May 9, 2023
A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 09.05.2023, 13:55
Message — Romania’s President, Klaus Iohannis, sent a message on Tuesday, May 9, on the occasion of Europe Day, in which he emphasizes that May 9 occurs at a time of profound change at the global level. The consequences of the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine have multiplied, and the principles, values and multilateral system that underlay world peace after the Second World War are still threatened, while at the global level we see a tendency of fragmentation and geopolitical resettlement, said Klaus Iohannis. In this global context with many challenges, Europe, a symbol of the values of peace, freedom, democracy, and human rights, has an even more important role today. Defending these values is a responsibility that will shape the world in which future generations will develop. Romania, Klaus Iohannis went on to say, is an active part of European efforts and initiatives to implement common strategic priorities, to the benefit of our citizens. Unity and solidarity remain our main asset, and the last years have been clear proof that we are stronger only united and in solidarity, Klaus Iohannis concluded.
Ordinance — The Romanian Finance Ministry published on its website, on Monday evening, the draft emergency ordinance through which the Government hopes to save over 5 billion lei (1 billion Euros) to the budget. Among the measures proposed are: the 10% reduction in spending on goods and services in public institutions and a hiring freeze in state owned institutions, with certain exceptions. Also, the number of positions in the offices and chancelleries of public officials in the central public administration is to be reduced by half. The government is expected to adopt the document this week.
Cybersecurity – The new European Cybersecurity Competence Center was inaugurated, on Tuesday, in Bucharest, with the participation of the Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă and of several senior European officials, shows a press release from the European Commission Representation in Romania. This center aims to support innovation and industrial policy in the field of cyber security, as well as to develop and coordinate EU projects in the field. According to the prime minister, the presence in this part of Europe of an essential component for strengthening the EU’s cyber resilience reconfirms the attention given to our common efforts to protect the economy, the citizens and the public institutions. The decision to select Bucharest as the host city of the Center, Nicolae Ciuca adds, also took into account the very attractive existing ecosystem, the Romanians’ knowledge, skills, innovation and talent in the field of cyber security. Attending the inauguration event, Roberto Viola, Director-General of the European Commissions department for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT), said that Bucharest competed with five other European cities to host such a center and won thanks to its vibrant system of researchers that promote innovation and thanks to the skills they have in the field of cyber security. “Europe is becoming more and more digitized and during this process there emerge risks and obviously advantages. The risk is that the opponents of democracy may attack the foundations of democracy and the way of life of the citizens and of Europe” – the European official added.
Transports – The European Commissioner for Transport, the Romanian Adina Vălean, is on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova and Romania, between May 9 and 11 – the Representation of the European Commission in Romania reports. In Chisinau, Adina Valean and the Moldovan Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Lilia Dabija, signed on Tuesday, in the presence of the Prime Minister Dorin Recean, an agreement that affiliates Chisinau to the European Interconnection Mechanism (EIM). This new agreement will facilitate the Republic of Moldovas access to European funds for major infrastructure projects, in order to improve its connectivity both with Europe and inside the country. Adina Vălean will also meet with the president of the Republic of Moldova, the pro-Western Maia Sandu. On May 10 and 11, the European Commissioner will be in Romania, to visit the Port of Constanţa, on the Black Sea Coast, where she will hand over to the Romanian beneficiaries two EIM grants for financing military mobility actions. One of the projects refers to the modernization of the railway infrastructure in the Port of Constanţa, an essential crossing point within the EU-Ukraine solidarity corridors.
Ukraine – Ukraine announces that it has intercepted a missile attack by the Russian forces on the capital Kyiv. The head of the Ukrainian military administration, Serhii Popko, said that the anti-aircraft defense systems shot down all the 15 cruise missiles launched by the enemy. In recent weeks, a series of explosions, drone attacks and sabotage attempts have also hit Russia. Last week, the Kremlin itself was attacked, and the authorities blamed Ukraine for an alleged drone attack, an accusation denied by Kyiv. On the other hand, additional security measures were taken in Moscow for the annual Victory Day parade, which marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. During the parade, President Vladimir Putin said that the world is at a “turning point”, with a “real war” being waged against Russia by the Western countries, before urging the Russians to victory, France press reports. Victory Day events in several Russian cities have been canceled due to fears of possible attacks.
Gaudeamus – The Gaudeamus Book Fair, organized by Radio Romania, opens its doors on Wednesday in Oradea (north-west). Over 50 brands, among which the most prestigious publishing houses and Romanian and foreign book distribution agencies, gathered in 45 stands. Visitors can choose from thousands of titles from various fields, for all ages and tastes, a large part of which are recent releases. According to the organizers, the editorial offer will be completed by a generous selection of educational games and quality music. (LS)
