Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on a visit to Moldova
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis is in capital Kishinev on Wednesday for talks with Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova. The visit comes as thousands of Ukrainians were fleeing their homes following the Russian invasion. Since the beginning of the conflict more than three weeks ago some 100,000 Ukrainians took refuge in the neighbouring Republic of Moldova where the population increased by 4 percent making the government to request international aid. Moldova is one of the eastern European countries welcoming millions of people who fled Ukraine since Russian Forces invaded the country. Germany will take in 2,500 Ukrainian refugees who are currently in Moldova, Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told reporters after meeting his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock last Saturday. Moldova currently shelters more than 105,000 refugees, according to data issued by the United Nations. More than 1.5 million are in Poland while some 235,000 are in Hungary.
An offshore gas law under debate at a Cabinet meeting
Romania’s ruling coaltion is expected to debate on Wednesday a draft law allowing offshore gas drills in the Black Sea. The announcemnt was made by Florin Cîțu, leader of the governing right-wing National Liberal Party (PNL). If approved, a draft law is expected to go to parliament for approval. Future gas drills will allow Romania to become almost energy independent, according to reports. However, it will take some time for the Black Sea gas to significantly influence local gas markets. Romania is also one of the EU members states that is pushing for the block to admit nuclear energy and natural gas as transition investments towards climate neutrality by 2050. The Black Sea gas could also help Romania cope with current surge in energy prices seen across Europe.
Princess Margaret of Romania in south-eastern county of Tulcea
Princess Margaret of Romania, also Prresident of the Romanian Red Cross, is expected to visit the eastern Romanian county of Tulcea bordering river Danube and the Black Sea. During her visit on Wednesday and Thursday, Princess Margaret will meet representatives of the Ukrainian community in Romania, and the Red Cross headquarters in county capital Tulcea. The visit comes after Princess Margaret visited Ukrainian refugee camps at the Romanian border checkpoint of Siret last week.
Alexandru Danga
