Romania needs more workers from outside the European Union. According to a draft governmental ordinance, 140,000 employees outside the EU could be hired in Romania in 2024.

This number is 40% higher than the existing limit of 100,000, which means that Romania needs even more workers from Asian countries.

There are specific procedures to be fulfilled before the workers actually come and work in Romania, and it also takes time. The recruiting companies tell about a time frame of 6 months from the moment the candidate is interviewed and accepted by the Romanian employer until he arrives in the country. That means that in January, candidates will be recruited to work in the summer in hospitality, during the peak season on the Romanian seashore, or in agriculture, to harvest the fields.

This also means there is no or less workforce availability if an employer needs it immediately, creating blockages in production and services in Romania.

Bucharest residents got used to being catered for by Asian personnel, and if you enter restaurants, you immediately spot the Asian personnel hired to replace the local workforce.

Why don’t Romanians want to work in hospitality, services, production and agriculture? Many youngsters dream of becoming influencers or getting money from social media or TikTok lives. Others consider salaries under their dignity and do lousier jobs abroad but for more money.

Either way, the Government’s decision seems correct under the current circumstances. Many employers can hire new personnel, even though they won’t speak Romanian initially. The economy is still alive as long as entrepreneurs maintain it that way, and the 140,000 licences for temporary working in Romania could boost the local entrepreneurs and the economy.

Romania stands with Israel – this is the message the Romanian authorities sent to Israel and the international community after the surprise attacks of Hamas on Israel.

Solidarity messages were sent from the Presidency and Government. Also, as mentioned by Israel’s ambassador to Bucharest during an interview for the local media, Romanian authorities from all levels were in permanent contact with their counterparts in Israel.

Romania’s President Klaus Johannis posted this message on X, the former Twitter:

Romania strongly condemns this morning’s rocket attacks against Israel. We stand in full solidarity with Israel in these terrible moments. Our thoughts are with the families of victims and with those who are under fire.

Klaus Johannis on Hamas attacks on Israel

Also, Romania’s PM Marcel Ciolacu condemned the attacks on Israel:

Terrible news coming from Israel this morning. We stand in full solidarity with Israel and condemn the rocket attacks against Israel. We send our condolences to the families and ask for these attacks to immediately stop.

Romania’s PM Marcel Ciolacu on the war in Israel

Images on social media, with hundreds of Israelis and other nationalities among the victims, horrified the viewers and strengthened their support for the state of Israel. Meanwhile, Romania doubled the flights to Israel at night to bring home a few hundred nationals on pilgrimage or vacation, as reported by Valahia News.

Brussels wants to impose drastic regulations for complete transparency in the EU regarding foreign influence. The clampdown will affect Lobby groups and NGOs, which has already led to protests against the intention.

The intention is not new. The idea came after the Quatargate scandal when high officials and former members of the European Parliament were implied in acts in favour of foreign governments. The money received by the European officials was meant to improve the image and the relationships between the EU and the paying countries. The accusation also proved some connections to high officials in the EU and the paying countries, but the criminal process is still ongoing.

So, the EU officials wanted complete transparency regarding lobbying groups paid by foreign entities, whether countries, governments or companies. Transparency means that such contracts will be shown publicly to anybody interested to know if a particular NGO or company lobbies for a certain foreign entity.

When Financial Times asked Věra Jourová, the European Commission’s vice-president for transparency, she defended the proposed law, telling the journalists, „It is democratic.”

The whole democratic world has some rules which enable them to understand who does what for foreign money. I have been asked how big the problem is in Europe. I have no exact answer to that because it’s so hard to collect the data.

Věra Jourová, the European Commission’s vice-president for transparency

Lobbying groups say this will stigmatize the entities conducting lobby in favour of non-EU governments or companies. Brussels says the law is only intended to bring more transparency, not to stigmatize any particular lobbying groups within the EU.

Also, Brussels’ official implies that not all the contracts will be made public, but only those which exceed 4 million EUR. But, in this case, financial operations can hide the sums the non-EU entity pays to have its interests promoted in the Union.

We all know how European companies dealing with Chinese or Russian entities are looked upon now. While identifying and making them public, the EU did nothing else but open the doors to stigmatization. Yes, we have to admit that while clamping down on foreign influence, the risk of stigmatizing the companies dealing with foreign entities is quite possible, and this is a scenario nobody would like in Brussels or whatever other capital.

More than that, such a measure is challenging for each member state to implement at the European level. Some countries don’t even have lobbying legislation, and Romania is the best example in this case, while others can hardly wait for such a measure to be implemented to start the witch hunt.

