May 8, 2017 UPDATE
For a roundup of domestic and international news, click here.
Newsroom, 08.05.2017, 19:42
EUROZONE – Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis on Monday said joining the Eurozone is a strategic objective for Romania, and the decision-making factors, including the Government and the National Bank, must decide on a clear roadmap for accession, which should also reflect the impact on fiscal policies. We need many years of preparations to join the Eurozone, although Romania has fulfilled technical requirements for some time, the president added.
FRENCH ELECTION — The pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron has won the French presidency in a decisive victory over the far-right Front National leader, Marine Le Pen. Macron, aged 39, a former economy minister, took 66.1% to Le Pen’s 33.9%. In his first speech after the result was announced Macron vowed to unite a divided and fractured France. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and PM Sorin Grindeanu hailed Macron’s election as president.
MEETING — Romanian PM Sorin Grindeanu on Monday met with the head of the Council of Representatives from Iraq, Salim Abdullah al-Jubouri. The main topic on the agenda for talks was bilateral cooperation, with Romania possibly taking part in the economic reconstruction of this country. On this occasion, the Romanian official said two-way trade have not yet reached their full potential. In turn, the Iraqi official said there are safe zones in his country where Romanian businesses can find opportunities in such fields as transport and the oil industry.
VISIT — European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu is as of Monday on a two-day visit to Romania. She will have talks with Deputy PM Sevil Shhaideh and will take part in a series of conferences and public events. Commissioner Cretu will also visit a project financed with EU funds at the Romanian Patriarchy and will take part in the Caravan of Structural Funds, a project that includes a series of regional conferences on European funds management. Corina Cretu’s visit to Romania coincides with the celebration of Europe’s Day, 10 years after Romania’s accession to the EU.
EU FUNDS — EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu on Monday attended the opening press conference for the second edition of the campaign “Success is contagious!”, organized by the European Commission Representative Office in Romania. Corina Cretu said that 2017 is a crucial year for Romania with respect to structural funds, unless payments start coming in for the 2014-2020 period. The problems Romania is facing right now in terms of absorbing EU funds include its limited administrative capacity, the absence of quality projects and the lacking transport infrastructure. According to Commissioner Cretu, Romania must ‘fight’ for regional policy.
LAW — The Senate on Monday sent back the draft law on pardoning some criminal sentences to Parliament’s judicial committee. The decision had 61 votes in favour, 41 against and 7 abstentions. On Sunday evening several hundred people protested in front of the Government and Parliament offices against the adoption of this law. Senators with the legal committee have brought several changes to the draft law, such as pardoning sentences of up to three years, reducing by 3 years the sentences that do not exceed 10 years and halving sentences in the case of pregnant women. The Senates legal committee, however, gave up the amendments pardoning corruption deeds. Social Democratic leader and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Liviu Dragnea has given assurances that the draft law passed by Parliament will not stipulate pardons for corruption deeds.
REPORT – Romanias food sector will be a regional leader over the next five years, driven by an improving labour market, real wage growth and low levels of inflation, according to a report made public recently by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Economic growth is expected to maintain its upward trend, which anticipates an increase in disposable incomes and the confidence of consumers in the economy and the future, the report also reads. Sales in retailing are also expected to continue to grow over the forecast period, although at a slower pace compared with the review period’s average growth. The report also shows that Romania has a remarkable tourist potential due to two main components, namely, the beautiful natural environment and its rich history.
LITERATURE — A Masterclass in Romanian-British Literary Translation will be held at the Romanian Cultural Institute in Bucharest, between May 8 and 13. As many as six British writers have been invited to work on translations from Romanian contemporary works of fiction. The Radio Romania Culture channel is one of the partners in the event.
TENNIS – Romania’s best tennis player, Simona Halep, no. 8 in the world, defeated Krystina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-2 and will be up against Italian Roberta Vinci in the second round of the Madrid tournament. Another Romanian, Sorana Cirstea, no. 38 in the world, beat Russian Anastasia Pavliucenkova and will next play against American Catherine Bellis. Irina Begu also grabbed a win, defeating Russian Elena Vesnina (14 WTA), 6-4, 6-4. (Translated by V. Palcu & E. Enache)
