Romania
COMMENT: Is the EU going to fall apart?
Is the EU about to break apart under the stress of taking over the full weight of supporting Ukraine, the need to rearm and the hundreds of billions that must be invested if it is to become competitive again?
Three main candidates emerge in race for Romania’s presidency
Bucharest mayor Nicusur Dan, the ruling coalition's candidate Crin Antonescu and far-right AUR leader George Simion are the most likely to make it to the second round of Romania's May presidential election.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
Poll shows Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan most likely to win Romanian presidential election
Latest poll indicates Dan will face George Simion or another far-right challenger in the second round of Romania's May election — but political volatility makes the outcome hard to predict.
EU to soften gas storage rules to avoid price spikes
EU member states are considering softening the bloc’s binding gas storage targets in order to avoid sending gas prices soaring again ahead of what is anticipated to be a difficult year.
Southeast Europe erupts in weekend of protests
Protests in Serbia, Georgia and Hungary reflect mounting discontent over corruption and democratic backsliding, while Romanians turn out to show commitment to EU values in face of rising far right.
Rival candidates seek to capture Romania’s far-right electorate after Georgescu banned from presidential race
AUR leader George Simion is now the leading far-right candidate, but he faces competition from several rivals.
OPINION: CEE infrastructure to take centre stage as Ukraine post-war reconstruction looms
The war in Ukraine appears to be drawing to a close and Central and Eastern Europe's infrastructure capabilities – or lack thereof – will soon be thrust into the global spotlight.
Briefings reveal Nato chief called on EU and Turkey to improve relations amid pressing security concerns
Mark Rutte said to have privately urged bloc leaders to step up engagement with Turkish leader Erdogan. Ankara keen for role in beefed up European defence format.
Romanian far-right politician Georgescu challenges ban on his presidential candidacy
Calin Georgescu was leading the polls before the Central Electoral Bureau blocked his candidacy, sparking violent protests in Bucharest.
Russia-backed, far-right politician Georgescu's presidential candidacy rejected
Central Electoral Bureau's decision greeted by a violent protest by Calin Georgescu's supporters — and angry tweets from Elon Musk.
Private consumption fuelled Romania's modest 2024 GDP growth
Romania's GDP grew by just 0.9% in 2024 as agriculture and consumption sectors shrank while industry stagnated.
Turkey’s investment flows boost Romania’s solar power potential
Turkey has emerged as a strong actor in Romania’s renewable energy sector through recent investments and joint ventures.
EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup
What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.
Romania’s retail sales show signs of fatigue in January
Retail sales volume in Romania increased by 4.1% y/y in January, half the 8.6% y/y advance in 2024 and 9.2% y/y in Q4 2024, according to data published by the statistics office.
Romania’s PMI inches up in February from record low in January
The Manufacturing PMI in Romania inched up in February to 48.3 from the record low of 46.1 in January, remaining significantly below the 50 neutral mark for the eighth consecutive month, according to BCR Romania.
EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine
EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.
Romania detains six over alleged Russian-backed far-right coup plot
Group led by retired major-general accused of forming a military-style organisation aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order in Romania.
EU Council president says leaders “here to take decisions” as he arrives at Brussels summit
EU leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities in response to the sudden change in the geopolitical situation.
Fears Russia-friendly EU members to undermine ‘five to midnight’ summit
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban indicated ahead of the crucial summit that he might veto additional support for Ukraine.