While we constantly support transparency in lobbying practices, we also understand the risk of stigmatization if such a measure is implemented. Therefore, in our humble opinion, such measures should be implemented only after consultations with lobbying groups, professional associations and law firms practicing lobby in the EU at the European or national levels.

A recent incident involving the Romanian Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Dragos Tigau, has led to his recall by the Romanian government. The decision followed a racially insensitive comment made by the ambassador at an international event in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, back in April.

According to a report from the South Sudanese embassy in Kenya, the incident transpired during a meeting inside the United Nations building in Nairobi. A monkey appeared at the conference room window, prompting Tigau to quip inappropriately, „The African group has joined us.”

At that time, no African groups were present in the room, leading witnesses to understand the comment as a reference to the animal at the window rather than any diplomatic delegation.

This incident has been widely condemned as a serious diplomatic error and a profound insult to all the African peoples in the region. The action taken by the Romanian government to recall their ambassador demonstrates a commitment to maintaining respect and dignity in international relations.

This unfortunate event is a stark reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity, particularly in diplomacy. It underscores the need for representatives of nations to conduct themselves with the utmost decorum and respect for all peoples and cultures they interact with.

While the recall of Ambassador Tigau is a corrective measure, it is also an opportunity for all involved in international relations to reflect on their conduct and the impact of their words. As representatives of their nations, diplomats are responsible for fostering positive and respectful relations among diverse cultures and people. This incident, therefore, should serve as a lesson for diplomats worldwide on the significance of their words and the potential harm they can cause when used thoughtlessly.

In the wake of this incident, steps must be taken to prevent such occurrences. Continuous training in cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity should be mandatory for all those in diplomatic roles. Such measures can help to ensure that all representatives understand and appreciate the diversity and richness of the cultures they interact with.

In conclusion, this incident has been a diplomatic misstep but is also a learning opportunity. It is a stark reminder of the gravity of words and the need for diplomacy to be practiced with respect and understanding. The swift action taken by the Romanian government is a clear signal that such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in any circumstances. This should serve as a lesson for all countries to ensure their representatives act in a manner that respects and honours the diversity and dignity of all people.

For those following us for a while, you all know we try to cover all aspects of Romanian news, from politics and economics, and all that happens in Romania and matters to European and worldwide lobbyists.

We cannot cover all the Romanian news, though. Anybody who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest news from Romania might do so by exploring various print newspapers, online news platforms, and new media that we present here today. Most of them have English versions, so switching to English at any time on their online platforms would be easier.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top sources for news from Romania across different mediums.

Romania News in English

Romania Insider

Romania Insider is a leading English-language news source in Romania that provides daily updates on politics, business, culture, and travel. They have a team of experienced journalists covering a wide range of topics, ensuring readers get a comprehensive view of what’s happening in Romania.

They miss the in-depth analysis of subjects, as they keep anything at the fact level, without any comments or internal opinions, in any direction. While on their platform, news can be read but also missed equally. This is why we always say Romania Insider is the best source of news but not of information, and this is quite a difference.

Valahia News

Valahia News is another English-language news platform covering Romania’s latest news. They focus on politics, economy, culture, and sports. Their well-researched articles provide in-depth analysis, making them a go-to source for news enthusiasts. We noticed some of their articles are documented extensively, presenting facts and what happens behind the scenes.

Notably, Valahia News was chosen by Visit Bucharest as their media partner, so this might explain why they are among the preferred English news platforms in Romania. Also, we check their platform for opinions on what’s happening in Romania, as they tend to present everything more casually and more friendly.

Romania Journal

The Romania Journal is a daily news portal in English covering all aspects of Romanian society, politics, economy, sports, and culture. They also have a team of journalists who provide high-quality news coverage emphasizing accuracy and objectivity.

News from Romania in Print Newspapers

Print newspapers remain an essential news source in Romania, despite the rise of new media platforms. Leading publications such as Adevarul, Evenimentul Zilei, Romania Libera and Gazeta Sporturilor continue to deliver breaking news on various topics, including business, agriculture and development.

Adevarul

Adevarul is one of the oldest newspapers in Romania, dating back to 1888. Today, Adevarul covers breaking news and current events across Romania’s politics, business, agriculture and development.

The current status quo of Adevarul reflects its commitment to providing quality journalism and engaging content for its readership. The newspaper has adapted well to new media platforms, such as online news websites and social media pages that offer round-the-clock updates on different areas of interest.

