The number of illegal entries of migrants on Romanian territory in 2023 decreased by 77% compared to the previous year
The number of illegal entries of migrants into Romanian territory in 2023 decreased by 77% compared to the previous year. According to the Timisoara Border Police, the highest drop, 95%, was observed at the border with Serbia. In total, 800 people were discovered while attempting to enter Romania illegally from Serbia last year. Border policemen in Timisoara highlight that their current main challenge is outbound migration. Consequently, in 2023, approximately 1,000 people were found attempting to cross the state border fraudulently, compared to only 100 people in 2022. Additionally, 120 individuals were identified as being responsible for migrant trafficking activities.
Romania is among the last countries in a hierarchy regarding the absorbtion of European funds for research
Romania is one of the 15 countries at the tail end of a ranking related to the absorption of European funds intended for research. As a result, it was included by the European Union in a pillar named „Extending the Europe Horizon program”. Out of the nearly 100 billion euros available for research and innovation, four billion euros are allocated to the expansion component. During the event called „Opportunities for Romanian Researc”’, which took place in Bucharest on Thursday, the European Commissioner Iliana Ivanova emphasized that research institutes and companies in Romania need to submit projects in order to access these funds.
Iliana Ivanova: „Horizon Europe” does not allocate funds per member state as in the case of agricultural programs. Instead, research organizations apply for the program. Unfortunately, Romania is not among the top 10 countries in terms of drawing funds for research.
Progress on Romania’s first highway tunnel
The builders working on Romania’s first highway tunnel report progress in this project. It concerns the fourth section of the A1 Sibiu – Piteşti Highway, where a double gallery is located. As a result, the tunnel named „Daniela” is more advanced, with over 414 meters drilled out of the total 1,350 meters of gallery length. In the other tunnel, named „Alina”, nearly 300 meters have been drilled. According to the Road Company, this 10-kilometer section between Curtea de Arges and Tigveni, which includes these tunnels, is 25% complete. The segment is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
Mădălina Brotăcel
