Latest News from Romania

CEZ Mulls Selling its Business in Bulgaria

Czech-based holding CEZ said late in January it considered withdrawing from the Bulgarian market.

CEZ holds the biggest power supply business in Bulgaria (providing electricity to more than 3 million customers), with revenues to the tune of BGN 1.4 B, the biggest electricity distribution company, several hydropower plants, and a now defunct thermal power plant.

Massive Protests in Romania as Govt Changes Criminal Law

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.

Former Chairwoman of Romania's CEC Admits To Receiving Bribe

The former chairwoman of the Central Election Commission in Romania has admitted to anti-corruption prosecutors that she accepted a bribe to the amount of EUR 275,000, reported BTA.

Ana Maria Petru, who occupied the post for 31 years, pointed out that most of the money was given to her by a firm which had several contracts with the election commission.

Romania Debates Controversial Anti-Graft Decrees

Romanian Justice Minister Florin Iordache has said a public debate on two controversial government decrees - designed to pardon people jailed for less than five years for petty crimes, including corruption, and amend the penal code to remove abuse of office and trading in influence - will start on Monday.

Greece's Green Cola targets British market

Greek soft drink Green Cola is continuing its international expansion, after beginning with exports to Serbia and Romania.

It is now available from UK online supermarket Ocado and it will be available at regular supermarkets across Britain within the year, following agreements signed in 2016 for that purpose.

Romania Raids Migrant-Smugglers' Hideouts

Romanian police have conducted raids at suspected people-smuggling locations across the country, including several in Bucharest and the western city of Arad.

The search targeted homes of several suspects who in August-December 2016 smuggled over 100 refugees and migrants from Turkey through several Balkan countries to Romania and then to Germany, the Romanian police authorities said.

Romania, Bulgaria Still Need Monitoring, Commission Says

The European Commission will continue to monitor Romania and Bulgaria in 2017 because they have not made enough progress in terms of justice and the fight against corruption.

Third Permanent Lane for Trucks To Be Opened at Danube Bridge 2

Bulgarian and Romanian border authorities have agreed to open a permanent third lane for trucks at the exit of the country at border cross checkpoint Danube Bridge 2.

In order to alleviate traffic, vehicles from countries outside the EU will be processed separately.

Bulgaria, Romania Border Officials to Meet over Danube Bridge 2 Tensions

Border police officials of Bulgaria and Romania will meet near the city of Vidin on Wednesday to discuss the long queues of trucks lining up to cross the Danube Bridge 2 which connects the countries.

Tensions surfaced on Tuesday as truck drivers blocked the bridge, saying they had waited for many hours to pass.

Bulgaria Nears 'Global Average' in Corruption Perception Index

Bulgaria has ranked 75th in the world in terms of corruption perception and is singled out as the EU state perceived as "most corrupt" by its citizens in the latest Transparency International ranking.

Watchdog Highlights Persistent Corruption in Balkans

Transparency International on Wednesday published its annual global report on perceived corruption in society, indicating that governments in Balkan states have a lot of work to do to eradicate graft, with Macedonia singled out as one of the countries in which the situation has significantly worsened over the year.