May 11, 2023

EDUCATION LAWS - The laws reforming the education system have been submitted to the Senate, the decision-making body in this matter. On Wednesday, the Chamber of Deputies adopted the law package. The two bills making key modifications to the pre-university and academic systems are meant to help graduates attain international standards of excellence, Education Minister Ligia Deca said in her address to Parliament. Representatives of ruling coalition parties say the effects of the new laws will become transparent in upcoming years. From the opposition, USR voted against the law package, arguing it does not respond to the actual problems facing the education system.

GRANTS - European Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean on Wednesday distributed two grants worth €60 mln to Romanian beneficiaries for the construction of the rail bridge in Ungheni on the Romanian border with the Republic of Moldova and for the modernization of the Port of Constanța (southeast). The funds are earmarked under the Connecting Europe Facility. Regarding the bridge in Ungheni, Commissioner Vălean said the project will be an extension of the A8 motorway to the Republic of Moldova, adding that Romania has applied for and secured funding for six bridges.

PNRR - Romania has exceeded the deadline whereby it could still operate changes to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and is now negotiating with European Commission representatives based on the already agreed measures, Romanian Social-Democrat MEP Victor Negrescu said in Strasbourg. Due to changing economic indicators, Bucharest wants to introduce new elements in PNRR such as reforming the pension law, modifying the law salary law and building the subway line to the Otopeni Airport. Romania benefits from total funding worth €29 bln. The Commission disburses the funds in installments until August 2026, depending on each country fulfilling certain objectives.

FESTIVAL - The Cinefemina Film Festival has kicked off in Bucharest. The festival promotes and supports women working in the European film industry by screening features and short films directed by talented women filmmakers and producers. Running until May 14, the festival will bring to cinema halls 12 European features and 5 short films. Produced by film studios from Italy, France, Greece, Romania, Austria, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Hungary, the productions tackle a variety of genres, from comedy, drama to romance. This year, apart from film screenings, organizers have also prepared meetings with filmmakers as well as experts in a number of related fields, representatives of NGOs and journalists. These debates are aimed at promoting women in industries traditionally dominated by men.

GAUDEAMUS - The Radio Romania Gaudeamus Book Fair continues today in Oradea (northwest). Running until May 14, the fair will offer book launches, prize-winning contests and workshops for children. This year's edition is attended by 50 brands, including prestigious publishing houses and book distribution networks. Guests will also get to indulge in educational games and quality music, and visit a new section called Bookoteca, offering second-hand books.

EUROVISION - Romania's representative, Theodor Andrei, is tonight performing in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest. On Tuesday, 10 countries secured qualification to the big final: Croatia, the Republic of Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, the Czech Republic, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Serbia and Norway. Representing Moldova was Pasha Parfeni with the Romanian-language song "The Sun and Moon". The 2023 edition is hosted by the United Kingdom on behalf of last year's winner, Ukraine. Romania's best-rankings in the Eurovision Song Contest include third place in 2005 and 2010 (Luminița Anghel & Sistem / Paula Seling & Ovi) and fourth place in 2006 (Mihai Trăistariu). (VP)