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Romania's medicated feed control system found in compliance with European standards
The national control system of Romania's National Animal Health and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) complies with European standards in the field of medicated feed, according to the preliminary conclusions of an audit by the European Commission, which did not suggest remedial recommendations for the Romanian authority. 'ANSVSA announces the completion of the audit mission carried out in Romania by the General Directorate for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission. The conclusions included in the draft preliminary report confirm the performance of the national control system, the European experts not formulating, at this stage, remedial recommendations for the Romanian authority,' according to ANSVSA. The audit mission took place between 11-21 May 2026, and was designed to verify the official controls applied in the field of manufacture, release and use of medicated feed in 2022-2025. According to ANSVSA, the preliminary data submitted by the European Commission's experts highlight the efficiency of ANSVSA's control structure and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Regulation (EU) 2019/4. 'The fact that the draft preliminary report of such a complex mission from the European Commission does not contain recommendations for Romania confirms the efforts of our inspectors. We have a control system capable of protecting animal health and consumer safety according to current standards,' ANSVSA Chairman Alexandru Bociu is quoted as saying in a press statement released on Wednesday. Among the strengths highlighted in the draft report are: ensuring the controlled traceability of medicated feed, which is manufactured exclusively on the basis of serial and secure medical prescriptions, functional cooperation between ANSVSA, the county animal health directorates and the College of Veterinarians of Romania (CMVRO), as well as monitoring the implementation of HACCP systems in medicated feed production facilities. According to the authority, the inspectors involved in the official controls aim to contain and prevent the risks related to the contamination with veterinary medicinal products of compound feed without the addition of medicines. ANSVSA said that it will continue to collaborate with the European institutions throughout the procedure for finalising the audit report and ensuring a predictable commercial environment for the livestock sector. AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Mariana Nica; EN - writing by: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu) Display count: 362
UNCHAIN Festival in Oradea brings together global leaders from financial industry
More than 1,200 representatives of financial institutions, regulatory authorities and technology companies from 40 countries are taking part in the 5th edition of the UNCHAIN Festival, held at Oradea Fortress between 17 and 18 June. Opening the summit, former Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka highlighted the need for a more pragmatic approach by the European Union in addressing geopolitical and economic challenges, underscoring that Europe is not just about money, about monetary power, but about security. Belka argued that supporting the European project and monetary integration is essential for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Invited to the opening ceremony, member of the Board of the National Bank of Romania (BNR) Csaba Balint highlighted the importance of dialogue in the context of accelerating technological change. 'I believe this is a place, an opportunity to exchange ideas, share information and ensure, from a regulatory perspective, that these changes will indeed be positive,' the BNR official said. Representing the event's main partner, Catalin Cretu said the most important technological transformations occur at the intersection of different industries and ecosystems, which is why Visa has supported the event since its first edition. The company has assumed the role of a platform that facilitates collaboration between ecosystems and the expansion of financial services into areas such as retail, transport, agriculture and insurance. 'The most impactful innovation happens at the intersection of different industries, different people and different companies. This festival is an extraordinary opportunity for people to exchange ideas, listen to one another, learn and, above all, connect in order to create new partnerships, initiatives and projects,' Catalin Cretu told AGERPRES. According to the organisers, the number of participants has increased by 30% compared with the previous edition. 'We have surpassed 1,000 delegates this year and already have 1,200 registered participants, making it the most important summit in Central and Eastern Europe, held in Oradea, and a strategic event for Romania,' Unchain Marketing Director Daniel Bujorean told AGERPRES. The event agenda includes major topics such as the introduction of the digital euro, the simplification of cross-border verification through a European digital identity, cybersecurity and operational resilience, as well as the regulation and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector. It also covers innovations in instant payments, asset tokenisation and the development of the open finance framework at European level. The topics are being discussed through a series of workshops, presentations, public sessions and round-table discussions hosted both in the inner courtyard and in other spacious areas of the Oradea Fortress. As in previous editions, the event's conclusions and the information presented will be compiled into an annual report and distributed to participants. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eugenia Pasca; EN - writing by: Rodica State) Display count: 326
OncoHelp Summer School Conference in Timisoara to gather 400 specialists
Nearly 400 oncologists, radiotherapists, urologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, imaging specialists, pathologists and palliative care specialists will gather in Timisoara from 19 to 21 June for the ninth edition of the OncoHelp Summer School Conference, whose main theme
USR Political Committee to make formal decision on Vestea Gov't
The Political Committee of Save Romania Union (USR) will meet on Wednesday from 18:30, party spokesperson Cristian Seidler announced. The body is expected to formally endorse the position already adopted by the USR National Bureau regarding the nomination of Adrian Vestea for the
50 tonnes of textiles collected and recycled in Ilfov under the Green-Tex project
