September 8, 2023

LEGISLATION - Romania needs a new law against drug abuse, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said, arguing that the new legislation should provide effective solutions to harsh realities and transpose EU best practices and regulations into national law. At the start of today's government session, Marcel Ciolacu said the new law is one of the government's priorities in the current parliamentary session, expecting the Interior, Justice and Health ministries to come up with a joint bill. "We need a different approach, we need to take swift and firm action, identify the root causes, not just the effects and start bringing down drug trafficking networks", Marcel Ciolacu said. Another priority is to modify the law on gambling with a view to banning the operation of gambling establishments in cities. The bill has been already adopted by the Senate and has been submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, the decision-making body in this case.

ROMANIA-USA RELATIONS - Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr on Thursday met US Ambassador in Romania, Kathleen Kavalec. According to a Ministry release, the two officials discussed the latest Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports on the Danube River, close to Romania's borders. Minister Angel Tîlvăr hailed the strong solidarity expressed by the Allies. In turn, Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec said the US government remains firmly committed to consolidating the defense and deterrence capacities of Romania and NATO against any type of aggression targeting allied territory on the Eastern Flank. In a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Romania's Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu in turn hailed the support and solidarity expressed by the USA and NATO and highlighted the need for NATO to keep an eye on the developments in the Black Sea and the region. Secretary Blinken in turn underscored solidarity with Romania and thanked Bucharest for its support for Ukraine, as well as the additional measures Romania has taken to facilitate the transport of Ukrainian grain on its territory.

GRAIN EXPORTS - The EU's grain exports stood at 5 mln tons in the 2023-2024 farming season, down by 32% compared to the previous year, the European Commission announced. Romania remains the biggest exporter of grain to the EU, with 1.35 mln tons exported in the first two months, followed by Poland, France, Bulgaria and Germany. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat and barley to the EU, accounting for half of total exports this season, Reuters reports.

FEAST DAY - Christians in Romania today celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to Christian tradition, the birth of Virgin Mary, Mother of God, was a miracle. The Virgin Mary is the most celebrated of all saints, whom the Church only celebrates on the day of their death. Four feast days are devoted to the Virgin Mary: the Nativity, the Presentation, the Annunciation and the Dormition.

ENESCU - The Göteborg Symphonic Orchestra will today perform at the Palace Hall in Bucharest on the sidelines of the George Enescu International Music Festival held in Bucharest. Thursday's program included a special concert featuring the "Madrigal - Marin Constantin" Chamber Choir conducted by Anna Ungureanu. The 26th edition of the George Enescu Festival has been held since 1958. This year's edition is themed "Generosity through Music". Over 3,500 artists, 40 orchestras from 16 countries will climb on stage this year.

SPORTS - The Romanian men's volley team is today playing Croatia in the round of 16 at the European Championships hosted by Varna, Bulgaria. Romania grabbed three wins in the group phase, including against the Olympic champions France. On the other hand, the Romanian rugby team is playing Ireland on Saturday in the first match at the World Cup in France. Romania was drawn in Group B alongside the world champions South Africa, Scotland, Tonga and Ireland. And in news from football, the Romanian men's team is playing Israel on Saturday and Kosovo on Tuesday, both on home turf. With two wins and two draws, Romania is second in the group tables after Switzerland. (VP)