USAID, with bipartisan Congressional support, is supporting new locally-driven initiatives in Central Europe with the goal of strengthening democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media, which are all pillars of resilient democratic societies. These programs will be implemented by a coalition of partners with deep knowledge of the region, experience in providing tailored support to local communities, and a commitment to internationally-recognized best practices to support democracy. Local ownership is the key to the USAID programming in Central Europe which was recently launched. USAID will work with local and diverse organizations, putting local stakeholders in charge of the process to identify needs, design and implement solutions, and monitor results. In Central Europe, USAID is proud to support local partners in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to: Increase the capacity of civil society to strengthen democratic principles and empower citizens to protect fundamental freedoms. Strengthen the competitiveness, financial independence, and sustainability of the independent media sector. Build the watchdog skills of civil society and media to enhance rule of law observance, combat corruption, and increase access to justice. Increase civic engagement through collective action of citizens to strengthen democratic systems. The Biden-Harris Administration has made clear that bolstering democracy in the United States and around the world is essential to meeting the unprecedented challenges of our time. USAID activities in Central Europe are rooted in our shared democratic commitments to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and adherence to the rule of law enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and Charter of Paris for a New Europe, to which the U.S., Central European, and other countries committed as participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. (Source: Public Diplomacy – Press Office, U.S. Embassy-Bucharest )
More than 680 houses in Suceava country and 170 houses in Neamţ county were impacted in the flash floods that hit northeastern Romania at the end of last week. Forty-one houses were completely destroyed, Raed Arafat, the head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), announced on Friday, August 1. Three people were killed in […]
Romanian justice minister Radu Marinescu said on Thursday, July 31, that harsher penalties are being considered for violence against women and domestic violence, including the criminalization of femicide. The minister said that Romania currently has legislation that is fairly adequate, in line with European standards, for combating violence, including domestic violence. He also said that […]
Via Transilvanica, the long-distance trail that crosses the country, will apply to be the first accredited long-distance route in Romania after the government issued the methodological norms regulating the hiking trails of national interest. Tășuleasa Social, the non-profit that developed the trail, called the recently issued norms "a huge step that transforms a bold idea into...
Former prime minister and Social Democratic leader Marcel Ciolacu stated that he does not rule out a candidacy for the presidency of the Buzău County Council, after rumors to that end. PSD Buzău president Romeo Lungu had previously told journalists that discussions are underway for the former prime minister to run for the Buzău County […]
The Balneo-Physiotherapy Clinic in the Călimănești resort town, southern Romania, will undergo rehabilitation with a EUR 10 million financing from the European Union, according to representatives of the Vâlcea County Council. The project implementation period will be 24 months from the completion of the tender for the execution of the works, which include, in addition […]
Bringo, the first personal shopper-based rapid grocery delivery service in Romania, handling over 4,000 daily orders in more than 35 cities, launches a loyalty program that turns shopping into a continuous reward experience. "Beyond functional benefits like discounts, free delivery, or double refunds for SGR packaging collected right at your doorstep, Bringo YOU offers a […]
