July 31, 2020 UPDATE
A roundup of domestic and international news.
Newsroom, 31.07.2020, 20:00
INFRIGEMENT – The European Commission opened 38 infringement cases against Romania in 2019, according to the annual report monitoring the implementation of European Union law published by the European Commission on Friday. The areas affected by infringement involving non-compliance with EU law include financial stability, financial services and the Capital Markets Union, justice and consumers, migration and home affairs, energy, mobility and transport, internal market, industry, entrepreneurship and SMEs, environment, taxation and customs union. As many as 17 infringement cases were opened against Romania in 2019 for late transposition of European legislation, according to the same document.
CORONAVIRUS— 1,295 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus have been announced today by the Romanian authorities. Almost 51 thousand people got infected since the start of the pandemic in Romania five months ago and 2,343 people have died. Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday had a new meeting with Interior Minister Marcel Vela and the head of the Department for Emergency Situations, Raed Arafat, to discuss the evolution of the pandemic and the constant increase in the number of infections.
RESTRICTIONS — Italy has announced the extension of the 14-day quarantine for people coming from Romania and Bulgaria, a measure instated last week, that was was initially valid until Friday. Italy is beyond the critical stage in term of coronavirus infections. However, a recent increase in the number of new infections has prompted the government in Rome to extend the state of emergency until October 15. There are a number of restrictions imposed on Romania by a number of countries. Denmark bans the access to its territory of people coming from Romania, while Greece and Ukraine are asking for a negative Covid test to allow their access. Starting August 1, Romanians travelling to Ukraine will have to provide proof of a negative test for COVID-19, no older than 48 hours at the time of entry. Ukrainian authorities introduced the measure after Romania was included on the red list of countries. On the other hand, Romanians traveling to Bulgaria will no longer have to provide the signed statement whereby they pledge to observe anti-COVID regulations and are aware of the risks the pandemic poses. Also, Astria resumes direct flights to Romania this weekend.
GOVERNMNENT – The Bucharest Government on Friday held its second meeting this week. The meeting’s agenda included measures in the economic and social sectors, such as granting of 1 billion euros for the restart of the economic activity, for investment and for the SMEs without employees. Also, the Government wants to adopt an emergency order to double child benefits. Labor Minister Violeta Alexandru on Thursday presented a bill providing for the gradual doubling of child benefits, to roughly 60 euros per month for children aged 2 to 18, and to 120 euros per month for children up to 2 years of age and for children with disabilities. The minister explained the increase will be gradual, up until 2022. In a first stage, in September, child benefits will be raised by 20%.
UNTOLD — The 6th edition of the largest electronic music festival in Romania, Untold, that began on Thursday is being held online for 4 days, amid restrictions and social distancing rules triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers have announced exceptional guests and surprises. In February, Untold announced its first participants this year, including David Guetta, Martin Garrix and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. Pussycat Dolls, Iggy Azalea and The Script also confirmed their participation, while Paul Kalkbrenner, Charlotte de Witte and Richie Hawtin make up the techno section of the festival. Over 80,000 fans have enrolled to take part in this online edition of the festival.
TIFF – The 19th edition of Transylvania International Film Festival that strated on Friday in the north western Romanian city of Cluj Napoca is held exclusively outdoor, in over 10 locations. The film “La Belle Epoque”, a French comedy featuring Fanny Ardant opened the event that ends on August 9. Over 130 films will be screened during the ten days of the festival. This year’s event is dedicated to the great Italian director Federico Fellini. Romanian actress Maria Ploae will receive the award of excellent at the current edition of the festival. (Translated by Elena Enache)