More than 50 tonnes of textile waste had been collected by the end of January 2026 through the 12 containers installed at the initiative of the Bucharest Metropolitan Area Intercommunity Development Association (ADIZMB) in the localities of Berceni, Branesti, Pantelimon, Popesti-
Education trade union members are protesting on Wednesday at the Government headquarters and Parliament
Education trade union members are protesting on Wednesday in front of the Government headquarters and Parliament, dissatisfied with the provisions of the draft new salary law, representatives of the 'Spiru Haret' Federation of Education Trade Unions and the Federation of Free Trade Unions in Education inform on Wednesday. According to union sources, approximately 20,000 people are expected to take part in the protest. 'Enough! Education demands respect! Dear colleagues, tomorrow we are taking to the streets once again. We are gathering in Victory Square to demand our rights!' the Spiru Haret Federation of Education Trade Unions stated. The union members will protest in front of the Government building and will then proceed to Parliament. 'The austerity measures recently imposed and the authorities' indifference towards commitments made in previous years compel us to take to the streets again. Without a firm and united response, our rights will once more be affected. (...) Every employee in education has the right to decent socio-professional conditions and recognition of their work through fair pay. Every child has the right to a quality education,' emphasised the Federation of Free Trade Unions in Education. According to the unions, the new salary law 'condemns' teachers to poverty. The draft version of the new unified salary law represents 'a blatant violation of the legislation currently in force, a disregard for commitments made to trade union organisations, and undeniable proof that the Government, the President of Romania, and the political parties are burying education rather than treating it as the foundation upon which a nation's future is built,' union representatives stated at the end of April. The demonstration is organised by the Federation of Free Trade Unions in Education, the Spiru Haret Federation of Education Trade Unions, and the Alma Mater National Trade Union Federation, according to a press release from the Bucharest Gendarmerie. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florin Marin; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia) Display count: 470
Photography exhibition by FIAP President Riccardo Busi, in Princely Palace of Oradea Citadel
The President of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), Riccardo Busi, opened his personal exhibition 'The Art of the Moment' on Tuesday evening in Oradea, hosted by the FIAP Exhibition Center in the Princely Palace of the Oradea Citadel. The exhibition brings together images taken over the last six years in numerous countries and cultural spaces, capturing people, traditions, landscapes and authentic moments of life. 'Life passes very quickly, and photography is only a small part of it, which nevertheless remains, having the incredible opportunity to stop certain moments. Photography helps us remember the past better and gives us the chance to discover other cultures, to share experiences, feelings, even this passion with friends from all over the world', the president of FIAP declared for AGERPRES. The event had a special significance, marking the opening of the 650th photographic art exhibition organized within the Euro Foto Art Gallery. 'We are living a historic moment. The president of the International Federation of Photographic Art is present in Oradea, not only in his official capacity, but also as a remarkable photographer and good friend of mine and the Oradea photographic community. The fact that 650 exhibitions were opened here speaks for itself,' said the president of the International Association 'Euro Foto Art' (AIEFA), Stefan Toth Istvan. University professor Eugen Moritz described the exhibition as 'a celebration of excellence', highlighting the artist's openness to the emotional and social dimension of the image. In his message to the participants, Mayor Florin Birta highlighted Oradea's photographic tradition and the city's increasingly important role on the European cultural map. In recognition of his contribution to the development of artistic photography, Riccardo Busi received the 'Carol Popp de Szathmari' Medal, awarded by AIEFA. In turn, Stefan Toth Istvan was awarded the HonFIAP title and badge, becoming the first of the 38 directors of FIAP exhibition centers in the world to receive this recognition. The 'Art of the Moment' exhibition can be visited for free until June 26. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Eugenia Pasca; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi) Display count: 451
After drawing up 'black lists', CSM complains to European Commission about a 'campaign to discredit' judges
The Superior Council of Magistracy announced on Tuesday that it had sent the European Commission a letter with the decision of the Section for Judges, which established that there was 'a sustained and coordinated campaign' aimed at discrediting the judiciary, in which political actors, affiliated media institutions and civil society organizations participated. The letter is signed by the President of the Supreme Court of Romania, Liviu Gheorghe Odagiu, and is addressed to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath. We remind you that the decision of the Section for Judges of June 9 has a 76-page document attached, in which the SCM lists the positions of some politicians, actions of some associations and non-governmental organizations, but also press articles, which the Section for Judges considers to be part of a campaign of denigration and 'harassment actions' of judges and the President of the Supreme Court, Lia Savonea. 