October 7, 2020 UPDATE

Click here for a roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 07.10.2020, 20:11

CORONAVIRUS Romanian president Klaus Iohannis on
Wednesday night launched a new appeal for the strict compliance with the rules
aimed at containing the novel coronavirus. The appeal comes after 2,958 new
infections were reported on Wednesday, a record high since the beginning of the
pandemic. The total number of infections reached 142,570. The death toll of 82
in a single day is also a record high, which brings the total to 5,203. 612
patients are in intensive care. Authorities in Bucharest have again decided to
close down indoor bars, clubs and discotheques as well as cinemas and theatres.

ECONOMY The World Bank expects Romania’s economic
output to shrink 5.7% this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and to see a 4.9%
growth next year. However, these figures may depend on the severity of the
medical crisis, the response of the authorities, the impact of the economic
incentives and the measures taken at the EU level. According to the
aforementioned institution, emerging economies in Europe and Central Asia are
in for the severest recession since the 2008 crisis and might see a 4.4%
economic slump by the end of 2020. Last week, the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development envisaged a 5% economic drop for Romania and a
3% growth next year.

CYBERCRIME Stepping up public sector partnerships in
the face of increasingly pervasive cybercrime threats was the theme of the 8th
INTERPOL-Europol Cybercrime Conference held on October 6. Taking place online
for the first time, the one-day conference saw more than 400 cyber experts from
law enforcement, private industry, international organizations, CERTs and
academia tune in to discussions on emerging cyber threats, trends and
strategies. Recent findings from both Interpol and Europol have made clear that
cybercriminals around the world have been able to capitalize on the global
COVID-19 pandemic, turning the health crisis into an opportunity, Europol said
in a press release after the conference. At the same time, the pandemic has
accelerated the digital transformation and increased people’s reliance on
connectivity and digital tools. In a world where more than 4,5 billion people
are online, more than half of humanity is at risk of falling victim to
cybercrime at any time, said INTERPOL Secretary General Jurgen Stock.

DEFENSE – Romanian Defense Minister, Nicolae
Ciuca, is paying a 5-day official visit to the US starting on Wednesday, upon
an invitation extended by the US Secretary of Defense Mark Thomas Esper, the
Romanian Defense Ministry has announced. Minister Ciuca will have a series of
meetings with high-level officials of the US Department of Defense to discuss
ways to consolidate the bilateral strategic partnership. The Romanian official
will reiterate Bucharest’s commitment to develop its defense capacity through
training programmes and the purchase of modern equipment. Also discussed will
be Romania’s concerns regarding the security situation at the Black Sea and the
need for a coherent approach regarding the defense and deterrence strategy on
NATO’s eastern flank.

(bill)