September 20, 2025

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 20.09.2025, 13:40

Exercise. Starting today, the first columns of military equipment belonging to NATO member countries will begin entering Romania via Curtici (west). These troops will take part in the Dacian Fall exercise (DAFA 2025), which will take place in Romania and Bulgaria between October 20 and November 13. The main objective of the exercise is the operational integration of the structures subordinate and affiliated to the Multinational Division Southeast Command and marks the final stage of raising the NATO combat groups in the two countries to brigade level, said General Dorin Toma, who heads the aforementioned allied structure based in Bucharest. More than 5,000 allied troops with 1,200 technical assets from 10 allied countries will take part in the exercise, which will be conducted simultaneously at training ranges. The participating countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. NATO exercises, including DAFA 25, are defensive in nature and are conducted in full compliance with Romania’s international obligations, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

Russia. NATO and the European Union have condemned the violation of the Estonian airspace by three Russian fighter jets on Friday. The Russian Defense Ministry has denied that its aircraft flew over Estonia. Tallinn invoked Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, requesting urgent consultations with allies on the response. The reactions so far have been of total support. Romania also condemned the violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian fighter jets, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Ţoiu said on social media. This month, Russian drones have also violated the airspace of Romania and Poland. On September 13, a drone belonging to the Russian Federation flew for 50 minutes in the Romanian airspace, to then leave the country under the surveillance of NATO military aircraft. In Poland, authorities reported that at least 19 Russian drones violated national airspace on the night of September 9-10, some of which were shot down by the country’s air force and NATO forces.

AEA. Romania has rejoined the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency for a two-year term following elections held on Friday, the last day of the agency’s general conference, the Foreign Ministry in Bucharest has announced. Romania previously served on the agency’s board between 2008 and 2010. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the new term is a recognition of Romania’s expertise gained from over 60 years of activity in the civil nuclear sector. Romania came very close to obtaining the position of director of the International Atomic Energy Agency through diplomat Cornel Feruţă, who held this position on an interim basis for six months in 2019.

Celebration. Bucharest Days are celebrated on Saturday and Sunday with outdoor concerts, theater performances, film screenings, exhibitions, and guided tours. The series of events marks 566 years since the first documentary attestation of the city. The “Open Streets” event enlivens Calea Victoriei with dozens of artistic and community events. A spectacular parade on this boulevard recreates the atmosphere of yesteryear: horses, period costumes, artists, and historical figures. A photography exhibition capturing the atmosphere of the capital during the interwar period can be visited at the Arch of Triumph, and the Brâncoveneşti Palaces at the Gates of Bucharest are organizing historical and military reenactments and ceremonies to honor heroes. The Bucharest City Hall opens its doors to visitors for guided tours, film screenings, exhibitions, and creative activities.

iMapp. The world’s largest video mapping festival returns today for two days in Bucharest’s Constitution Square. iMapp marks a double anniversary: 566 years since the first documented testing of Bucharest and ten years since the festival’s inception. Seven teams, winners of the world’s most prestigious festivals, will present their work on the world’s largest facade – the 23,000 square metre facade of the Palace of Parliament. The teams in the competition come from countries on three continents: China, Japan, Indonesia, Hungary, Germany, France and the United States. This year, two special events are being organized in honor of two Romanian artists who are part of the world’s cultural heritage: a projection dedicated to George Enescu and a video mapping work inspired by the work of sculptor Constantin Brâncuşi.

Festival. The George Enescu International Festival has concerts, exhibitions, and a book launch on the program today. At the George Enescu Memorial House in Sinaia, Valerii Sokolov will perform on the violin and Maria Diana Petrache on the piano, while the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tiberiu Soare, will perform on the stage in Bucharest’s Festival Square. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, conducted by Klaus Mäkelä, will perform today at the Palace Hall. The program includes Rendering by Franz Schubert/Luciano Berio and Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor by Gustav Mahler. The 27th edition of the International Festival will take place in Bucharest and around the country until Sunday. This year, the theme of the event is “Celebrations,” marking the 70th anniversary of the death of the great composer. (MI)