Evenimentul Zilei

Evenimentul Zilei is a Romanian daily newspaper that provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news in Romania. Its coverage extends to breaking news, business, development, and agriculture. The newspaper has significantly impacted Romanian politics and society by providing unbiased reporting and stimulating public discourse.

Compared to other print newspapers in Romania, such as Adevarul or Romania Libera, Evenimentul Zilei stands out with its focus on current events and hard-hitting journalism.

Romania Libera

Romania Libera, a historical newspaper with over 100 years of publishing history, holds significant importance in Romanian journalism. While recent changes and transformations have occurred within its editorial team, Romania Libera still upholds its reputation for delivering quality news coverage to readers.

Controversial issues are not shied away from by Romania Libera. From politics to agriculture, breaking news stories and business development updates are covered professionally without bias or sensationalism. The views presented on these topics aim to inform rather than provoke reactions from the reader base.

Gazeta Sporturilor

Gazeta Sporturilor is a leading sports newspaper in Romania known for its extensive coverage of sports events across various mediums. The newspaper has employed some of the most famous sports journalists who have contributed to its success. Their in-depth analysis and reporting have helped shape perceptions about Romanian athletes and their achievements on the international stage.

Through its coverage, Gazeta Sporturilor plays a significant role in promoting Romanian athletics and inspiring young talent to pursue their dreams. The newspaper’s comprehensive reporting also helps keep readers informed about breaking news related to developments in various sporting fields, ranging from agriculture-based competitions like equestrianism to business-oriented events such as stock car racing.

Online News Platforms

Online news platforms have become the go-to source for Romania news and European news enthusiasts. Digi24, Hotnews, Mediafax, and Ziarul Financiar are some of the most popular online Romanian news sources that offer up-to-date coverage on various topics, from politics to business.

Thanks to their digital presence, these platforms provide readers with real-time reporting and in-depth analysis of current events locally and internationally. With so many options available at one’s fingertips, staying informed about everything in Romania has never been easier or more accessible.

Digi24

Digi24 is a popular news platform in Romania that provides up-to-date information on various topics. It comprehensively covers politics, business, technology, and entertainment news. Digi24 also features live streaming of important events and breaking news updates.

Yet, Digi24 is seen as a news station close to the progressists. This is why they were the leading TV station to persuade people to take the jab during the pandemic and support USR – Save Romania Union, a political party known for promoting far-right left ideas and progressivism.

Hotnews

Hotnews is a leading news platform in Romania that covers various topics ranging from politics to culture. Founded in 2001, the website has become a go-to source for up-to-date and credible news for Romanian citizens and European news enthusiasts. The editorial policy at Hotnews is based on objectivity, accuracy, and transparency, ensuring the highest journalistic standards.

The articles published by Hotnews cover a wide range of topics such as breaking news stories, in-depth analysis of current affairs, sports events coverage, business updates and technology advancements.

Mediafax

Mediafax is a leading Romanian news agency covering various topics, including politics, economics, social issues, sports and entertainment. Their role in the country’s media landscape is crucial as they are relied upon for breaking news and analysis.

To ensure accurate reporting, Mediafax sources its information from reliable sources such as government officials, experts in their respective fields and eyewitnesses to events. This commitment to quality journalism has earned their audience’s trust and allowed them to maintain their position as one of the most respected news agencies in Romania.

Ziarul Financiar

Ziarul Financiar is a Romanian newspaper and online business and financial news platform in circulation since 2001. Its focus is on financial news, and it has gained a reputation for being one of Romania’s most reliable business information sources.

What sets Ziarul Financiar apart from other newspapers in Romania is its deep understanding of its economy. The editorial team comprises finance experts who provide insightful analysis and commentary on economic trends, both locally and globally. The paper’s commitment to accuracy, reliability, and impartial reporting has earned it a large following among businesses, investors, policymakers, economists, and others interested in keeping up with financial news.

New Media

With platforms like Rise Project, readers can access in-depth investigative journalism that traditional newspapers may not cover. Additionally, news websites like Stiripesurse.ro and PressOne offer a variety of articles covering local and European news to keep Romania’s news enthusiasts informed.

These new media sources have become increasingly popular due to their ability to provide fresh perspectives and independent reporting. They also allow for a more interactive experience where readers can engage through comments or social media shares, making it easier than ever before to stay updated on Romania’s current events.

Rise Project

The Rise Project is a Romanian investigative journalism project that exposes corruption scandals and social justice news. Their team of experienced journalists works tirelessly to uncover hidden truths and bring them to light for the public’s benefit.

