\/span><\/p>\n
During his official visit to France, Romanian PM Dacian Ciolos invited the heads of 60 French companies to invest in Romania, saying the country is stable in political terms and predictable as regards its economic and legal policies. On the second day of his visit to France the head of the Romanian government said that Romania is probably the only country in Central and Eastern Europe where there are no extremist and nationalist parties in the political life, which makes it safe from unpredictable reactions as far as political and economic policies are concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n
On Thursday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis met in Bucharest the heads of foreign diplomatic missions. Iohannis said that Romania\u2019s foreign policy is founded on the strategic partnership with the US, as well as on EU and NATO membership. He added that migration, terrorism and instability were the biggest challenges to be met in 2016. Iohannis also said that Romania still seeks membership in the Schengen area, in spite of its being under consideration at this time. The head of state noted that 2015 was a new beginning for politics in Romania, which should be continued in 2016 in terms of social dialog, social responsibility and institutional professionalism.<\/span><\/p>\n
The assassination of Russian spy Aleksandr Litvinenko was \u2018most likely\u2019 ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the report resulting from a public inquiry by British legal authorities. The former FSB agent died in 2006 in a British hospital, poisoned with Polonium 210. Moscow has refused requests for the extradition of the two main suspects, Andrei Lugovoy former FSB agent and at present representative in the Russian parliament, and businessman Dmitri Kovtun, also associated with Russian intelligence.<\/span><\/p>\n
A new government has been sworn in by the neighboring Republic of Moldova, officially saluted by the government in Bucharest in a press release. According to the release, Romania is completely committed to the development of the bilateral strategic partnership with its eastern neighbor, encouraging mutual projects and reaffirming its willingness to support all efforts made by Moldova in implementing its European and reform agenda. Moldova\u2019s Parliament voted to endorse a pro-western coalition government led by Pavel Filip. Thousands protested at the Parliament building right after the vote, calling for early elections, angered by corruption and by the political class. <\/span><\/p>\n
Romanian Defense Minister Mihnea Motoc met on Thursday in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. According to a release by the Romanian Defense Ministry, Mihnea Motoc highlighted the importance that must be paid to the security situation in the Black Sea extended area. Motoc gave assurances that in 2016 Romania will stick to its commitment to participate in the <\/span>Resolute Support<\/em> mission in Afghanistan with some 650 military. The two officials also tackled the implementation of the Plan to enhance NATO\u2019s operational capability and the agenda of the Alliance\u2019s next summit. Mihnea Motoc also met with General Petr Pavel, Chairman of NATO\u2019s Military Committee.<\/span><\/p>\n
(Translated by Elena Enache)<\/span><\/p>\n
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