'On behalf of the Section for Judges of the Superior Council of Magistracy of Romania, we hereby transmit to you Decision no. 1,348 of June 9, 2026, adopted unanimously, with a concurring opinion, by the members present, in the exercise of the Council's constitutional responsibility to guarantee the independence of justice (https://www.csm1909.ro/PageDetails.aspx?Folderld=12756). The decision demonstrates how the rule of law in Romania has been called into question in the last year, through a sustained campaign that seeks to degrade it, through pressures exerted simultaneously on the judiciary on several levels. The attached decision is not based on general or unverifiable statements. It presents a chronological succession of concrete and objectively verifiable public facts. Each relevant factual statement is accompanied by a direct hyperlink to the public statement, official document, court decision, institutional communication, press material or original statistical source on which it is based. The Commission is thus provided with the necessary means to directly verify the facts underlying the Decision, their sequence and cumulative nature,' the letter reads. The CSM claims that, since the beginning of the mandate of the new governing authorities, starting in July 2025, an openly declared objective has been to weaken, up to the effective elimination, the financial autonomy and independence of the judiciary. According to the CSM, this discrediting campaign involved 'political actors, affiliated media institutions and civil society organizations with a similar approach'. 'This objective was pursued through measures affecting the remuneration and pensions of judges, the financing of courts, the provision of personnel, recruitment and the institutional capacity of the judiciary to manage the resources necessary to exercise its constitutional function. In order to obtain public support for such a structural intervention, political actors, affiliated media institutions and civil society organizations with a similar approach have carried out, for approximately one year, a sustained and coordinated campaign aimed at discrediting the judiciary. The campaign initially focused on alleged financial privileges and was later expanded to include accusations of widespread systemic corruption and abuse, public delegitimization, attacks against judges and heads of institutions, attempts to modify the governance, representative structures and leadership of the judiciary, proposals for exceptional procedures 'vetting or external involvement in the career of judges, as well as legislative and administrative measures affecting irremovability, remuneration, pensions, recruitment, personnel, resources and financial autonomy, all converging in a common direction,' the CSM states. In the opinion of the CSM, analyzed separately, individual measures and media campaigns often crossed the red line of constitutional loyalty and went beyond the usual political debate, budgetary policy or institutional reform, but analyzed together, in their sequence, intensity and common direction, they reveal 'a systemic risk'. 'Their cumulative effect is likely to produce an inhibiting effect on judges, to erode public confidence in the courts, to weaken the SCM in its role as a constitutional protection mechanism between the judiciary and the political powers, to diminish the financial and operational independence of the judiciary and to remodel its institutional architecture under political influence. The speed, magnitude and simultaneity of these developments are essential. They do not represent a succession of unrelated controversies, but a concentrated pattern of institutional pressure, the cumulative effect of which is capable of weakening one of the three powers of the state, modifying the system of mutual balance and control and endangering the guarantees on which democracy, fundamental rights and the effective application of Union law depend,' CSM declares. The CSM further claims that the general assemblies of judges from all 239 courts and at each level of jurisdiction adopted their own decisions, and the main finding was that they 'denounce the continuous degradation of the rule of law in Romania through the sustained attempt of political power to subordinate justice.' According to the CSM, the general assemblies requested the Council to adopt all available institutional measures, domestically and internationally, to restore the balance imposed by the rule of law, to immediately put an end to the campaign to delegitimize justice and to obtain recognition, by the other powers of the state, of a real independence of the judiciary, an essential requirement of a democratic society. On the other hand, the Council maintains that the decision adopted by the Section for Judges is of a protective and declaratory nature, not jurisdictional, disciplinary, punitive or normative nature. 'It does not establish civil, criminal or disciplinary liability; it cannot impose sanctions, assign an unfavourable legal status, issue binding provisions for third parties or require any person or organisation to change its conduct. Its legal function is to ascertain and reflect the relevant factual reality: to identify verifiable public statements and acts and, where necessary, their authors; to assess their context, factual basis, intensity, repetitiveness, extent and cumulative effect; and to establish, at institutional level, whether the independence of the judiciary, impartiality or professional reputation have been affected. Identifying the source of a statement or act is therefore an evidentiary and analytical necessity, not a coercive measure. The Council has neither the power to sanction the persons concerned nor the power to regulate their conduct, but it has 'the constitutional obligation to reflect the reality that affects the judiciary and to draw attention to its gravity,' explains the CSM. The Council adds that this procedure is neither new nor exceptional, and both sections of the SCM have used the same legal mechanism on numerous previous occasions (465 similar cases between 2011 and 2025), including when the relevant statements or conduct came from political dignitaries, journalists or media organizations. 'What distinguishes the present situation is not the procedure used or the factual identification of the sources of the statements, entities and documented facts, but the unprecedented magnitude, intensity, diversity, duration and cumulative nature of the pressure analyzed, concentrated in a period of approximately one year,' adds the CSM. The Council also says that the judicial dimension of the European Union is direct and substantial, the independence of the judiciary is not just a matter of national constitutional organization, and national courts are instances of the Union's legal order. 'The attached decision should therefore be understood as an early warning communication on the resilience of the institutional guarantees of the rule of law, in order to assess the extent to which the convergence of public delegitimization, coordinated political pressure, institutional reconfiguration carried out without consultation and the simultaneous weakening of professional, financial and operational guarantees creates a serious risk to the independence of the judiciary, the financial autonomy of the judiciary and the system of checks and balances between the powers of the state. The Romanian judiciary fully recognises and welcomes the need for legitimate criticism, democratic accountability and reforms based on data and evidence. At the same time, it is necessary to assess the need to protect the judiciary against coordinated political pressure and to preserve its capacity to act independently. We underline that this letter is formulated in defence of the right 'citizens to benefit from independent courts, within the European Union legal system, as well as constitutional balance, including institutional and financial guarantees without which democratic governance cannot function,' concludes the letter signed by the President of the Supreme Court. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eusebi Manolache, editing by: Georgiana Tanasescu; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir) Display count: 536
