Attending on Monday the Foreign Affairs Council (CAE) meeting in Brussels, Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu emphasized the importance of Ukraine receiving quick military assistance through the implementation of the Assistance Fund for Ukraine - part of the European Peace Fund (EPF).According to a statement of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Romanian top diplomat underscored the importance of the fast adoption of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia, and also expressed support for the creation of a new regime of sanctions for Russia's hybrid actions, condemning its recent unacceptable provocations against several EU member states in the Baltic Sea region. The Romanian official cautioned against Russia's hybrid attacks on the Republic of Moldova, which generate significant vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of the neighboring country's electoral processes.Also, Odobescu emphasized the need to continue and strengthen support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's intense and repeated attacks on Ukraine's civil and energy infrastructure, affirming Romania's willingness to continue providing bilateral support to the war-embattled country.The foreign minister also reiterated Romania's support for the European path of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and the organization of the first intergovernmental conferences until the end of June 2024. Regarding President Zelensky's Peace Formula, she emphasized the importance of coordination, both Europe-wide as well as with global partners, in order to ensure the success of the peace conference in Switzerland in June.The agenda of the meeting included a debate on Russia's aggression against Ukraine - with the participation via video conference of Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmitro Kuleba, as well as developments in the Middle East, which were also approached in an informal exchange of views between European ministers with their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and with the Secretary- General of the League of Arab States. The Romanian minister welcomed the role of the states in the region in maintaining regional stability, de-escalating the security situation and mediation, as well as in facilitating the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.The Romanian foreign minister emphasized the need to solve the crisis in Gaza by continuing efforts for the release of all hostages, without preconditions, the ceasefire, the provision of comprehensive humanitarian assistance and the resumption of the political process that will lead to a lasting peace, based on the two-state solution, in coordination with the US, the UK, and regional partners. Odobescu reaffirmed Romania's constant commitment to improving the humanitarian situation and mentioned the dispatch of a new humanitarian assistance transport to Gaza through the humanitarian corridor in Cyprus.
Romania's efforts to stabilize its fiscal position and finalize a new ruling coalition have been delayed after president Nicușor Dan rejected a proposed VAT rate increase central to a budgetary corrective package agreed by the four pro-Western parties,
A sword that may date back to the Bronze Age, roughly 3,500 years ago, was found following searches carried out in a case of aggravated theft, in the commune of Corbasca, Bacău County. The searches targeted the home of a 61-year-old man suspected of illegally possessing a cultural asset likely to be part of the […]
The construction works volume in Romania decreased by 0.5% y/y in gross terms and by 2.8% in workday and seasonal adjusted terms in April, after it boasted a robust 10.6% y/y advance in Q1 (largely on low base effects), according to data published by the statistics office. By type of construction, engineering works—representing approximately 45% […]
Romania's economic sentiment rebounded sharply in May following the presidential election victory of pro-Western candidate Nicușor Dan, according to data published by the CFA Romania Society on June 19. The recovery comes after a significant decline in April amid fears of a potential win by isolationist candidate George Simion. After the recovery in May, the […]
Salt Bank has appointed Vikram Tikoo as its new Chief Technology Officer, marking a significant step forward in the company's pursuit of its digital banking vision. The appointment will take effect once approved by the National Bank of Romania. Vikram has extensive international experience delivering technology solutions on a global scale. He will help enhance […]
Romania’s average net wage, which has posted annual growth rates for nearly two years, advanced by only 3.5% y/y in CFI deflated terms - the lowest growth rate since April 2023, according to data published by the statistics office INS. In nominal terms, the annual advance was 9.9% – the second-lowest growth rate since 2021. […]
