December 1, 2018 UPDATE

Romania's Centennial marked on December 1, EURO 2020 drawing of lots in Dublin

Newsroom, 01.12.2018, 19:14

National Day — On December 1, Romania marked 100 years since the setting up of the Romanian unitary nation state. On this occasion as many as 450 public events were organized all across the country. Bucharest venued the biggest military parade of the past decades, which was a unique moment both through the number of military that passed under the Arch of Triumph and the military equipment and technology presented. 4 thousand military, of whom more than 500 soldiers from 20 partner and allied states, marched in Bucharest. More than 200 technical equipment items were presented and as many as 50 planes flew over the capital. The fighting equipment included for the first time the Patriot missile air-defense system and the Piranha 5 armored vehicles which, starting this year, are being manufactured in Romania. Another military parade took place in Alba Iulia, the city in the center of the country, where the union of Transylvania with Romania was proclaimed on December 1, 1918. This was also the biggest parade ever organized in the city of the union. A Monument of the Union dedicated to Romania’s Centennial was inaugurated there. Previously, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church Daniel and the Patriarch of Jerusalem Teofil III held a religious service in front of the Cathedral in Alba Iulia. Also in Alba Iulia a new edition of the Congress of the Romanian Spirituality was opened which is being attended by representatives of the Romanian communities from all over the world. The representative offices of the Romanian Cultural Institute from abroad in cooperation with Romania’s diplomatic missions organized cultural events to mark Romania’s National Day.

Congratulations messages — The Romanian President Klaus Iohannis told all Romanians, on the occasion of the National Day and of the 100th anniversary of the Romanian unitary nation state, that the nation needs everybody’s energy and involvement. He said that Romania’s history was full of obstacles but the country managed to have a mature society, with courageous, responsible and more civically- engaged people, who have the power to fight for a better life for themselves and for their children. President Iohannis invited all Romanians in the country and aboard, to build the Romania of the next century together, united by such values as democracy, freedom and equality before the law. In turn, the PM Viorica Dancila expressed confidence that the Romanian society still has enough resources to reach consensus, balance and political wisdom so as to promote its interest as a European nation. Romanians also received congratulations messages from abroad on their national day. The EC wrote on its Facebook page that the EU would not be complete without Romania and posted a short video featuring symbols of Romania. The Moldovan PM Pavel Filip said in turn that Romania was more than a friend and partner for Moldova. Also the American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a congratulations message to the Romanian people, on behalf of the American administration, posted on the website of the US Department of State that quote: “On this day, we celebrate with all Romanians the 100th anniversary of the creation of modern Romania and we reflect on our friendship and strategic partnership” unquote. Also Pope Francis conveyed cordial congratulations to the Romanian people.

Bucharest winter lights — On Friday evening the winter lights were turned on in Bucharest, earlier than in the previous years, to mark the Great Union centennial. The city was adorned with 9 million light bulbs, three times more than in the previous years. 40 kms of boulevards and streets were decorated with winter lights. In the center of the capital an installation was set up representing the endless Column which measures 12 meters in height and weighs 110 kilograms. The festive lights dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Romanian unitary nation state were turned on by two eminent students in the Constitution Square, which also hosts a Christmas Fair that will be open until December 26.

Condolence message – The Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Saturday conveyed a message of condolences to his American counterpart Donald Trump, on the death of America’s 41st president, George H.W. Bush. According to Klaus Iohannis, George H.W. Bush was a great leader and a genuine man of state, who left behind a valuable political heritage, including for Eastern Europe. Thanks to his efforts, Romania alongside the other states of the former Soviet bloc, has regained its freedom and started on its way to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. George H.W. Bush also set the basis for what later became a deep and valuable Strategic Partnership between the USA and Romania. George H.W. Bush died on Friday at 94.

Football — Romania’s national football team will find out, on Sunday, its opponents in the preliminaries of the EURO 2020, after the drawing of lots to be venued by Dublin, one of the 12 hosts of the continental competition, among which Bucharest as well. Romania’s Arena Nationala – National Arena will host 4 matches in 2020: 3 matches of Group C on June 14, 18 and 22, and a match in the eighth finals on June 29. The 55 teams to participate in the drawing of lots for the preliminaries will be divided into 10 groups, 5 groups of 5 teams each, and 5 groups of 6 teams. Qualifying to the EURO 2020 will be the teams ranking 1st and 2nd in each group. The matches in the preliminary round will take place from March through November 2019.

Paris — The French riot police and protesters clashed in central Paris during a 3rd weekend of nationwide ‘yellow vest’ rallies caused by increased fuel prices. Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and used water cannons against the protesters who were trying to tear down the barricades. Tens of people have been arrested. In a speech on France’s strategy in the energy sector, the French president Emmanuel Macron said he would not abandon the controversial fuel tax that sparked the protests. (translation by L. Simion)