Actor Virgil Ogasanu honored on his 86th birthday on the 'Bulandra' Theatre stage
The artistic career of actor Virgil Ogasanu, his theatrical legacy, and especially the celebration of his 86th birthday will be honored on Wednesday, as of 7:00 p.m. on the stage of the 'Liviu Ciulei' Hall of the Bulandra Theatre in Bucharest, during the event 'Virgil Ogasanu - A Life Dedicated to the Stage'. 'It will be an evening about friendship, about the 'Bulandra' School and about the theatre that always brings us together,' the organizers announce on the institution's website. Virgil Ogasanu will be joined by former stage partners and colleagues from film sets, in an event created by director Vlad Cristache. The host of the evening will be actress Daniela Nane. *** Actor Virgil Ogasanu was born on June 17, 1940 in Turnu Severin. He graduated from the Institute of Theatre and Film Arts in Bucharest in 1964, in the class of professor Beate Fredanov. He made his debut at the Youth Theatre in Piatra Neamt, in Mihail Sebastian's play 'The Star With No Name'. Since 1965, he has been assigned to the Bulandra Theatre, where he has performed for more than 40 years. In fact, between 1994 and 1996, Virgil Ogasanu served as the theatre's director. On the Bulandra stage, he established himself as a powerful actor and was cast in numerous productions, performing both classical and modern roles - in works by Caragiale, Goldoni, Molière, Chekhov, Ibsen, Eugène Ionesco, Pirandello, Dürrenmatt, Dostoevsky and Marin Sorescu, societateamuzicala.ro reports. He stood out in productions directed by Catalina Buzoianu: Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello, Scandal in Palermo by Carlo Goldoni, Petru by Vlad Zografi, Turandot by Carlo Gozzi, Odyssey 2001, Richard III Is Forbidden by Matei Visniec, and The Father by August Strindberg. He also worked with other major directors, including Liviu Ciulei, Lucian Pintilie, Valeriu Moisescu, Silviu Purcarete and Ion Cojar, appearing in: A Stormy Night by I. L. Caragiale (directed by Lucian Pintilie), The Cherry Orchard by A. P. Chekhov (directed by Lucian Pintilie), The Government Inspector by Gogol (directed by Lucian Pintilie), Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, The Lower Depths by Maxim Gorky (directed by Liviu Ciulei), and The Comic Theatre by Carlo Goldoni (directed by Silviu Purcarete). In addition to his work in theatre and film, Virgil Ogasanu was also a gifted mentor, serving as a professor at the Theatre Faculty of Hyperion University in Bucharest. At the Romanian Comedy Festival Gala in June 2013, he received the award for Best Actor for the role of Zaharia Trahanache in I. L. Caragiale's 'A Lost Letter'. On May 30, 2002, Virgil Ogasanu was decorated with the National Order 'Faithful Service', in the rank of Knight, 'for his prestigious artistic career and the exceptional talent with which he brought to life the characters he portrayed in films and on stage, on the occasion of the celebration of a century of Romanian cinema'. He was married to actress Valeria Ogasanu. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi) Display count: 523
FITS 2026/Sibiu: Silviu Purcarete, Cristian Mungiu and Marcel Iures among special guests
Audiences at the Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS), scheduled for 20-29 June, will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with leading cultural figures through the event's special conference series, whose guests include directors Silviu Purcarete and Cristian Mungiu, actor Marcel Iures, conductor Cristian Macelaru and choreographer Gigi Caciuleanu, according to a press release issued by the organisers on Tuesday. Throughout the festival, theatre critic Octavian Saiu will be in conversation with Cristian Macelaru, Gigi Caciuleanu, Silviu Purcarete, Wim Vandekeybus, Ofelia Popii, Cristian Mungiu, Lemi Ponifasio, Milo Rau and Akihiro Yamamoto. Writer Matei Visniec, in turn, will moderate meetings with Luk Perceval, Marcel Iures and Alexandru Dabija, Israel Galvan and Mohamed El Khatib, as well as French actress Fanny Ardant. The programme also includes conferences moderated by poet and journalist Ionut Sociu, who will speak with set designers Dragos Buhagiar, Velica Panduru, Philip Bussmann and Cathy Hasse, as well as poet Miguel Gane. He will also moderate a debate marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of playwright Henrik Ibsen. 'Year after year, we seek to further develop this conference section because the great names coming to Sibiu deserve to be discovered by audiences in ways other than through the productions they perform in or direct. It is a unique opportunity to glimpse a part of the soul of each artist who honours us with their presence,' FITS president Constantin Chiriac was quoted as saying. On Saturday, 20 June, the special conference series will open at 11:00 with a dialogue between maestro Cristian Macelaru and critic Octavian Saiu at the Hall of Mirrors of the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania. The event will be held in Romanian with English translation and admission will be free, subject to venue capacity. From 14:00, also at the Hall of Mirrors, Matei Visniec will be in conversation with director Luk Perceval during a conference held in English and French, with Romanian translation. The day's final events begin at 16:00. Artist Dan Perjovschi will be joined by Stefania Ferchedau, Florin Fara and Razvan Pop for a discussion at the Hall of Mirrors, while at the Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral, Father Constantin Necula will deliver a lecture entitled The Mother's Soul. On Sunday, 21 June, from 12:00, Gigi Caciuleanu will be in conversation with Octavian Saiu at the Hall of Mirrors in an event conducted in Romanian with English translation. From 14:00, Ionut Sociu will moderate a conference with Dragos Buhagiar, Velica Panduru