Ooni Koda
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Newsfeed
  4. /
  5. U.S. – Romanian Cooperation to Counter Russia’s Threat...

U.S. – Romanian Cooperation to Counter Russia’s Threat to Global Food Security

October 17, 2023

Op-Ed by U.S. Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec September 18, 2023   Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe, claimed thousands of lives and cut off critical food supplies from Ukraine to the world.  To its great credit, Romania, working with the United States, Moldova, and the EU, has responded to Russia’s attacks on global food security by accelerating Ukrainian food exports through the Danube to Constanta and beyond.    Russia's unilateral and callous withdrawal in July from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) has disrupted grain markets, threatened global food security, and prevented food from reaching the world’s most vulnerable populations.  Until then, the BSGI had served as a vital humanitarian corridor that allowed Ukraine's Black Sea ports to export grains and essential goods, bypassing Russia's blockade.  Thanks to the BSGI, hundreds of vessels transported nearly 33 million metric tons of grain and foodstuff worldwide from Ukraine via the Black Sea.     While Russia has chosen to weaponize food, the United States, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Union have together sought to look for viable solutions to counter Russia’s withdrawal from BSGI and its continued assaults on Ukrainian grain shipments and food transport infrastructure.     The Solidarity lanes established by the EU last year in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine provide new transport infrastructure that allow almost all of Ukraine’s grain exports to reach global markets even if Putin refuses to open the Odessa port.  Over the last year, these routes have gone from exporting roughly three million tons of commodities a year to almost three million tons exported each month.     Romania stands out in Europe for the critical role it has played in supporting the export of Ukrainian grain to world markets.  In fact, more than half of all the grain exported by Ukraine has transited through Romania on its way to consumers all around the world.  Romania has facilitated the shipment of nearly 30 million tons of Ukrainian grain through the Danube and Constanta Port since the start of the war.    Romania’s assistance to Ukraine also benefits Romanians.  Not only have Romania’s EU-financed efforts to modernize its own rail, river, and port infrastructure enhanced the efficiency of grain transport in the region, but they have also stimulated economic growth at home.  Investments in Romanian infrastructure help boost Romanian exports and imports, create more jobs for Romanian workers in agriculture, engineering and construction, and attract more investment into Romania.  Better infrastructure will facilitate the movement of people and goods, reducing travel time and costs.     Just as important, Romania’s leadership in this area has helped avert hunger and helped lower food prices worldwide.  Romanians can take pride in the critical role that their country has played in making sure that life-sustaining grain continues to reach those who need it most.      The United States is proud to partner with Romania in support of these important efforts.  U.S. and EU officials have been working together this year to facilitate discussions among Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania about ways to improve and expand these networks to allow Ukrainian grain to continue to flow in larger quantities.  This was the focus of the international meeting Romania hosted in Constanta on September 15.  With U.S. and the EU support, Romania has set an ambitious and important goal of doubling the amount of Ukrainian grain that is shipped out via Danube ports to world markets by November.      The United States is deeply grateful to Romania for these and other efforts to counter Russia’s unprovoked, horrific aggression against Ukraine.  Russia has targeted Ukrainian grain infrastructure with drone attacks.  Romania has found debris from drones on its sovereign territory.  There is no excuse for Russia’s targeting and destruction of grain that is desperately needed in vulnerable nations – Russia bears full responsibility for its actions.      We cannot afford to let Putin get away with his behavior.  We must ensure that there is a high price for Russia’s action, and that Putin faces international isolation and pressure, not business as usual.  The United States reiterates its call on Russia to cease attacking Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and extend, expand, and fully implement this vital agreement.    As strategic partners, close friends, and key allies in this fight, the United States will continue to stand together with Romania, as we continue to provide vital support to Ukraine.    (Source: Public Diplomacy – Press Office - U.S. Embassy-Bucharest)   

Read in full - click here
June Communications strengthens its management structure. Bianca Caragea appointed as Operations Manager

The agency plans to expand its team and reach a turnover of EUR 450,000 by year-end. June Communications (JUNE), a business-to-business PR and integrated communications agency, has appointed Bianca Caragea as its new Operations Manager. The step strengthens the agency’s management team as it enters a new stage of growth after seven years of sustained […]

Western Romania: Babeș-Bolyai University establishes endowment fund

The Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca (UBB) has established an endowment fund, which the institution described as a "strategic" financial mechanism aimed at supporting academic excellence and ensuring the long-term sustainability of university projects. The initiative is a first of its kind in the local academia, UBB said. The endowment fund involves attracting donations/financial resources and […]

Romanian authorities reportedly mulling access fee for the Transfăgărășan mountain road

Romanian authorities are reportedly considering imposing an access fee for the Transfăgărășan mountain road. The funds would be used for setting up decent parking areas, selecting merchants, and similar initiatives.  The beautiful, winding road is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. Local authorities say the funds from an eventual toll would […]

J Balvin to perform in Dubai for first time at Untold Festival

Colombian reggaeton superstar J Balvin will perform in Dubai for the first time this November, headlining Untold, the globally recognized festival born in Romania. The event will take place from November 6 to 9 at Dubai Parks and Resorts, featuring more than 100 international acts across five stages.  The festival is staged in partnership with […]

Over 17% of Romanians faced severe material deprivation in 2024, Eurostat says

More than 17% of Romania’s population faced severe material and social deprivation last year, which was one of the highest shares in the EU, according to the statistical bureau of the European Union - Eurostat.  In 2024, 6.4% of people in the European Union faced severe material and social deprivation, a slight decrease compared to […]

Animal rights march to take place in Bucharest in October

The Freedom and Respect for Every Earthling association will hold the March for Animal Rights in Bucharest on October 4, to mark International Animal Day. The march will start at 11 AM at the National Theater Park, and will go on to Piața Victoriei. Organizers say they aim to bring to the forefront the suffering […]