February 19, 2016
Click here for an update on domestic and international news
Newsroom, 19.02.2016, 12:00
The Romanian PM, Dacian Cioloş and the healthcare minister, Patriciu Achimaş Cadariu are today visiting the county of Arges, in the south, where several cases of serious digestive problems have been reported among children. On Thursday two foreign experts came to Romania in an attempt to try to identify the source of the bacteria that caused the digestive problems in children. 3 of the children continue to be in a serious state, having been diagnosed with the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. We recall that 3 children died in February due to serious digestive infections that were followed by other major complications.
— In Brussels continues the crucial summit where an agreement with Great Britain is expected to be reached in order to avoid the latter’s exit from the EU. After the talks started on Thursday with the 28 EU leaders, the first declarations confirm big differences of opinion. The president of the European Commission, Donald Tusk, believes that no significant progress has been registered and that there is a lot more to be done. The Italian PM Matteo Renzi said Friday that he was less optimistic than at the beginning of the summit and that “steps back” were taken on the first day, Reuters reports. However, the German chancellor Angela Merkel said there was a will for avoiding the Brexit. Romania is represented at the summit by the President Klaus Iohannis who said that Romania promoted the observance of treaties and wanted the Romanian citizens not to be discriminated. The British PM David Cameron wants key changes such as European integration, the functioning of the euro zone, competitiveness and social benefits. Many states announced during the talks that they were not willing to give up their convictions which underlie the EU, namely that the member states should cooperate on a permanent basis and the European treaties should be observed.
In 2016 Romanians mark 140 years since the birth of the great sculptor Constantin Brâncuşi. 19 February has been proclaimed national celebration day and the national Program “140 years since the birth of the great sculptor Constantin Brâncuşi” has been launched on the occasion. The program is being run by the Romanian Cultural Institute in partnership with the “Constantin Brâncuşi” Center for Research, Documentation and Promotion. On Brâncuşi Day, various events have been scheduled across Romania as well as at the Romanian Cultural Institute centers from abroad.
Romania attracted 1.25 billion euros from the external capital markets, by reopening the two installments of euro bonds issued in October 2015, at historical cost lows, the Public Finance Ministry officials announced on Friday. Of the total sum lent, 750 million euros will reach maturity in 10 years’ time while 500 million euros will reach maturity in 20 years’ time. According to Finance Minister, Anca Dragu, the transaction reconfirms the very good perception of and the confidence of investors in the Romanian economy in the context of a volatile market.
Romania’s vice champion women’s handball team, HCM Baia Mare, is taking on Friday, on home ground, the German team Thuringer HC, in the main Group 1 of the Champions League. HCM Baia Mare is ranked 4th in the classification after Rostov on Don, FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria and Larvik, and stands good chances to qualify in the quarterfinals. In the same competition, but in the 2nd main Group, the champions CSM Bucharest will take on, Sunday, in an away match, the Danish team FC Midtjylland. Ranking first in this group is the en titre champion Buducnost Podgorica, followed by Gyori Audi ETO KC, RK Vardar Skopje and CSM Bucharest. (news translated by Lacramioara Simion)