and Philip Bussmann. On Monday, 22 June, the conference programme begins at 12:00 with a dialogue between Silviu Purcarete and Octavian Saiu. From 14:00, Ionut Sociu will join Cathy Hasse and Cosmin Chivu for a discussion on The Art of Film Acting. On Tuesday, 23 June, again at the Hall of Mirrors, Wim Vandekeybus will be in conversation with Octavian Saiu from 12:00, followed at 14:00 by a discussion between Ionut Sociu and poet Miguel Gane. On Wednesday, 24 June, Matei Visniec's guests from 12:00 will be Marcel Iures and Alexandru Dabija. From 14:00, Octavian Saiu will be in conversation with actress Ofelia Popii. Both events will take place at the Hall of Mirrors. On Thursday, 25 June, the programme continues at the Hall of Mirrors with the conference IBSEN 200 - Art as a Reactionary Force beginning at 12:00. Hege Kvarnik Sande, Jan Koslowski, Chris Simion-Mercurian, Kathrine Nedrejord and Ovio Olaru will take part in a discussion moderated by Ionut Sociu. From 14:00, director Cristian Mungiu will be in conversation with Octavian Saiu. On Friday, 26 June, from 12:00, Matei Visniec will speak with Israel Galvan and Mohamed El Khatib. From 14:00, Lemi Ponifasio will be in conversation with Octavian Saiu in an event conducted in English with Romanian translation. On Saturday, 27 June, from 12:00, Milo Rau will speak with Octavian Saiu in a special conference open to the general public. From 14:00, Matei Visniec will be in conversation with actress Fanny Ardant in an event held in French with English and Romanian translation. Also on Saturday, from 16:00, Professor Franco Moretti will join researchers Andrei Terian and Ovio Olaru for a discussion at the Hall of Mirrors. At the same time, Father Constantin Necula will deliver a lecture entitled The Father's Soul at the Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral. On Sunday, 28 June, the programme begins at 12:00 with a special conference at the Hall of Mirrors featuring Akihiro Yamamoto in conversation with Octavian Saiu. At 13:00, painter Stefan Caltia, philosopher and essayist Andrei Plesu and composer Vasile Sirli will join writer and diplomat Emil Hurezeanu for a discussion. Admission to all FITS special conferences is free, subject to venue capacity. According to festival president Constantin Chiriac, this year's edition of FITS, taking place from 20 to 29 June, will bring together more than 5,000 artists from 83 countries and feature 848 events, eight more than at last year's edition. AGERPRES is a media partner of FITS 2026. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Isabela Paulescu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob) Display count: 547
FEATURE/ In Danube Delta, tourism meets debate: festivals draw visitors despite weather and war
The start of the tourist season in the Danube Delta is 'promising' for some guesthouse owners, despite unfavorable weather and the war waged by Russia in Ukraine, with visitors showing interest both in outdoor events and in debates on current affairs. The owner of a guesthouse in the village of Jurilovca, Vasilica Bold, told AGERPRES that the main issue for some guests is the bad weather but that, despite this, he is recording a similar number of tourists compared with the same period last year. 'The start of the season is promising. We have the same number of tourists, concentrated mainly on weekends, but once the school holidays begin, things will ramp up. Summer bookings are the same as in previous years. The weather isn't helping us yet, but we are optimistic. Lately, people are guided by the weather. If it rains, they cancel their reservation and come back on other days,' said Vasilica Bold. He offers guests both traditional Romanian dishes and high-end cuisine and, together with other local operators, advocates for reducing bureaucracy. 'There is a need for a real simplification of bureaucracy, and the Government should think about real reforms, including for those who want to return from abroad. A program is needed to stimulate birth rates, because in 20 years you will meet today's children in the labor market, and you, as a state, will benefit if you want to develop,' the owner of the guesthouse on the shore of Lake Golovita argues. Last year, due to budget constraints, Jurilovca suspended the Fish Borscht Festival, but it was included among tourist resorts of local interest by a Government decision. Things are different for the village of Somova. Located on the Somova-Parches complex, on the Romanian-Ukrainian border, it hosted last weekend the Dichis'n'Blues Festival, which included sunset concerts and midday debates on current affairs. 'The festival here is one-of-a-kind. Events are always organized between concrete structures, between apartment blocks, but here it's a rustic, beautiful atmosphere. It's always a pleasure for me when I deal with a band that plays in a balanced way, and whose members respect each other in terms of level, intonation, dynamics. Unfortunately, nowadays many bands go on the idea that everyone wants to be heard the loudest, and it turns into a competition that doesn't benefit the audience either,' said one of the festival participants, Adrian Motoc. He made it clear he is not afraid of the war nearby. 'In general, these problems are far too big and whatever I might do, nothing would change. I am not afraid of war or disease, and that depends on your inner nature, as a person,' Motoc added. The debate 'KGB Blues: Putin's Nostalgia and the War in Ukraine', held by Armand Gosu, Cosmin Popa, Daniel Citiriga and Catalin Gombos, drew more than 100 people. It explained nostalgia through an 'intellectual deadlock', described the Russian regime as a totalitarian system based on a mix of secret-service networks, criminal networks, control of public space and clan interests, and predicted that the end of the war in Ukraine will bring Putin's fall. 'I don't see Putin escalating. The counteroffensive he attempted on March 18 failed within a week, the losses are huge, and at this moment I see Zelensky escalating and being one step away from militarily isolating Crimea - and this, truly, could be a moment of strategic significance. (...) We are on the eve of a moment with strategic value,' said political analyst Armand Gosu during the debate. Participants were interested in how much 'Russia' exists in Romania, and answers continued even after the Q&A session ended. 