July 2, 2019

july 2, 2019 A roundup of domestic and international news

SUMMIT - EU leaders are today having a third round of talks in Brussels to decide on the new leadership of EU institutions. Initially they agreed on Socialist Frans Timmermans to take on the Presidency of the European Commission, instead of German Christian-Democrat Manfred Weber, who enjoyed the supported of the European People's Party, who would instead be appointed European Parliament President. However, the deal brokered by Angela Merkel was discarded by the EPP, who are unwilling to give up on the Commission presidency. Manfred Weber does not, however, enjoy the support of the French liberals, who criticize his lack of experience. On the other hand, Frans Timmermans cannot rely on the support of states in the Visegrad group and Italy. Bulgaria's Kristalina Georgieva is runing for European Council President, yet after negotiations failed Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said she is out of the race. Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel could be the next High Representative for Foreign Affairs, while Denmark's Margarethe Vestager of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats could be the next First Vice-President of the European Commission. Representing Romania in the Summit is Romania's President Klaus Iohannis.  



VISIT - Romania was, is and will remain the most constant and vocal supporter of Moldova, President Klaus Iohannis said earlier today after talks with Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu, who is on a visit to Bucharest. The President said Bucharest will support at EU level financial assistance for the Republic of Moldova. In turn, Prime Minister Sandu said the Government wants to develop joint projects with Romania, and the European agenda is the defining characteristic of relations with Bucharest. Also today Maia Sandu met with her Romanian counterpart, Viorica Dancila, and with Chamber of Deputies Speaker, Marcel Ciolacu. Sworn in last month, Maia Sandu decided to pay her first external visit to Bucharest, although she previously announced she would visit Brussels. Another Moldovan official on Monday visited Bucharest, Foreign Minister Nicolae Popescu, who said Moldova is firmly and irreversibly on track to European accession. Last year, 68% of Moldova's exports were to the European Union, while 20% were to Romania, Minister Popescu went on to say.  



DRAFT LAW - A draft law on voting abroad is under debate in the Judicial Committee of the Chamber of Deputies today. On Wednesday, the bill will be debated and voted upon in the plenary sitting of the Chamber of Deputies, the decision-making body in this case. The Senate on Monday passed the bill, which provides for alternative voting procedures for Romanians abroad, such as extending the vote for three days and postal voting. The bill is aimed at allowing all Romanians to cast their vote and avoiding difficulties and delays, such that were reported in the recent European Parliament election. 



TENNIS - Four Romanian tennis players are today competing in the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Ana Bogdan is playing Johanna Konta of Great Britain. Sorana Cirstea will take on Amanda Anisimova of the United States. Monica Niculescu, the recipient of a wildcard, will play against Andrea Petkovic of Germany. Finally, Elena-Gabriela Ruse will go up against Julia Georges of Germany. On Monday, another two Romanians, Simona Halep and Mihaela Buzarnescu advanced to the second round where they will be pitted against each other. In the men's singles, Marius Copil lost 1-3 to Guido Pella of Argentina. 


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Publicat: 2019-07-02 14:00:00
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