Here are some highlights from their recent work:

• Exposing corrupt politicians who have misused public funds for personal gain
• Investigating unethical practices within large corporations
• Reporting on social justice issues, such as human rights violations

Stiripesurse.ro

Stiripesurse.ro is a go-to platform for the latest breaking news in Romania. From politics to entertainment, it offers an extensive range of topics that cater to all interests. Moreover, its economic updates and analysis provide valuable insights into the financial landscape of Romania. Recently, they have started taking over news in English from Agepress, thus offering English readers a glimpse of what’s happening in Romania.

PressOne

PressOne is a Romanian news platform that provides in-depth reportage on social issues and human interest stories from Romania and abroad. The platform also runs „Fact-Checking” initiatives to debunk fake news, making it a reliable source of information for news enthusiasts and those interested in European news.

Where can I find reliable news sources about Romania?

As with any country, finding reliable news sources about Romania is crucial to stay informed about its current events and developments. Fortunately, several reputable sources are available for those interested in Romanian news.

A reliable source is the English-language version of Romania’s largest newspaper, Adevarul. They provide in-depth coverage of national and international news, making it an excellent resource for those interested in European news.

Ziarul Financiar is a trusted source in Romania for business and economic news. They cover stock market updates, business trends, and economic policies.

Finally, Romania-Insider.com or Valahia.news are popular English-language news platforms that provide a broad range of news and information about Romania. They cover politics, business, travel, cultural events, and lobbying in Romania.

By following these sources, you can stay informed about the latest developments in Romania and have a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, politics, and economy.

Are there any emerging trends in Romanian news?

As a rapidly developing and modernizing country, Romania has always been an essential news source for those interested in European affairs. Several emerging trends in Romanian news have been worth paying attention to in recent years.

The country’s growing economic strength is one of the most significant trends in Romanian news. Romania has experienced steady economic growth in recent years, reflected in the news coverage. There has been a lot of coverage of new investment and development projects and the increasing number of Romanian businesses expanding into international markets.

Another trend that has emerged in Romanian news is the growing importance of technology. Romania is home to a rapidly expanding tech sector, which has been reflected in the news coverage. There has been a lot of coverage of new startups and the growing use of technology in industries such as healthcare and finance.

In addition to these trends, there has also been a growing focus on political issues in Romanian news. Romania has been through political instability in recent years, and there has been a lot of coverage of political scandals and protests. There has also been a growing focus on corruption and the rule of law.

Overall, several emerging trends in Romanian news are worth paying attention to. Whether you are interested in the country’s growing economy, tech sector, or political landscape, there is always something new and exciting to discover in the news coming out of Romania.

Freedom of the press is a democratic cornerstone in the European Union (EU). Nevertheless, recent results from the Civil Liberties Union for Europe show that freedom of information and expression in several EU nations, including Romania, is jeopardized by inadequate actions to safeguard national security, tackle hate speech, and counteract disinformation.

Moreover, the imbalanced application of data protection regulations and sluggish processing of information freedom requests obstruct the unimpeded flow of information. This overview of the present state of press freedom emphasizes some of the obstacles journalists face in the EU, focusing on Romania, as derived from the latest State of Press Freedom in the EU report.

In Romania, national security is being utilized as a pretext for restricting freedom of expression. The report’s findings reveal that in countries like Romania and Slovakia, growing apprehensions have emerged that national security is being exploited as a justification to formulate laws limiting freedom of expression. Such legislation frequently endangers media freedom and restricts journalists’ and media outlets’ capacity to report on crucial matters.

As cited in the report, there is no transparency in Romania regarding funding allocation by political parties. Public funds are employed to pay media outlets, as occurred during the pandemic. In this manner, newspapers have transformed into political party propaganda instruments. Civil society actors have tried to reveal this issue through freedom of information requests, but the parties have refused to divulge information.

There was an intention to support the press during the pandemic. However, beyond the Government’s intention, one cannot help but wonder: how many publications refrained from criticizing the authorities simply because they were paid with public funds?

The Emilia Șercan case is detailed separately in the report. Emilia Șercan, a Romanian investigative journalist, published an investigation in early 2022 alleging Romania’s Prime Minister plagiarized his doctoral thesis. Shortly afterward, Șercan received a threat from an unknown person containing her photos. Despite reporting the incident to the police, the screenshots she sent were leaked, prompting her to file numerous criminal complaints against the police and the Minister of Interior. The journalist’s case is the subject of seven criminal cases at various stages in several institutions.