'I travelled through the Danube Delta in Romania, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, and the differences are significant. In Romania, the Delta seems abandoned by the state, perhaps because there are very few inhabitants and, electorally, the political investment isn't worth the effort. I saw villages with three or four inhabitants, no clinics, no nurses even in important villages, no pharmacies. It seems like an abandoned space on the edge of a war, during which the enemy may look with interest at this place, apparently not very secure militarily, and certainly not secure in human terms. In Ukraine, the Delta is much more urbanized and advanced. Where we have villages, they have towns. I heard the story of a woman from Periprava who was about to give birth and, because she couldn't reach Tulcea, as she had no means, the Coast Guard arranged to take her to Vylkove, in Ukraine. There are cases where we simply cannot protect this area,' journalist Sabina Fati told AGERPRES. She also delivered the talk 'The Black Sea and the Danube Delta. Road Stories' at the Somova festival. In her view, the event in the village on the Romanian-Ukrainian border was an 'intellectual' one, and the debates only enlivened the festival. 'The Delta, with its extensions into Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, is a shared area, but we now have a problem with Bystroe, which we have abandoned because Ukraine is at war and we don't want to aggravate or complicate the relationship. But it is an issue the two states must solve. And yes, the development of this region depends greatly on what Romania manages to do, because after the war ends, there will be massive investment in Ukraine and in border regions, and here it depends very much on whether Romania manages to overcome the handicap it has had so far in absorbing European and international funds. If it manages to prove efficiency and present projects, Constanta and Tulcea can become development hubs. Everything depends on the vision of politicians and whether they can overcome the risk we now see in the SAFE program, where all structures are fighting each other behind the scenes and were even capable of bringing down a Government just for a program they want to divide among themselves. The debates only enlivened this extraordinary festival held on the border with Ukraine. I find it wonderful,' said Sabina Fati. For the community of Somova, the three days of festival were welcome, despite the RO-ALERT warning about possible drone debris received during the event. 'All the guesthouses in the commune were full, and the event actually promoted the locality, which is extraordinary,' said local guesthouse owner Sanda Cojocaru. *** This summer's events in the Delta invite visitors to explore the reservation regardless of weather - by bicycle, kayak or on foot through lesser-known areas, to watch the sunset on the Danube, or to join community cafés and even fishing competitions dedicated to women. The association 'Cu drag din Sulina' (Lovingly from Sulina) will hold an open meeting on June 18 for those who want to contribute to the area's future. 'We will share ideas, experiences and perspectives about our community and about what makes Sulina such a special place. The meeting is part of the project 'Sulina, a town in the reservation', through which we aim to bring people together and encourage dialogue about the relationship between community, water and the environment. Whether you are a local, entrepreneur, fisherman, teacher, young person or a visitor in love with Sulina, we welcome you. The 'Community Café' event, run in partnership with the PACT Foundation, is part of the 'Clean Waters' program launched in 2019 by Mai Mult Verde and Lidl Romania to reduce plastic pollution in waterways,' the association wrote on social media. The Mila 23 village will host on Saturday 'Bibaniada', Romania's only women's team perch-fishing competition, organized by the Ivan Patzaichin-Mila 23 Association. 'The competition is inspired by the tradition preserved in Mila 23, when, after the fishing ban period, the women of the village head out onto the water to fish for perch. Saturday is divided into three parts: the first round is the fishing competition, the second is a gastronomic festival with perch stews and other fish delicacies, and the third is an artistic program - plus many other surprises,' the event page on Facebook states. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Luisiana Bigea; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi) Display count: 485
State Mint head: 'Romanian Crown, 160 Years medal' - symbolic link from founding moment to present
The anniversary medal '160 Years of the Royal Crown', an exceptional issue dedicated to the historical, symbolic and institutional continuity of the Crown of Romania, was launched on Tuesday at Elisabeta Palace by the State Mint, in the presence of the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, Her Majesty Margareta. 'Today, Mint staff are people of their time. They work with electronic instruments, deliver their products to several countries around the world; through their institution, they too are an expression of freedom and democracy. In terms of numismatics, they represent a Romania that is very different from the one our generation knew when we were young. Together with specialists in heraldry and history, they found the creative strength to bring you today a beautiful creation that symbolically consolidates these 160 years of modern Romanian history - a history written seamlessly by the nation through its hardships, by the Crown, and by the key institutions that define today's state,' said Prince Radu. The State Mint's director general, Octavian Schen, who recalled in his address key moments in the shared history of the Royal House and the Mint, said that producing the medal was not only the completion of an artistic project but also an act of memory and respect. 'Through this piece, we wanted to express our gratitude to the Royal House of Romania and to the essential role the Crown has played in shaping our national identity, dignity and path,' Schen underscored. He noted that 'the obverse of the medal is built around the idea of continuity'. 'The five effigies, brought together in a single composition, evoke not only distinct personalities but a succession of historical milestones that shaped Romania's destiny. (...) This assembly visually expresses a living, coherent and dignified history. The unitary composition features the effigies of King Carol I, King Ferdinand I, King Carol II, King Mihai I and Her Majesty Margareta, illustrating the continuity of a history spanning more than a century and a half,' Schen explained. Above the effigies stands the motto 'Nihil Sine Deo', which naturally accompanies the medal's message. 