September 29-October 5
A look at the main events of the past week.
România Internațional, 05.10.2013, 14:02
Romania and the Schengen area
Romania’s road to the passport-free travel area is fraught with many obstacles. Romania and neighbouring Bulgaria have been waiting for the green light to join Schengen for more than two years. Some EU Member States however seem reluctant to say yes to their accession, pointing to insufficient progress in the fight against corruption in the two countries. This week French Minister of Foreign Affairs Thierry Repentin said Romania and Bulgaria would more than likely not join Schengen due the negative European Commission report on progress in the two countries judiciary systems, which he believes to be negative. Moreover, numerous French politicians, both in the ruling coalition and in opposition, have complained about Roma people with Romanian citizenship currently residing in France. They have argued the Roma have no wish of integrating into society and fear they might see more waves of Roma coming their wave once Romania is given green light. Vice chairman of Romania-France Friendship Group Pierre Dufau believes that Roma integration should not be linked to Romania’s accession to the travel free area. Besides, Romania and France are bound by a strategic partnership, in which Paris authorities have expressed their support for Romania’s efforts to join Schengen. Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean argues the terms of the partnership compel the two countries to mutual support.
Vm Track: “The strategic partnership and roadmap signed with the French Prime Minister in Paris several months ago includes a common objective — supporting Romania in its efforts to join Schengen — as well as other political, strategic, economic and cultural objectives, and such a strategic partnership is upheld through reciprocity. If the terms of the partnership don’t go both ways, we should be learning about this from official communication channels, not from the French media”.
Deadlock continues over the gold-mining project in Rosia Montana
This week the deadlock surrounding gold-mining project in Rosia Montana continued. The estimated 300 tonnes of gold in Rosia Montana is reportedly the largest gold deposit in Europe and the third-largest in the world. Antagonists say the project would have a negative impact on the environment due to its cyanide-based extraction methods and result in the destruction of the area’s historical remains. On the other hand, supporters of the project argue the project would make more jobs available for the unemployed in Rosia Montana. The special Parliament committee has been conducting hearings of all parties involved. Romanian Intelligence Service Chief George Maior says Rosia Montana is a matter of national security, although he argues neither in favour nor against implementing the project. In turn, representatives of the Canadian investor say the project would bring in economic benefits, it would make the environment cleaner and capitalize on the area’s cultural and archeological heritage.
A wave of extreme weather hits Romania in early October
A wave of unusually cold temperature was reported in Romania this early October. The first day of October in Bucharest was the coldest reported in the last 80 years. On October 1st, people in Bucharest shivered as the maximum temperature stood at 7 degrees Celsius. Heavy rains and strong win was reported in the south, flooding households and streets, causing blackouts, ripped off roof tops and damaged scores of cars. In the south and in the mountains rain mixed with snow and disrupted road traffic. Several international and national trains reported significant delays.
The National Bank of Romania lowers its monetary policy interest rate, from 4.5 to 4.25%
As of October 1st, the National Bank of Romania has lowered its monetary policy interest rate for the third consecutive time to a minimum low. The key interest rate was lowered from 4.5 to 4.25% per year. The measure is aimed at strengthening national currency loans. For the time being however, the anticipated effects are slow to appear, while commercial banks are harshly reprimanded for not complying with the recommendations of the National Bank and cut back on loans in the national currency. Moreover, Central Bank Governor Mugur Iasrescu argues that instead of lowering interest rates for loans, commercial banks have lowered interest rates for deposits.
The first edition of the Grand Prix Nova International Radio Drama Festival, organized by the Romanian Broadcasting Corporation
Over 50 productions from 22 countries enlisted in the first edition of the Grand Prix Nova International Radio Drama Festival, organized by the Romanian Broadcasting Corporation under the High Patronage of Princess Margaret of Romania. The festival marked Radio Romania’s 85th anniversary, celebrating on November 1st the first public radio broadcast in Romania. The first radio play was broadcast in Romania in February 1929.
Romanian football teams compete in European competitions
Romanian football team Pandurii Targu Jiu on Thursday drew 1-all against Paços de Ferreira of Portugal away from home, in a match counting towards Group E of Europa League. Fiorentina of Italy ranks 1st in the group tables with 6 points, followed by Dniepr Dniepropetrovsk of Ukraine with 3 points and Pandurii and Paços de Ferreira, each with 1 points. On Tuesday, Romanian football champions Steaua Bucharest lost 4-nil to Chelsea London on home ground in a match counting towards Group E of Champions League. Schalke 04 of Germany tops the standings with 6 points, followed by Chelsea and FC Basel with 3 points each and Steaua with no points.
