December 11, 2018

Higher Defense Council of Romania discusses defense spending; European Parliament votes on resolution to admit Romania and Bulgaria into Schengen space

Daniela Budu, 11.12.2018, 14:11

BUCHAREST — The Higher Defense Council of Romania meets today in Bucharest to discuss projected defense spending for 2019-2028, as well as planning for foreign missions and operations for next year. The members are also setting the timetable for the activity of the council next year. Recently, Defense Minister Gabriel Les said he might have to submit an analysis of the incident between Russia and Ukraine in the Sea of Azov, after submitting one to the Senate Defense Committee last week. Speaking on this issue, President Klaus Iohannis said that Romania was prepared to face any scenario, and assured Romanians that there were no reasons to worry.

SCHENGEN — The European Parliament votes today a new resolution requesting to admit Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen Area, after discussions Monday. The final call falls on the European Council, to the extent that the European Parliament greenlighted the two states in June 2011, confirming its position several times. The two states have been prevented from joining by repeated objections from several other European states, for reasons of slow reforms in the justice system.

LONDON – Romanian Custodian of the Crown Margareta and her consort, Radu, are being received by Queen Elisabeth in a private visit in London. On Monday, at a dinner in their honor, the Custodian reaffirmed the close ties between Romania and the UK, evidenced by the interest shown by the British royal family in the Centennial of Romanias Grand Union. The couple is on their first visit to Britain, and this is the first visit to the UK that Princess Margaret makes as the head of the Royal House of Romania. The visit celebrates the Centennial of the Romanian union, and the centenary of the end of WWI. King Mihai I, Margaretas father, who passed away on December 5, 2017, at 96 years of age, was third cousin to Queen Elisabeth.

HANDBALL – The Romanian women’s handball team plays against Spain on Tuesday, in its second game in the 2018 European Championship group phase, with a third game scheduled for Wednesday against Hungary. To secure qualification from one of the top two positions in the group tables, Romania needs to win both games. On Sunday, Romania lost to the Netherlands, 29-24, in the first group phase fixture, its first defeat after the wins against the Czech Republic, Germany and Norway. The best result so far in this championship was the bronze in 2010.

MACRON — French President Emmanuel Macron spoke last night to the nation, under pressure to find a solution to the crisis sparked by the so-called Yellow Vest protests. He denounced the violence in the streets last week, and declared an economic and social state of emergency, issuing a series of promises. Among them are raising the minimum wage by 100 Euro per month starting next year, and pulling income tax on overtime. Press agencies comment that the crisis is still in effect, given the deep social inequality that the French feel, as well as a slide into poverty and lack of a voice. Macrons government is accused of siding with the rich, and the protesters vowed to continue their manifestations.

BREXIT — British PM Theresa May starts today a tour of Europe in an attempt to save the Brexit deal she negotiated. She hopes to gain guarantees on the part of the accord that prevents a tough border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. European officials in Brussels have offered no substantial change in what has been described as the best and only deal. According to the BBC, European leaders dont expect Theresa May to have much support for a renegotiation of the deal. The tour comes as the British premier announced a postponement of the vote in the House of Commons on the deal with the EU, admitting that it would be turned down if the vote was held now.