'It is a formula that speaks of faith, responsibility and the assumption of a mission in service of a higher ideal. The inscription 'Romanian Crown - 160 Years' sets the anniversary frame, while the years 1866 and 2026 create the symbolic bridge between the beginning and the present, between the founding moment and the continuity of this historical journey. At the bottom, the crown and the mention 'May 10' reference one of the essential dates of our modern history, with profound significance for Romanian statehood and the monarchical institution. The decorative branches framing the composition, suggestive of laurel and oak, add a symbolic dimension of honour, endurance, dignity and victory through patience and construction,' the State Mint's director general said. He added that 'the reverse complements the message of the obverse in a remarkable way'. 'At its centre is the map of Romania, as an expression of unity and of the space where this history took shape and meaning. Surrounding it are symbolic representations referring to essential areas of national development - culture, education, spirituality, solidarity, performance, institutional construction and national identity. More than being just a descriptive composition, the reverse suggests the idea that under the sign of the Crown, modern Romania was built not only politically but also morally, culturally and institutionally. The medal thus gains a much broader dimension. It does not merely commemorate a symbol; it evokes a model of historical construction. Taken as a whole, this medal speaks of continuity - the continuity of a history, of values, and of a profound bond between the symbols of the Romanian state and the institutions that have given them expression over time,' Octavian Schen explained. Alongside the Custodian of the Crown of Romania, Her Majesty Margareta, the event was attended by Princess Sofia, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of state institutions, the Romanian Academy, the Romanian Orthodox Church and civil society figures. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi) Display count: 618
Drone detection solutions and artificial intelligence drones tested at the Defense-X hackathon
Defense specialists will test solutions for detecting drones, autonomous drones based on artificial intelligence and robotic systems for identifying land mines, as well as other inventions in the field, during the Defense-X 2026 international hackathon, organized by the 'Nicolae Bălcescu' Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, according to a press release sent on Tuesday. 'The main novelty of the Defense-X 2026 edition is the introduction of a component dedicated to demonstrations and practical validation. This allows testing of developed solutions in a framework close to real operational conditions and facilitates direct dialogue between developers, end users and decision-makers. Through this approach, Defense-X consolidates its role as an accelerator of innovation in the defense field, contributing to the identification, validation and development of technologies with real implementation potential. Defense-X today represents more than a technological event. It is a platform for collaboration and connection between the military environment, universities, research institutes, startups and industry, with the aim of transforming technical expertise and innovative ideas into concrete capabilities for national security,' the press release reads. According to the cited source, 'participants will demonstrate innovative solutions in strategic areas such as cybersecurity and threat intelligence, autonomous systems and robotics, artificial intelligence for tactical communications and decision support, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) systems, electronic warfare and electromagnetic spectrum monitoring, simulation, training and virtual reality, as well as Edge AI and resilient digital infrastructure for field operations.' Among the projects entered in the competition are AEGIS Drone - an autonomous drone equipped with cameras, radar and sensors for detecting and classifying threats using machine learning algorithms, PADEWar Team - a passive early warning network for detecting drones that uses Android smartphones as distributed sensors and SkyDetectors - a solution designed to integrate drones into controlled airspace. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Isabela Paulescu; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi) Display count: 552
CCIB: Development of economic ties with US reviewed with representatives of Chicago office
The development of Romanian-American economic relations, the identification of new trade and investment opportunities and support for the internationalisation of Romanian companies were the main topics discussed during a meeting between the leadership of the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) and representatives of the institution's Representative Office in Chicago. According to a CCIB press release, the meeting held in Bucharest was attended by the head of the CCIB Representative Office in Chicago, Bogdan Jaba, the president of the Romanian and Moldovan Transporters Association of North America (ROMOTANA), Marcel Somfelean, as well as representatives of the Chamber's leadership and International Relations Department. During talks with CCIB president Iuliu Stocklosa, the participants reviewed ways to strengthen the presence and promotion of the Romanian business environment on the US market. Bogdan Jaba also reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the activity of the Chicago office and presented the main initiatives undertaken to develop economic ties between Romania and the United States. The discussions focused on the role of the Representative Office in supporting the internationalisation of Romanian companies, identifying new trade and investment opportunities and strengthening cooperation with local authorities, chambers of commerce, business organisations and other relevant institutions in the United States. The CCIB president highlighted the importance of the Chamber's foreign representative offices, noting that they help promote Romania's economic interests and those of the Bucharest business community, enhance the institution's international visibility and facilitate contacts between Romanian companies and foreign partners. For his part, Bogdan Jaba pointed to the interest shown by the US business community in opportunities available in Romania and reiterated the readiness of the CCIB Representative Office in Chicago to support the development of new economic partnerships, attract investment and promote bilateral trade. According to the press release, the meeting is part of a broader series of efforts undertaken by the CCIB to strengthen its international network of representative offices and support Romanian companies seeking to expand into foreign markets. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Nicoleta Banciulea; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob) Display count: 507
