March 23, 2021
A roundup of domestic and international news.
Newsroom, 23.03.2021, 14:32
EC – Romanian Justice Minister, Stelian Ion, had online talks with European Commission experts on the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM). The latter said that, depending on the progress to be made in the upcoming period, the CVM may be lifted. According to a communique of the Romanian Justice Ministry, the draft law on the dismantling of the Special Section for the investigation of magistrates, the modification of justice laws and the new anti-corruption strategy were also tackled. Prime Minister Florin Citu also said in a Facebook post last week that the European Commission supports the lifting of the CVM by year-end. He made the announcement after a meeting with the European Commission vice president, Vera Jurova.
NATO – Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu is attending on Tuesday and Wednesday the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels, the first in-person meeting after 2019, to set the stage for the upcoming Summit. Today Allies will exchange views on the NATO 2030 initiative to future-proof the Alliance, which will be at the heart of the Summit. Also, they will continue consultations on NATOs response to challenges and threats from the Southern Neighborhood, with a focus on the situation in Afghanistan. Minister Aurescu, will reiterate Romanias support for a new Strategic Concept of NATO,that should offer the Alliance the proper response tools to current security challenges. The Romanian official will emphasize Romanias commitment to further participate in peace keeping efforts in Afghanistan, by mentioning the countrys contribution to the Resolute Support mission.
CORONAVIRUS – Romanian Prime Minister Florin Citu is today holding a number of meetings with local authorities on the situation generated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has got worse in the past few days. The number of infections has surged in 30 counties and the capital Bucharest, with new localities having to comply with red zone rules. On Monday, at meetings with the mayors of the Bucharest districts and the prefects, the PM reiterated the need for the rules in place to be strictly observed. More thorough checks have been announced as an alternative to lockdowns. Romania has exceeded 900 thousand infections since the onset of the pandemic. 6,149 new infections have been reported today, at 38,400 tests performed. 1,367 people are in ICUs, and another 174 Covid-related deaths have been reported, bringing the total death toll to 22,440.
MOLDOVA – Moldovas Constitutional Court on Monday ruled that the appointment of Igor Grosu as prime minister was constitutional. According to Radio Chisinau, the Court thus rejected the appeal of the Socialists Party, who contested President Maia Sandus decree. Following the ruling, the PM designate is to submit Parliament his governing programme and the cabinet makeup.
RADIO DRAMA – “Twin Souls, a production of Radio Romanias Radio Drama Department, written by Petre Barbu and directed by Attila Vizauer has been shortlisted at the UK International Radio Drama Festival held online between March 22 and 26. Over 100 productions from 21 countries are in competition, of which 20 have been shortlisted for the Radio Drama category and 24 for the Short Forms category. The festival brings together work from national broadcasters with that of emerging independent producers. The theme of this years festival is “We shall everyone be maskd.
TENNIS – Romanian tennis player Mihaela Buzarnescu (WTA 137) defeated Canadian Leylah Fernandez, 6-4, 6-2 to make it to the last qualifying round for Miami Open. Buzarnescu will next be up against German Anna-Lena Friedsam (WTA125). Three Romanian players, Simona Halep, who is the competitions 3rd seed, Sorana Cirstea and Irina Begu will take part in Miami Open. (EE)
