June 29, 2017 UPDATE
Click here for a roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 29.06.2017, 19:34
Government validation — The government proposed by the Prime Minister designate, Social Democrat Mihai Tudose, was validated on Thursday by Romania’s Parliament. Also on Thursday the members of the new executive were sworn in in the presence of the President Klaus Iohannis. Among the objectives of the new cabinet, PM Tudose mentioned increasing the budget revenue collection rate, attracting foreign investors, boosting investments in infrastructure and a higher rate of absorption of European funds. The creation of a position of deputy-prime minister without portfolio to coordinate inter-ministerial activities is the only change in the structure of the cabinet. The new government’s membership includes 16 ministers from the previous cabinet led by Sorin Grindeanu that was dismissed after a no-confidence vote initiated by the main ruling party itself, the Social Democratic Party.
Romanian Bulgarian cooperation — Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev took part today in the opening of a business forum, which they said was meant to stimulate economic cooperation. On Wednesday, the two heads of state had already discussed increasing relationships in the economy, especially in areas such as energy and transportation. Iohannis told his counterpart that Romania was ready to share with Bulgaria its experience in combating corruption. In turn, President Radev said that a secure external EU border needed Romania and Bulgaria within the Schengen space. The two presidents analyzed more concrete means of promoting common EU interests and objectives, considering that Bulgaria and Romania will be holding the half-year presidency of the European Council, in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Iohannnis and Radev have spoken in favor of a strong transatlantic relationship, and have shown concern for security in the Black Sea area.
ISIS propaganda – A 39-year-old man suspected of propaganda for Islamic State and the intention to stage an attack on a military base in Romania has been detained by prosecutors in Arges county, in southern Romania. According to the anti-terror prosecutor’s office, the suspect, known as ‘Ibrahim’, has posted and distributed on social networks photos with the logo of the Islamic State terrorist group, as well as footage of attacks and executions, through beheading and shooting, with the intention of promoting it and attracting supporters capable of committing similar acts. Moreover, he has repeatedly voiced the intention to go to Syria and join the Islamic State. Previously, he had carefully searched the surroundings of a military base in Romania. According to the Romanian Intelligence Service, the suspect has been under monitoring for two years, since he joined a radical Islam movement while on the territory of another EU member country, where he got in contact with members of a jihadist group.
Weather -In Romania, the heat wave is intensifying, and will cover most of the country. The heat index will be over 80 in the west, south and east of the country. Skies will be mostly clear. Maximum temperatures will reach 39 degrees Celsius. The National Meteorology Administration said that this might be the hottest July on record. A code yellow alert for very hot weather is in effect in almost all of Romania’s counties, and several counties in the southwest are under code orange alert. For Friday and Saturday, meteorologists are considering a code red alert for the south and southwest. Interior Minister Carmen Dan has said 840 ambulances and 270 special vehicles will be available for emergencies nationwide.
Cyber attack — The massive cyber attack that Tuesday affected big companies all over the world proved that the fight against cyber crime needed to be intensified, said Thursday, the European Security Commissioner, Julian King. He announced that the EC would allot further funds for 14 EU members and that unity against cyber crime within the Europol would be increased. Commissioner King added that in September the EC would revise its strategy regarding cyber crime. Tuesday’s attacks also targeted companies and institutions from Romania.
Climate change — European leaders on Thursday stated that they would cooperate to promote their opinions regarding climate change and trade freedom at the G20 summit to be held next week in Hamburg. According to Reuters, they will make clear, though, that they are not trying to isolate the US President Donald Trump who has different views on both issues. The German chancellor Angela Merkel said the European countries wanted to convey a message of determination while trying to work out common solutions with Washington. In turn, the French president Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that the US would become rational again, after announcing its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. He added that Europe had many things in common with the US, including the views on approaching terrorism. (news translated and adapted by L. Simion)
