Bucharest intends to ask the European Commission to revise the proposed legislation to reduce methane emissions because Romania would face high costs compared to other member states, as Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja announced on Tuesday, www.euractiv.com informs. The new proposal will result in over €1 billion expenses for Romania, impacting both industries and consumers. “We will fight for the final version of the regulation to take into account Romania’s unique circumstances”, Burduja said at the Romanian International Gas Conference 2023, adding that he is going to discuss with all member states and institutional actors. In December 2022, the Council reached an agreement (general approach) on a proposal to track and reduce methane emissions in the energy sector, as methane is a powerful greenhouse gas responsible for about 30% of current global warming. The proposal introduces new requirements for the oil, gas and coal sectors to measure, report and verify methane emissions (MRV) at the highest standard. Operators must carefully document all wells and mines, trace their emissions and take appropriate mitigation measures to prevent and minimise methane emissions in their operations. Burduja said Romania has to monitor over 60,000 wells. Maintaining the current form of the Regulation would adversely affect the competitiveness of the Romanian economy and burden its citizens. The second-largest producer of oil and gas in the EU, Romania is among the Union countries with the highest reported annual methane emissions from the energy sector, according to a scientific study coordinated by UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, Utrecht University and Environmental Defense Fund.
Travelers planning to take advantage of Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver program will have to pay around EUR 250 for a one-way plane ticket to the United States. Romania was formally designated the 43rd country to join the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on Friday, January 10. As a result, Romanians will...
Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu, the leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), announced plans to initiate a legislative project for Romania's administrative and territorial reorganization during the parliamentary session set to begin in February. Speaking at the PSD headquarters on Monday, January 13, Ciolacu revealed that a dedicated working group has been established to […]
The Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) is organizing through its branches abroad a series of events "celebrating prominent figures of Romanian arts and culture" to mark the National Day of Culture, celebrated every year in Romania and the Republic of Moldova on January 15. It coincides with the birth date of the national poet Mihai Eminescu […]
Former liberal leader Crin Antonescu (picture, right), the candidate announced by the coalition formed by the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, and Hungarian minority party UDMR for the presidential elections, stated that far-right politician Călin Georgescu (picture, left) should be able to run in the upcoming elections. According to the schedule agreed by the […]
The Bucharest Authority for Animal Surveillance and Protection (ASPA) has announced the restart of its free sterilization campaign for common-breed dogs and cats. Starting in January 2025, residents of the capital city can benefit from this initiative aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership and controlling the pet population. For common-breed dogs with owners, sterilizations will […]
Jaqueline Cristian is the first Romanian player to qualify for the second round of the 2025 Australian Open. She claimed a hard-fought victory against Croatia's Petra Martic in the first round on January 13, winning in three sets 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (10/7). Monday's match lasted two hours and 35 minutes, according to
