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 )
“Garden of Memories,” a civic initiative meant to commemorate the 1989 Revolution that led to the fall of communism in Romania, is set to take place between December 19-20 around the Memorial of Rebirth, in Bucharest’s Revolution Square. Organized by the Streets for People Association, together with the Bucharest City Hall and the Museum of […]
Runware, a startup founded by two Romanian entrepreneurs, announced last week that it has secured a USD 50 million Series A funding round led by Dawn Capital, one of the largest European investors in B2B software companies. The round also included Comcast Ventures, Speedinvest, Insight Partners, and a16z Speedrun. The company founded by Flaviu Rădulescu and […]
The body of Romanian former justice minister Rodica Stănoiu was exhumed on Monday, December 15, after prosecutors opened an in rem case regarding her suspicious death, Digi24 reported. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the former minister may have been killed through negligence. ...
Authorities in Romania have begun imposing fines for owners of bicycles and electric scooters who do not take out mandatory motor third-party liability insurance (RCA). The new rules have been applicable since November 13, but the Romanian Parliament granted a 30-day grace period until the application of sanctions, according to...
Art Safari will relocate to Amzei Square in central Bucharest in 2026, where it will operate under a new format titled Art Safari New Museum, following more than a decade of pop-up exhibitions hosted in historic buildings across the capital. After 12 years, 17 editions, and more than 1 million visitors, the exhibition platform will […]
In Romania, Christmas is more than holiday markets, decorated trees, and wrapped gifts. It's a season filled with old customs, lively rituals, and dishes that bring families together. One of the most popular Christmas traditions is caroling. Although traditions vary depending on the area, the ritual of going from house to house and singing carols […]
