The Week in Review, April 17-22
A roundup of the main developments in Romania this past week
Leyla Cheamil, 22.04.2017, 14:39
The first vice-president of the European Commission Frans Timmermans pays a formal visit to Bucharest
The Romanian legal system has become a model for other members of the EU, and Romanian citizens should be proud of it, said the first vice-president of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, who was on a formal visit to Bucharest. After talks with Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu and Justice Minister Tudorel Toader, the European official gave assurances that Brussels will acknowledge the fulfillment of the 12 recommendations set under the mechanism for monitoring the Romanian judiciary as soon as soon as this has happened. Frans Timmermans has also voiced confidence that the best guarantee that the fight against corruption will continue are the Romanian citizens themselves. Under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism set up by the European Commission, the judicial systems in Romania and Bulgaria have been monitored ever since accession, in 2007, with the aim of overcoming deficiencies existing in the justice system and fighting corruption in these countries. In turn, Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu has stated he would like to see the Mechanism completed before Romania takes over the presidency of the EU Council. We will carry on with the major progress registered in the field of the judiciary and we will make sure justice in Romania is fair and independent, the Romanian Prime Minister also said.
The IMF improves its forecast regarding Romanian economy in 2017
The IMF has revised upwards, from 3.8% to 4.2%, its forecasts regarding the Romanian economy this year, according to the latest economic outlook report made public ahead of its spring meeting. According to the IMF, in 2017 Romania will have the second-highest growth rate in Europe, after Iceland (5.7%). Next year, Romania is expected to record a growth rate of 3.4%. As regards world economy, the IMF estimates a good growth rate next year as well. Acceleration will be largely felt both in the developed and in the emerging economies, but also in the weaker ones, in particular in the manufacturing and trading sectors.
Romania strengthens its defense sector
Romania plans to buy Patriot missile systems and HIMARS rocket launchers, the Romanian Army Chief of Staff Nicolae Ciuca has announced. The Defense Ministry has already sent an application to the US government, given that both systems are manufactured by US companies. Procurement procedures are scheduled to start this year. The Romanian Chief of Staff has stated that the Patriot system fits Romanias integrated multi-level air defense system. General Ciuca made the statement at the Smardan shooting range in Galati County, south-eastern Romania, which on Thursday hosted a tactical shooting drill, with real ammunition. 350 Romanian and US soldiers participated in the drill. Here is the Army Chief of Staff Nicolae Ciuca speaking of the importance of the drill:
Nicolae Ciuca: “This is a drill that helps increase the level of interoperability and reach the joint standards of our armies. Also, it is part of a process under which the Romanian army is consolidating its status as member of NATO and of the EU. The US soldiers are in Romania as part of the operation Atlantic Resolve, aimed at strengthening NATOs eastern flank and deterring any potential act of aggression in the Black Sea area.
As of May 1st, Romanians will travel to Canada without visas
The Canadian embassy in Bucharest announced on Wednesday that the first stage in the process of lifting mandatory visas for Romanians traveling to Canada starts on May 1st. As of that date, the Romanian citizens who have had a visa in the past ten years or who have a visa to entry the USA, can apply for an electronic travel authorization, ETA, which replaces the visa and is valid for a period of five years. The provision only applies to those who travel by plane or transit a Canadian airport. People who want to enter Canada using other means of transport will still need visas. These requirements are to be waived in December, when the Canadian government intends to lift restrictions for all the Romanian citizens.
Bad weather hits Romania
Three quarters of Romanias territory has been under codes orange or yellow alert for snow or heavy rain, strong wind and low temperatures, which is quite unusual for this time of the year. Romanian weather experts have explained that the bad weather was triggered by a trans-Balkan cyclone, which is crossing Romania these days. Strong gusts of wind cut off electricity in dozens of villages in the east and south-east. Also, because of the blizzard, several national road sectors were closed in the east, but also in the south and centre, were local and county roads were also affected. The bad weather also affected the railways. Several trains were delayed by blizzard and strong winds. Also because of the wind, the Romanian ports on the Black Sea were temporarily closed and several international flights were cancelled.
(translated by: Mihaela Ignatescu)
