Tuesday, February 20th

Prime Minister Viorica Dancila is in Brussels, on her first official visit as Head of the government

Romania’s Prime Minister Viorica Dancila is on a visit to Brussels, the first official trip since her appointment as Head of the government. Ms. Dancila will have a series of meetings with European officials on Tuesday and Wednesday, in order to advance Romania’s priorities for the next period. Is it important that Romania sits at the table when important European policies are drawn out, when Europe’s future is discussed, the Prime Minister said, adding that she wants a more active relationship with the main European institutions, that would only bring benefits. „We will stress the European dimension of the governance. We will try to actively take part in discussions on the economic future and, last but not least, we will approach with special attention and will make efforts to increase the absorption rate of European funds”, Viorica Dancila said. One of the most important subjects on te agenda of the Prime Minister’s meeting with presidents of the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament is related to the changes to Romania’s justice laws, which caused concern in Brussels. According to Ms. Dancila, those concerns could have been removed if the Justice Minister, Tudorel Toader, had been allowed to speak, during a recent debate in the European Parliament.

Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu has met European ambassadors in Bucharest

The Romanian Foreign Minister, Teodor Melescanu, has met ambassadors from the European Union countries in Bucharest, a meeting during whict he made a wider assessment of Romania’s relations with Brussels. In an exclusive interview with Radio Romania, the Romanian diplomacy chief has confirmed that he was asked for details about the justice laws. Mr Melescanu also said that the ambassadors requested a meeting with Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, which is due to happen soon.

The President of Romania’s Deputies Chamber has met the American Ambassador to Bucharest Hans Klemm

The President of the Deputies Chamber in Romania’ Parliament Liviu Dragnea and the United States Ambassador Hans Klemm have agreed to establish a working action plan, in order to enhance and deepen Romania’s Strategic Partnership with the US, in areas such as energy, IT and cyber-security, science and research, a statement from the Deputies Chamber says. Liviu Dragnea and Hans Klem had a meeting on Tuesday at the Parliament Palace. According to the statement, Mr. Dragnea has assured the American officials that the Strategic Partnership with the US is a pillar for Romania’s foreign and security policy. The Romanian deputy minister for strategic partnership, Ana Birchall, also took part in the discussions.

Mădălina Brotăcel, RADOR – 20 februarie