Five medals for Romania at European Physics Olympiad, including two golds
Romania collected five medals, including two golds, at the European Physics Olympiad (EuPhO 2026), held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 12 to 16 June. The Romanian contestants, all students at the International Computer High School of Bucharest, achieved the following results: Alexandru Condrea and Vlad Bolohan won gold medals, Andrei Vila and Bogdan Ciocarlan secured silver medals, while Teodor Bichir received a bronze medal. At this year's EuPhO 2026, Romania's team leaders were Sebastian Popescu of the Faculty of Physics at the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi and Mihai Vasilescu of the Faculty of Physics at Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. The competition brought together students from 41 countries, both European and non-European, the latter participating as guests. The Ministry of Education and Research supports Romania's national teams by covering participation fees for international Olympiads, travel expenses and daily allowances, as well as by organising and running the local, county, Bucharest-level and national stages preceding these competitions. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Roberto Stan; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob) Display count: 401
PNL: Adrian Vestea is outside party by continuing demarch against decisions adopted by leadership
First Deputy Chairman Adrian Vestea is outside the National Liberal Party (PNL), according to the party's statute provisions, PNL said on Tuesday. 'In the meeting of the National Political Bureau on 15 June, the National Liberal Party adopted, in accordance with Article 111 of the PNL Statute, a series of binding decisions regarding the party's position in the current political context. The designation of Adrian Vestea to form a government was made without the approval of the statutory bodies of the PNL, in breach of the party's Statute,' a PNL press release reads. Liberals find that the governing formula proposed by Adrian Vestea leads in fact to the formation of a government led and supported by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), contrary to the decisions adopted by the National Political Bureau. 'According to Article 45 paragraph (3) and Article 26 paragraph (2) letter b) of the PNL Statute, the decisions of the party's governing bodies are binding on all members. By continuing this process against the decisions adopted by the National Political Bureau, Adrian Vestea is outside the National Liberal Party,' the release reads. PNL brings to mind that the National Political Bureau voted by a clear majority against the party's participation in a government with PSD (39 votes in favour, 10 against, 4 abstentions), against supporting a government led by Adrian Vestea (41 votes in favour, 13 against, 2 abstentions) and in favour of requesting him to resign his mandate as prime minister-designate (39 votes in favour, 13 against, 3 abstentions). Prime minister-designate Adrian Vestea said on Tuesday morning, after the expiry of the ultimatum set by PNL leadership, that his position does not change and he will not give up his mandate. Later, he said he has no concerns and guarantees that no one will exclude him from the party. 'I am not worried, do not get so worked up because no one is going to exclude me, I guarantee no one is going to exclude me,' Vestea said, who on Tuesday held talks on forming his future Cabinet with representatives of several parliamentary groups. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Alina Novaceanu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu) Display count: 454
Sold-Out Screenings at Romanian Film Days at TIFF.25
Organisers of the Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) have announced that Romanian Film Days will begin on Wednesday, with many screenings already sold out. 'On Wednesday (...) Romanian Film Days (ZFR) begins, the section in which national cinema takes centre stage. Dozens of screenings, debates and masterclasses are scheduled, giving audiences the opportunity to meet Romanian filmmakers directly. The TIFF tradition continues, and many of the films will be screened to full houses. The most sought-after are the films competing in the Romanian Film Days competition, where 11 feature-length productions have been selected: 'The Blue Shore' (directed by Andreea Bortun), 'The Circle' (directed by Valeriu Andriuta), 'So Familiar' (directed by Rachel Taparjan), 'Round Trip' (directed by Cristian Bota), 'Lenin's Pawn' (directed by Dragos Turea), 'Y' (directed by Maria Popistasu and Alex Baciu), 'The Principle of Uncertainty' (directed by Sebastian Badarau), 'Don't Let Me Die' (directed by Andrei Epure), 'Milk Teeth' (directed by Mihai Mincan), 'A Safe Place' (directed by Cecilia Stefanescu) and 'Catane' (directed by Ioana Mischie). Also competing are 20 short films, which will be presented on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20,' organisers said in a press release on Tuesday. According to the press release, outside the Romanian Film Days competition, audiences will also have access to a substantial selection of Romanian films and recent co-productions, some of them receiving their national premiere. These include 'Sorella di Clausura' (directed by Ivana Mladenovic), the latest films by Radu Jude - 'Diary of a Chambermaid', 'Dracula', the short film 'Shot/Reverse Shot', 'On Our Own' (directed by Tudor Jurgiu), 'Atlas of the Universe' (directed by Paul Negoescu) and 'Three Days in September' (directed by Tudor Giurgiu). 'Also not to be missed during Romanian Film Days are the complete Corneliu Porumboiu retrospective, honouring the filmmaker with the special award of the anniversary edition, the TIFF.25 Trophy, as well as the celebration of the 25th anniversary of 'Stuff and Dough' (directed by Cristi Puiu). Director Corneliu Porumboiu will hold a masterclass on Saturday, with free admission for all those who have admired his films over the years,' the press release added. TIFF is organised by the Association for the Promotion of Romanian Film and the Transilvania Film Festival Association, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the National Film Centre, the Cluj-Napoca City Hall and Local Council, and the Romanian Cultural Institute. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: George Onea; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia) Display count: 251
