The airline informs in a press release that TAROM is introducing special offers on the Bucharest—Chisinau route as part of its tourism promotion partnership with the National Tourism Office and the Employers’ Association of the Tourism Industry of the Republic of Moldova.

TAROM passengers benefit from exclusive offers and discounts at some of the most representative tourist destinations in the Republic of Moldova, based on the boarding pass.

Thus, at Mileștii Mici, the discount is 15% for the tourist packages of the Mileștii Mici Winery. The winery has the most extensive collection of wines in the world, and it was included in the Guinness Book of Records in 2005. The unique collection of wines is preserved in 55-km-long stone galleries.

The TAROM company has a consistent representation in the Republic of Moldova and actively supports local tourism through the agency in Chisinau.

Through direct connections and daily flights from seven important cities in Romania – Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Oradea, Satu Mare, Suceava, Timișoara and Baia Mare – TAROM ensures fast and convenient access for tens of thousands of Romanian and international tourists to Bucharest and then to Chisinau, through the 21 weekly flights’ the release states.

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If times change, and there will be a relaxation regarding the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU, you have the solution: vote in the Parliament for the union with Romania! This means entering the EU overnight. But let’s not be naive: the Republic of Moldova has Russian troops and separatism on its territory. If politicians choose to join the Union with Romania or join the EU, they will have to decide on the separation of Transnistria from the Republic of Moldova. This is because it is not possible to “import” frozen conflicts inside the EU (…) Without launching speculations, I say only one thing: the Republic of Moldova can’t bring inside the EU a frozen conflict, such as the one in Transnistria, which also has troops of the Russian Federation on its territory and armaments, and ammunition storage – all the evils that the EU avoids.

Ex-Romanian President Traian Basescu on how the Republic of Moldova can join EU

Transnistria, a narrow strip of land along the Dniester River, is a breakaway region within Moldova that declared independence in 1990 but remains unrecognized internationally. The region is heavily influenced by Russia, which maintains a military presence there, complicating Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite being officially part of Moldova, Transnistria operates as a de facto independent state with its government, military, and currency. This creates a significant geopolitical dilemma for Moldova’s aspirations to join the European Union.

The former pro-Russian president of the Republic of Moldova, the socialist Igor Dodon, reacted harshly in the local media after Traian Băsescu declared that the Moldovans must give up Transnistria if they want to enter the European Union. His adversity to Western Europe is well known in his country and beyond Moldovan borders. Even so, his speech can make Moldovans think twice before making any decision.

“Traian Basescu surrendered everything he could in Romania to the Americans, and he came to us to teach us lessons?! Mr. President, mind your own business. We will somehow clarify ourselves and without you. I saw that you really hope that two presidents will come to liquidate the Republic of Moldova after the presidential elections in Romania and Moldova. If there were a normal government in the Republic of Moldova, they would expel Băsescu from the country for such declarations of the liquidation of the Republic of Moldova. Still, we have some traitors who do not want to do this. Now you understand, dear fellow citizens, why the decision was correct when I withdrew Basescu’s citizenship, which was granted in violation of the legislation by the former president who was up to me.

Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon reacting to Traian Basescu statements on the unification between Moldova and Romania

The unresolved conflict with Transnistria poses a security risk and an obstacle to meeting the EU’s political and economic criteria for membership. Russian troops and the lack of control over this region challenge Moldova’s ability to implement EU-aligned reforms and policies comprehensively, thus hindering its European integration efforts.

Even so, the European Union has signed an agreement to contribute to the security of the Republic of Moldova. This is a premiere for the EU, which promises to defend a third-party country if needed.

The post Former Romania President: Moldova Must Give Up Transnistria to Join EU appeared first on Valahia.News.

We are here today to recognize and appreciate your courage and determination. We are here to celebrate sport and health. Every step you take on this long distance is due to your inner strength. Each of you probably has your reason for undertaking this challenge. Still, there is also a common reason – to shorten the distance from Chisinau to Bucharest, to bring the Republic of Moldova closer to Romania, to strengthen peace, friendship and solidarity. This is also what I want for our country – to trust our own forces, to move forward together, despite the obstacles, to become part of the big European family because we are all united by our love for the country, by our desire to ensure peace, freedom and well-being.

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu supporting the contenders.

RUBICON 2024 encourages an active and healthy lifestyle and is also an opportunity to discover the crossed regions’ unique landscapes and cultural richness. The participants become ambassadors of friendship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova and, through their example, will send a strong message of openness and solidarity, said the president of the Romanian National Agency for Sports, Elisabeta Lipă, who was quoted in a press release of the competition’s organizers.

