REPORT -
\nPrime Minister Viorica Dancila has presented a report on the Romanian
\npresidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of the year.
\nAccording to Prime Minister Dancila, the presidency was a success, Romania
\nproving it is strongly attached to European Parliament values, acting to
\nconsolidate the European project, for a union of the citizens, liberties,
\nconcerted efforts and capabilities. Romania’s term in office coincided with the
\nEuropean election and was marked by Brexit developments, amidst swift changes
\nat global level. The Romanian official recalled Romania has done its duty and
\nproved it is a responsible member state, concerned with the advancement of the
\nEuropean agenda to the citizens’ benefit. A total of 90 files were completed
\nduring our country’s term in office, including those on the banking union, improving
\nwork conditions and social rights, boosting Single Market integration, moving
\ntowards low-emission mobility, consolidating the digital Europe or the
\nDirective on natural gas. Another landmark this year was the EU Summit held in
\nSibiu on May 9, Europe Day. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
VOTING
\nLAW – The Chamber of Deputies earlier today passed a bill
\naimed at avoiding delays and difficulties in the voting process abroad, such as
\nwas the case with the latest European Parliament election. The bill allows
\nRomanians abroad to vote in the presidential election this year either by post,
\nor during a three-day period. In the latter case, the vote will start on Friday
\nat 12 PM and will end at 9 PM, while on Saturday and Sunday the vote will
\nunfold in the 7 AM – 9 PM interval, with the possibility of further extending
\nthe vote until midnight on Sunday. The same will go for the voting process at
\nhome, as long as citizens are still waiting in line to cast their votes outside
\npolling stations. As compared to the draft adopted by the Senate, the Judicial
\nCommittee of the Chamber of Deputies introduced an amendment at the suggestion
\nof the Permanent Election Authority, stating that exit-polls will now be made
\npublic after midnight on Sunday. Another provision in the new law stipulates
\nthat candidates, whether parties, political alliances or independent
\ncandidates, must now gather 200,000 signatures to become eligible. Another new
\naspect is related to the funding of election campaigns using the budget of
\npolitical parties. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
EU -
\nThe European Parliament is today electing its President, as the MEPs start the
\nprocess of ratifying the appointment of Germany’s Defense Minister, Ursula von
\nder Leyen, as European Commission President. Heads of EU Governments have
\nappointed Von der Leyen to replace Jean-Claude Juncker at the end of three days
\nof negotiations. Over the next five years, Spain’s Foreign Minister, Josep
\nBorrell will be the next High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Belgium’s
\nPrime Minister Charles Michel will be the next European Council President,
\nwhile France’s Christine Lagarde will take over the European Central Bank. The new
\nEU leadership strikes a balance between political representation in the
\nEuropean Parliament, geographical location and gender. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
MOLDOVA -
\nProspects of consolidating top-level dialogue between the Republic of Moldova
\nand the European Union were high on today’s agenda for talks between Moldovan
\nPrime Minister Maia Sandu and EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy
\nand Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, held in Brussels. Prime Minister
\nMaia Sandu pointed out her Government wants to rebuild democratic institutions
\nand restore citizens’ trust in the state, by means of investigating the abuses
\nand irregularities of the previous Government, creating a judiciary based on
\nintegrity and public trust, promoting professionals in key positions as well as
\nfulfilling the requirements of the Association Agreement signed with the EU.
\nTalks also focused on cooperation in terms of EU assistance and possibilities
\nto boost bilateral cooperation using the Eastern Partnership platform, which
\nhas reached its 10th year of existence. Commissioner Hahn hailed the
\nMoldovan Government’s efforts to advance reforms, saying the EU is closely
\nmonitoring developments in the Republic of Moldova. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
LONDON – Romanian
\ntennis players Simona Halep and Mihaela Buzarnescu are today pitted against
\neach other in the second round at Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year.
\nHalep and Buzarnescu went up against each other only once, the former defeating
\nthe latter at a tournament in Italy. Another Romanian, Monica Niculescu, has
\nadvanced to the second round. <\/p>\n
(Translated by V. Palcu)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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