October 20, 2023
A roundup of domestic and international news
România Internațional, 20.10.2023, 13:55
Summit. The transformation of Romanias economy into a green and digital one is a long-term process, which requires a strong national plan and must be assumed by all political, business and civic forces, the Romanian Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, told the participants in the second “Climate Change Summit”. According to him, mitigating the effects of climate change in the short, medium and long term is a priority for the Bucharest Executive. He also stated that in collaboration with the private sector, solutions for the future can be developed, so that Romania in 2030 will be better prepared to deal with climate challenges. For his part, the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, stated that the impact of climate change is global and appreciated the fact that part of the Summit is taking place in universities. He stressed that young people must have opportunities to participate in the process of decarbonization and acceleration of the green transition.
Schengen. The European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, says that the good results obtained by Romania and Bulgaria in the management of pilot projects on migration are an additional argument in favor of the accession of the two states to the European Free Movement Area – Schengen. The statement was made at the Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg. Several countries supported the entry of Romania and Bulgaria into Schengen. Austria and the Netherlands, which opposed the accession last December, did not present any argument.
Aid. The National Committee for Emergency Situations in Romania has decided to grant support to the population of the Gaza Strip. The humanitarian aid will consist, among other things, of food, water, beds, mattresses and tents. The transport will be provided with the support of the Romanian Ministry of Defense and international organizations, the Romanian Government has announced.
Bonuses. The Bucharest government will adopt, in todays meeting, the decision by which career bonuses will be granted for teaching and auxiliary staff, as well as professional career bonuses for non-teaching staff in the state education system, supported by non-refundable external funds. These are the amounts promised by the Executive during the teachers strike in May, of 1,500 lei (the equivalent of 300 euros), and 500 lei respectively (100 euros). Also today, the Government will approve the National Health Strategy for the next seven years.
Israel. Israel will evacuate the city of Kyriat Shmona, on the northern border with Lebanon, threatened by the strikes of the pro-Iranian Islamist group Hezbollah, the Israeli army announced today, quoted by international news agencies. According to the source, about 25,000 residents will move “in reception houses, financed by the state”. On the eve, the army reported an attack with anti-tank rocket launchers from the Lebanese territory and responded by attacking “Hezbollah infrastructure”. Air raids were also launched against the Islamists. Since the start of the war triggered by an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, clashes on the Israeli-Lebanese border have left around twenty dead on the Lebanese side, mostly fighters, as well as a Reuters journalist and two civilians. On the Israeli side, at least three people were killed.
Ukraine. Ukrainian troops are facing fresh attacks by the invading Russian army in the largely destroyed eastern town of Avdiivka and are making progress in their counteroffensive on the southern front, senior military officials in Kiyiv say, quoted by international news agencies. The commander of the Ukrainian army, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi says that “the enemy keeps attempting to break through our defenses and surround” Avdiivka. According to the source, the Russians are bringing new assault and armored units there and striking with aviation and artillery. In the south, the Ukrainians claim to have advanced 400 meters near the village of Verbove, in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Theater. The 23rd edition of the National Theater Festival begins in Bucharest today. The official opening will take place at the National Theater and will be followed by the first performance of the guest show “Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists” from Portugal. The festival will last 11 days and will offer the public 30 productions from Romania and three foreign shows. The program also includes debates, conferences, exhibitions, book launches, reading and radio shows, as well as creative workshops and meetings with artists. (MI)