The group of runners will enter Romania through the Oancea border crossing point. The participants will carry water and food and run both day and night. The entire route is estimated to be covered in about 52 hours. A bus provided by the organizers will accompany the athletes throughout the event. The winner of RUBICON 2024 will receive, in addition to the cup, a special shield to place all the badges of the won stages.

The planned route is 478 kilometers long and will pass through Ialoveni, Cimișlia, Taraclia, Gagauzia, and Cahul, as well as the Romanian counties Galați, Brăila, Buzău, Ialomița, and Ilfov and Bucharest. Each area corresponds to at least one and a maximum of ten of the 46 stages of the race.

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Anca Dragu was offered Moldovan citizenship on Thursday, December 21, as a condition for her to enter Parliament’s vote. The very same day, the former Governor was released from his office following the decision of the Parliament.

Anca Dragu has a solid background for this position. As an economist, she was appointed Minister of Finance in Romania between November 2015 and January 2017 during the rule of the Technocrat Government. Also, she was the first woman in Romania to become Speaker of the Senate. Also, she worked as an economist at the National Bank of Romania and an economic analyst with the European Commission and International Monetary Fund.

The interesting political game is that the Moldovan Socialists voted along with PAS – Action and Solidarity, the party supporting Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, to oust the former governor from office and instate Anca Dragu.

Beyond any political meaning, this is also a step from what both governments intend to accomplish in the foreseeable future. Both sister countries were part of Great Romania, a territory that covered the Republic of Moldova, the southern part of Ukraine, and partially the northern part of Bulgaria. The two countries still yearn, more or less, to get back together as one, and there are exciting movements from both sides, such as to name, appoint or vote. officials from the sister country, precisely what happened with Anca Dragu.

In this context, one theory circulating in Romania is to have elected as president the current president of Moldova, Maia Sandu. This would be another way of getting the nation back together. And, if you have a passion for history, this is how the Union of the Romanian provinces in 1600 and the one in 1859 were accomplished – by imposing or voting the same ruler in all or at least two of them. So, it would just be history repeating itself.

Also, another theory is to have the two countries back together after Moldova joins the European Union, a process which might take at least 5-10 years to finish. Also, this possibility requires another step: for this political decision to be backed by all or the majority of the European member states. However, this hasn’t happened so far, so it would be the first time two European Union states would do this.

However, we also have to say that there isn’t 100% backing of the Union between the two sister countries, not even within their borders. Only half the Moldovan population would vote for a Union, while in Romania, the percentage is more significant.

Either way, this process seems to have its agenda, and the Romanian and Moldovan politicians follow it. In the long run, Moldova would be a more experienced country at the moment it will join the EU. Moldova could learn much from Romania’s expertise in the field and would be able to play its cards better when the moment comes. Also, a larger country, with 23 million inhabitants, would do better than one with 3 million in a European Union where the economic and voting power matters the most.

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Not many people know that in 2018, Romania became ambassador to the European Union for Moldova and Ukraine. I supported them to disconnect from the Russian system and connect to the European one. The first test with disconnection was done on the day the war broke out in Ukraine. Few people know this. On that night, when Russia attacked Ukraine, the energy systems in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova were disconnected and began the test of being connected to the European system. The test was planned for a year and was completed in three weeks. This was essential in helping Ukraine overcome a terrible time. We have moved electricity from the north-west of Ukraine to the south-east using our national systems.

Corina Popescu, Swift Energy Romania

Corina Popescu also said that the energy sector remains strong and strategic for Romania, and the country has demonstrated that it can have an energy security center.

We are currently continuing to deliver supply security in the region. Next year, I would be thrilled if the Minister of Energy supports and fights for Romania to have the regional security center for this part of Europe, including Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, in Romania. We have proven that we are capable of doing this. Starting from the second half of November, we started trading with Ukraine. So far, since the war started and being interconnected through the European system, we have only helped them get over the war. Now we have started trading. Next year, we will be invited to be part of the European Transport System Association and to be officially in the European system.

Corina Popescu, Swift Energy Romania

Romania remains one of the most important actors in the region during the conflict, due to its proximity to the war area. Romania also helps Moldova with energy and this September, Romanian TransGaz took over the gas operations in Moldova. The imports from Romania helped Moldova gain its energetic independence from Russia.

The post Romania Helped Ukraine Disconnect from Russian Energy Systems when Russia Attacked appeared first on Valahia.News.

