December 27, 2013

News and current affairs from Romania

Corina Cristea, 27.12.2013, 11:01

Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean met Israeli president Shimon Peres on Thursday at the end of his visit. The two discussed the upcoming joint government meeting scheduled for 2014, emphasizing the significant role that the Jewish community plays in Romania, as well as the role of Israelis of Romanian origin play in Israel. The Romanian official has been on an extended visit to Israel, between 22 and 26 December, meeting a number of high Israeli and Palestinian officials, confirming the good political relations with both communities. Discussions focused on the peace process in the Middle East, and the most important issues in the region.

Switzerland will not be lifting restrictions for Romanian and Bulgarian workers on January 1st 2014 like the members of the European Union, according to local press. Switzerland claims exception from rules lifting the ban as a non-EU member until 2016, with the possibility of extension until 2019. These measures were adopted in 2009 by popular vote, while the option to extend was put in place by the Federal Council in April 2012, implementing limited access for workers from the eight of the ten states who joined the European Union in 2004, expanding it in 2013 for a year for the rest of EU countries. Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007.

The majority of Romanian Christians, of the Orthodox persuasion, as well as Greek Catholics, celebrate on Friday St. Stephen’s Day. St. Stephen is said to have been martyred for his faith in 33 CE, the first of a long line. This day is also the third and last day of Christmas. Over 422,000 Romanians bear his name, or derivatives thereof.