Bulgarian Exports to Romania Surge Nearly 19% in Early 2025
Bulgarian exports to Romania saw a significant rise of nearly 19% in the first quarter of 2025
Thousands took to the streets of Romania on Tuesday evening after the government decided to change criminal legislation by emergency ordinance, local media report.
In a cabinet meeting, ministers unexpectedly added the item to the agenda, day ahead of schedule, according to Romania Insider.
The newly adopted legislation redefined "abuse of power", turning any case relating to damages of EUR 44 000 or less wil not be tantamount to a criminal offence.
The development, which will affect more than 2100 cases under investigation, occurred as several former state officials from the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), including its current leader Liviu Dragnea, are facing criminal prosecution over abuse of power. Some of their cases are will now not be classified as criminal ones.
The protests included nearly all key cities such as the capital Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brasov, and Iasi.
Participants called for the resignation of the government.
Despite the demonstrations, the emergency legislation was published in the country's Official Gazette at 01:00 local time (EET). Amendments will take effect into ten days.
On Facebook, President Klaus Iohannis condemned the move as a "blow to the rule of law" and has vowed to "do everything" to turn Romania into a country freed from corruption.
The United States is reinforcing its military footprint in the Eastern Mediterranean by heavily fortifying the naval base at Souda Bay, located on the Greek island of Crete
A state of emergency has been declared in the area surrounding the large wildfire near Ierapetra on the Greek island of Crete
A full blockade of several major Serbian cities was launched on the morning of July 4 in protest against police violence
Romania is facing a severe financial crisis
North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has sharply criticized the latest developments in the European Parliament, accusing it of erasing Macedonian identity and language in what he described as a "Taliban-style" move
A large forest fire broke out near the town of Vourvourou on the Sithonia peninsula in Halkidiki, an area known for campsites and holiday homes
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