Notably, officers from the Romanian Police Academy are indicted in this case, as they are charged with threatening the journalist to abandon the investigation.

The report mentions that civil rights organizations in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain report increased censorship and content restrictions. Public order and security are being used as arguments to propose new laws allowing for even further restrictions on free speech.

This is not good news for the evolution of the Romanian press or civil society, as pressures against the press mean less information and less freedom for society.

As the European Union continues to grapple with the challenges surrounding freedom of expression and information, it is essential to protect the rights of journalists and media outlets to ensure a healthy democratic environment. The abovementioned cases are just a few examples of journalists’ and civil society actors’ ongoing struggles. Ultimately, the EU must address these issues and ensure that the fundamental principles of press freedom are upheld.

Foreigners coming to Romania for a more extended period of time and working remotely for a non-EU company will benefit from tax breaks following the adoption by Parliament of the bill to clarify the tax regime for digital nomads.

Specifically, digital nomads will be able to choose Romania as their destination without worrying about double taxation of income earned outside Romania. They will be exempt from paying income tax, social security, and health insurance contributions.

Romanian MP Diana Buzoianu states that Romania has the potential of becoming a destinated demanded by digital nomads, as the country has extraordinary tourism potential. However, in order to accomplish this, the state must provide a clear tax regime for digital nomads who would like to choose Romania as their destination country.  

Romania is a country with a lot of potential and benefits: the country’s fixed-line broadband package average monthly rates, at $8.15, which is a lot cheaper in comparison to other EU countries. Romania might be the ideal location for someone who is seeking affordable, dependable internet connectivity.

Digital nomad in Romania – what are the advantages?

With an average broadband internet speed of 188 mb/s, an internet cost of €7.5 and an affordable rent of around €323, Romania has long been considered one of the best places to work remotely in the Central and Eastern European region.

Additionally, Romania offers reliable and fast internet service, making it an ideal location for those who require a stable online connection, such as those who need the best WordPress hosting.

The language is also an important aspect when moving to a foreign country, as in Romania, English is spoken on a large scale, so there is no language barrier.

Restaurants, clubs, and pubs are affordable, so it is easy to eat a good meal and feel good with little money.

Also, Bucharest, the capital of Romania offers a multitude of amazing touristic attractions to visit.

What are the requirements to work as a digital nomad in Romania?

The long-stay visa is granted by the diplomatic missions and consular offices of Romania in the country where the digital nomads have their residence or domicile. The conditions they must meet to obtain the visa are:

• have means of subsistence from the activity carried out, amounting to at least three times the average gross monthly earnings in Romania for each of the last 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application and for the entire period of the visa
• carry out the activities from which they derive their income remotely using information and communication technology

In order to obtain a digital nomad visa, digital nomads who meet the above-mentioned conditions will have to present a number of documents:

1. employment contract concluded with the company registered abroad / proof of at least 3 years of management of the company registered abroad – in original and accompanied by an authenticated translation into Romanian
2. a document issued by the company with which the foreigner has concluded an employment contract/which the foreigner owns, presenting its identification and contact data (including the field of activity and, if applicable, the foreigner’s participation in the company, as well as data on its legal representatives) – in original and accompanied by an authenticated translation into Romanian
3. letter of intent detailing the purpose of the trip to Romania and the activities the foreigner intends to carry out – in original and accompanied by an authenticated translation into Romanian
4. apostilled or super-certified document issued by the specialized institution of the public administration of the place of tax residence, certifying that the foreigner employed/company owned by the foreigner has paid taxes, duties, and other compulsory contributions up to date and is not registered for tax evasion or tax fraud – in original and accompanied by an authenticated translation into Romanian
5. reservation of a valid travel ticket or driving license, together with proof of itinerary, in the case of drivers
6. proof of medical insurance for the entire duration of validity of the visa, valid on the territory of Romania and covering at least EUR 30 000
7. proof of means of support amounting to at least three times the average gross monthly earnings in Romania
8. proof of accommodation
9. criminal record certificate or another document with the same legal value, apostilled or super-stamped, certifying that there are no records of criminal offenses – accompanied by an authenticated translation into Romanian
10. other supporting documents that the competent Romanian authorities require in addition to the above.

Thus, digital nomads will henceforth be included in the category of foreigners eligible for a long-stay visa, on the essential condition that their gross monthly income is at least three times higher than the average income of Romanian nationals. This means that future digital nomads will have to earn around €3 300 per month from remote work in Romania to be eligible for a visa.