Majority state-owned Transgaz, one of the top companies in Romania, signed the agreement through its Moldovan subsidiary Vestmoldtransgaz, which operates the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline and is certified on the ownership unbundling model, the company said in a press release.

Vestmoldtransgaz’s action follows Moldovatransgaz’s failure to comply with the unbundling requirements, which led to the modification of the legislative framework in Moldova to ensure the country’s energy security and alignment with the European regulatory framework, Transgaz said.

Ensuring the separation and independence of natural gas transmission system operators from vertically integrated companies that produce, distribute, store, trade or supply natural gas is one of the primary objectives for creating a liberalized natural gas market in the Republic of Moldova. With this initiative, Transgaz continues its strategic presence in the Republic of Moldova, contributing to ensuring the strategic interests of the region.

Ion Sterian, General Director at Transgaz

Thus, following Moldova’s legal provisions for the next five years, Vestmoldtransgaz will become the sole licensed operator for the provision of the public gas transmission service on Moldova’s territory, Transgaz said.

Last winter, in December 2022, Transgaz started gas exports to the Republic of Moldova through the Iasi-Ungheni pipeline. At that time, Romania ensured 90% of the internal gas consumption in the Republic of Moldova.

Last month, Transgaz said that its consolidated net profit for the first six months of 2023 fell by an annual 60% to 70.8 million lei ($15.4 million/14.3 million euro). The Romanian state owns a stake of 58.5% in Transgaz, while the remainder is in free float on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

Transgaz shares traded 1.9% lower at 16.56 lei as at 1215 CET on Tuesday on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

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The most important pillar for Moldova to become a digital and innovation hub in Central and Eastern Europe is creating a complex platform providing access to critical technological resources, expertise, know-how, collaboration, and investment opportunities. The latest Moldova Digital Summit, organized by ATIC, was the most significant event dedicated to Moldova’s digital transformation and technological innovations, attended by 2,500 participants, including 68 speakers, experts and leaders of tech and business communities from 30 countries.

The event’s theme, “Evolve towards a Borderless Future,” shows the direction in which Moldova is heading, shaped by global trends.

The G2C borders were also challenged to disappear through the launch of the Moldova Government super app “EVO,” which will provide access to all public services at their fingertips. In addition, The e–Governance Agency of Moldova signed a Memorandum with Romania to develop a shared digital space between the two countries.

As of 2022, the ICT sector in Moldova has recorded the highest growth rate among all sectors of the economy at over 45%, employs 3% of the active population, and has a significant contribution of about 7.4% to the country’s GDP, accounting for 11% of country’s exports valued at over USD 500 million.

Moldova has access to high-speed internet, ranks 6th for the lowest fixed broadband costs and enjoys 100% mobile network coverage. The legal framework for IT campaigns positions Moldova at a regional level as the country offering the most attractive business incentives. One of them is a single 7% tax turnover within the Moldova Innovation and Technology Park (MITP) – a virtual park that combines EU best practices and simplifies bureaucratic procedures.

MITP residents’ employees now have remote work opportunities, IT Visas facilitate foreign talent hiring, and new “contactless business” laws minimize the need for physical presence in Moldova.

Moldova Digital Summit is organized by the Moldovan Association of ICT Companies under the auspices of the Prime Minister and financed by USAID, the Governments of Sweden, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, and the EU Delegation.

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At that time, we said that the song was not the most valuable that Romania could’ve sent to Eurovision. We were polite, as it turned out.

This year, Romania only counted the public votes. No specialized jury interfered, and the result was, to be fair, not the most valuable song in the national competition or the best performance Romania had in the national final.

If failure had a name in music, that name would be “Off and On.” Romania failed, once again, to qualify for the final of Eurovision 2023. This time, a boy dressed in some sort of loathing pink suit with matching shorts and socks took a punt at performing. His “performance” was so lame that his failure would deafeningly echo in Bucharest for months.

Critics and social media users pointed out that the Romanian so-called “artist” tried to hide his mediocrity behind flashy clothes. By wearing a grotesque pink suit and matching shorts and socks, probably inspired or supporting the LGBTQ movement, the guy must have thought he could get away with his mediocre voice and lack of musical talent. His yelling at the audience was certainly not appreciated by the public or jury.

Fortunately for those who will watch the final on Saturday, but also for Romanian fans, the country’s representative won’t have the “opportunity” to embarrass himself at Liverpool Arena. The Gods of Music must have heard his yelling on stage and mercifully shortened his stay in the city that offered the Beatles to the world.

