May 9, 2017 UPDATE
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Newsroom, 09.05.2017, 20:06
CELEBRATIONS – Romania on Tuesday celebrated three important public holidays: the proclamation of its state independence in 1877, World War II Victory Day and Europe Day. The defence ministry organised military and religious ceremonies in Bucharest and garrisons across the country in memory of the heroes fallen on the battlefield. The Romanian Academy hosted a solemn meeting to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the proclamation of Romania’s independence. The Romanian soldiers fought in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878 and obtained their country’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.
VISIT – Romania is an important partner for Austria from the political, cultural and economic points of view, Austrian chancellor Christian Kern said in Vienna on Tuesday during a joint conference with his Romanian counterpart, Sorin Grindeanu. The Romanian official thanked Austria for the support it gives to Romania in its efforts to join Schengen. The two officials have also mentioned the two countries’ preoccupation that the EU remain a successful project for Europe, an efficient institution characterized by solidarity based on the principles of democracy and freedom, an institution close to citizens. The Romanian Prime Minister extended an invitation to his Austrian counterpart to visit Romania. Grindeanu also participated in round table talks staged by Austria’s Economic Chamber attended by representatives of the most important Austrian investors in Romania. The Romanian Prime Minister underlined that Austria is one of Romania’s most important economic and trade partners coming second in a ranking of the foreign investors; he also said that Romania is also one of the most profitable markets for Austria in Central and Eastern Europe. According to Grindeanu, the development of the Austrian companies in Romania was also possible due to the country’s friendly business environment. The value of bilateral trade exchanges between the two countries exceeds 1.8 billion euros.
COMMISSIONER The European Commissioner for regional policy Corina Cretu celebrated Europe Day in Bucharest, where she attended a series of events held by the EU Representation in Romania. These included debates on the Union’s future, photography exhibitions, arts and crafts demonstrations and dance performances by members of the Greek ethnic community. The head of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker is also expected to travel to Bucharest, at a time when Romania celebrates its ten-year EU membership. He will address Parliament on Thursday and meet Romanian citizens.
TENNIS – Three Romanians on Tuesday qualified for the round of 16 of the tennis tournament in Madrid with 5.4 million dollars in prize money. The world’s no. 8, Simona Halep of Romania has defeated Italian Roberta Vinci, while Sorana Carstea has outperformed Catherina Bellis of the USA. Irina Begu, also from Romania has obtained a victory against Johanna Larsson of Sweden.
APPROVAL The European Commission has approved a request by the Romanian health minister Florian Bodog to temporarily suspend intra-community exports of combined vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella. According to a ministry press release, the Commission viewed the measure as justified, given that Romania is facing a measles epidemic that broke out a year ago. There is a shortage of vaccines, especially in the west of the country, where the largest number of cases has been reported. 24 persons have died because of measles over the last year.
