February 12, 2026 UPDATE
The latest news on RRI
Newsroom, 12.02.2026, 20:00
European Council meeting – The President of Romania, Nicuşor Dan, participated on Thursday at the Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium, in an informal meeting of the European Council, whose main purpose was to debate the ways in which more prosperity, well-being and quality services can be generated for citizens, in the new global context marked by profound transformations. The agenda of the meeting included topics such as strengthening European industry and building the EU’s strategic autonomy, reducing bureaucracy and national barriers, simplifying legislation, as well as encouraging investments and innovations. Previously, Nicuşor Dan stated that Romania’s priority is to reduce energy prices and share competitiveness funds equally at the Union level. At the same time, the leader from Bucharest supports the need to simplify administrative procedures for businesses, which would facilitate the increase in investments and the expansion of Romanian companies on European markets.
Commissioner – The Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan received, on Thursday, in Bucharest, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, for discussions aimed at the main topics related to the rule of law, the functioning of the judicial system and the reforms undertaken by Romania in the European context. According to the Government, the Prime Minister presented the political and institutional context in which the current government operates, showing that, after the Mechanism for Cooperation and Verification period, ‘the attributions of the political factor in managing the career of magistrates have been significantly reduced, and the responsibilities regarding budgets and promotions have been transferred to the management structures of the judicial system’. In turn, Michael McGrath appreciated the constant cooperation of the Romanian authorities within the process regarding the rule of law and underlined the importance of the constructive dialogue between the European Commission and the Romanian Government. Previously, the European Commissioner also met with the Romanian Justice Minister, Radu Marinescu. The dialogue focused on recent developments at the national level, in particular regarding the judicial system, streamlining the administration of the judiciary and intensifying efforts to prevent and combat corruption. McGrath gave assurances of continued loyal and constructive cooperation with the national authorities, with a view to strengthening the rule of law and the fundamental values of the EU.
Romania’s Tourism Fair – The spring edition of the Romanian Tourism Fair opened on Thursday in Bucharest. For four days, industry representatives will be presenting their offers for the 2026 holidays. Early booking packages for the Romanian seaside, exotic destinations and foreign trips, mountain holidays, as well as cultural and themed tours in Romania and abroad are among the proposals showcased at the fair. According to specialists, Romanians are travelling less and less within the country. Data from last year show that only two months were profitable for domestic tourism. At the same time, the number of people staying in accommodation facilities at the end of the year dropped significantly, the vice president of the National Association of Travel Agencies in Romania, Adrian Voican, has told Radio Romania.
Defense – The Romanian Defense Minister, Radu Miruţă, had a meeting on Thursday in Brussels with the French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin, during which the current developments in the security environment were analyzed, in particular the regional consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and their impact on the Allied Eastern Flank. An important chapter of the dialogue was dedicated to bilateral cooperation in the field of defense. During the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the meeting of Defense Ministers of NATO member states in Brussels, the two officials highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security and the need to maintain a coordinated and coherent approach at the allied level, the Romanian Defense Ministry reported. At the same time, ways to expand cooperation in the field of the defense industry were discussed. Previously, the Romanian minister had a meeting with the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Security and Intelligence, Scott W. Bray. On Wednesday, also in Brussels, Radu Miruță participated in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, at which the European Defense Ministers gave the final vote on the rearmament programs for eight member states. Romania received the second largest funding from the EU, under the SAFE Program, worth 16.7 billion Euros.
Presidency of SEECP – Romania will take over the rotating presidency of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) from Bulgaria on 1 July, with the mandate running until 30 June 2027. According to a statement from the Romanian Foreign Ministry, by assuming this responsibility Romania reaffirms its commitment to regional cooperation, good‑neighborly relations and support for EU enlargement. Romania’s mandate will focus on accelerating the European integration of partners involved in the process, boosting regional cooperation with an emphasis on energy, transport and digital connectivity, strengthening political and economic dialogue among participants, and enhancing regional resilience in the face of current geopolitical challenges and hybrid threats. Established in 1996, SEECP is a non‑institutionalized regional cooperation structure, a political forum managed exclusively by participants from South‑East Europe.
Berlin International Film Festival – Romania is participating in five sections in the 76th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival that opened on Thursday. The event is one of the most important film festivals in the world. Romanian participation is supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute. The productions presented include Shot Reverse Shot by Radu Jude and Adrian Cioflâncă, On Our Own directed by Tudor Cristian Jurgiu, and The Universe Atlas by Paul Negoescu, a Romanian ‑ Bulgarian co‑production. Romania is represented by the Romania–France–Lebanon co‑production Someday, a Child. Romania has won the Golden Bear three times: with Child’s Pose in 2013, Touch Me Not in 2018, and Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn in 2021.