There is something notable here: the Romanian represented his country by winning a selection where only the public’ votes were counted, with no jury interference whatsoever. The question is – how bad are Romanians’ taste in music?

Romanians will probably go all-in for Moldova

On the other hand, Romania’s sister country, MOLDOVA, has a good chance of impressing the public with “Soarele si Luna” performed by Pasha Parfeni in Romanian. Better listen to this music, as Moldovans prove, year after year, they have good taste in music and offer inspirational performances.

While Romania is missing from the final, most probably, Romanians in the country and all over Europe will go all in for Moldova. From this perspective, with all these votes, plus the ones that will come from people genuinely enjoying the song, we bet our bottom dollar that Moldova could rank among the Top 5 this year, if not even higher.

Good luck, Moldova!

Next time, Romania! Next time…

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From 2023, adults will also be able to learn the Romanian language at free courses offered by the Ministry of Education. The national program for teaching the Romanian language to non-native speakers was expanded to include courses for adults, and 10 million lei were provided for this purpose in the 2023 budget. The Government is to adopt a decision to clarify this program’s details. Follow the announcements of the Ministry of Education on the subject. In the coming years, we will expand the program to cover better the needs of teaching the Romanian language to adults.

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu on Facebook

The Republic of Moldova has a particular situation. As a former soviet republic, during the USSR, all the Moldovans had to speak Russian, as that was the official language of all the communist states. After the state gained independence in 1991, the Russian language partially lost its importance within the administration. The people started to use Romanian on a large scale. Even so, there are more than 150,000 people of the Russian minority living in Moldova, and many only speak this language. How are they going to be fully integrated into society? How can you make them understand some of the national values or even offer them the opportunity to better jobs?

As Romanian is the country’s official language, Moldova tries to integrate as many citizens into the current society as possible. Along with these efforts, trying to teach Romanian to the minorities is a step which can ensure their access to public services and even better jobs abroad, as they could be hired in the neighbouring country Romania.

Apart from that, this is certainly an important move, especially in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Moldova wants to gain full independence from Moscow, but Russia’s influence in the country is still visible. Transnistria, the separatist region which belongs to Moldova but there is, de facto, under the control of the pro-Russian military forces, is a delicate subject and constitutes a potential threat to national and regional security.

This is why such small steps to dilute Moscow’s influence in Moldova and, along with others, can bring the long-awaited European integration at some point in the future.

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Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Galuzin, diplomatically warned the Republic of Moldova for the close ties it has developed with NATO:

As experience shows, the reckless pumping of a country with Western weapons does not add to its security and sovereignty but, on the contrary, brings it closer to catastrophe.

I would like to once again express doubt that such ‘assistance’ from the West, which looks more like the development of the territory, is carried out in the interests of Moldova itself

Mikhail Galuzin for RIA Novosti

Moldova, the small former soviet republic, experiences the proximity to the conflict very differently and the risks involved if Russia decides to invade its territory through Transnistria, the separatist enclave. This is why the diplomatic reply came very fast from the spokesperson of the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Our country is a peaceful and neutral state. Neutrality does not mean self-isolation, demilitarization, or indifference to what is happening in the world.
We are interested in strengthening our resilience, including through NATO, the strongest political-military alliance in the world. In the international arena, we live in a difficult region, affected by Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine, which has dramatic consequences for our country. We need all the solidarity of our friends to overcome the multiple hybrid challenges we face.
We are a free country, and it is our decision how to develop our country.

Daniel Voda, the spokesperson of the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Facebook

One thing is certain, beyond any diplomatic games: the Republic of Moldova cannot defend its own territory in case of a Russian invasion. So, despite its neutrality, the small country is more than entitled to seek military assistance from the West.

NATO’s Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoana, offered a clear picture of how the situation is viewed from NATO’s perspective:

NATO will continue to help the Republic of Moldova increase its resistance in the face of increasing pressure from Russia.

The Republic of Moldova is a very important partner of NATO. NATO takes Moldova’s requests for additional support to strengthen national security very seriously. (…) There is a strong cooperation between us, which is strengthened even more in these difficult times

Mircea Geoana, NATO Deputy Secretary General, in December 2022 in Chisinau

Romania is the best neighbour Moldova has and the two sister countries, speaking the same language and sharing the same tumultuous past, seem closer than ever after they were separated. Romania is helping Moldova go through the harsh winter after Russia stopped gas deliveries through Ukraine, but it also lobbies for Moldova to be protected in case of any aggression. Romania’s NATO membership allows the EU country to press the right buttons for Moldova to get the necessary security assurance during this difficult period.

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