Romania Rocked by Nationwide Protests Against Judicial Corruption Following Documentary Release
Thousands have taken to the streets across Romania, including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași, protesting alleged judicial corruption. The demonstrations were sparked by the investigative documentary 'Captured Justice' by Recorder, which exposed systemic manipulation within the judiciary. Protesters demand resignations and reforms.
Romania Withdraws Golden Visa Proposal Following National Security Concerns
Romania's National Liberal Party has withdrawn its €400,000 Golden Visa program proposal from Parliament. The decision came after critical assessments from state institutions, including the Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT), which cited national security risks and potential conflicts with EU regulations and Romania's aspirations for Schengen, Visa Waiver, and OECD accession.
Ciprian Ciucu Elected New Bucharest Mayor in Snap Election
Bucharest residents participated in a snap mayoral election on December 7, 2025, to choose the city's next leader after Nicușor Dan became President of Romania. Liberal candidate Ciprian Ciucu emerged victorious, securing 36.16% of the vote.
Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania Sign Landmark Transport Cooperation Agreement in Brussels
Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Brussels to bolster cross-border cooperation in transport infrastructure. The agreement, signed on December 3, 2025, aims to enhance regional integration, connectivity, and security through the modernization of rail, road, and inland waterway links, including new Danube bridges and a Black Sea–Aegean Sea Corridor Platform.
Romania Initiates Major Reform for 17 State-Owned Companies
The Romanian government has approved a list of 17 state-owned companies for a comprehensive reform process, aiming to modernize corporate governance, improve performance, and determine their future through reorganization, listing, or liquidation. This move aligns with OECD standards and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Romania Destroys Ukrainian-Developed Sea Baby Drone in Black Sea
The Romanian military neutralized a Sea Baby maritime drone, developed by Ukraine, 36 nautical miles east of Constanta on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The drone, identified as a threat to navigation, was destroyed by controlled detonation amidst heightened Black Sea security concerns.
Romania Advances Magistrates' Pension Reform Amidst Legal Challenges
Romania's government has advanced controversial legislation to reform magistrates' pensions, aiming to raise the retirement age to 65 and increase the service length to 35 years. The move, crucial for unlocking EU funds, comes after a previous bill was rejected by the Constitutional Court and despite a negative opinion from the Superior Council of Magistracy.
Romania Moves to Assume Lukoil's Black Sea Gas Stake Ahead of US Sanctions
Romania is preparing to amend its Oil Law to allow the state to take over Lukoil's 87.5% stake in the Trident offshore gas concession in the Black Sea. This action comes as US sanctions against Lukoil are set to take effect on December 13, aiming to secure national energy interests and comply with international regulations.
Romania Acquires Turkish Hisar-Class Corvette to Bolster Black Sea Naval Capabilities
Romania has signed an intergovernmental contract with Türkiye for the acquisition of a Hisar-class corvette, specifically the TCG Akhisar, valued at €223 million. This strategic move aims to modernize Romania's naval forces and enhance security in the Black Sea region, with delivery expected within six months. The deal includes personnel training and logistical support, marking Türkiye's first warship export to a NATO and EU member.
Russian Drone Crashes in Romanian Village Amid Widespread Airspace Violations in Romania and Moldova
A Russian drone crashed in the Romanian village of Puiesti on November 25, 2025, causing alarm among residents. This incident occurred amidst multiple Russian drone incursions into the airspace of both Romania and Moldova, prompting military responses and diplomatic protests from both nations.
Deadly Explosion and Fire Rock Bucharest Apartment Building, Three Confirmed Dead
A powerful explosion and subsequent fire in an 8-story Bucharest apartment building on October 17, 2025, resulted in three fatalities and 17 injuries. Over 150 people were evacuated, and emergency services responded to the incident, suspected to be caused by a gas leak. The building faces a risk of collapse.
85-Year-Old Woman Found Dead, Suspected Dog Attack in Vaslui Village
An 85-year-old woman was discovered deceased in Plopi, Vaslui county, Romania, on Saturday evening, November 22, 2025. She sustained severe injuries, including an amputated forearm, leading to suspicions of a dog attack. Police have initiated a wrongful death investigation.
Thousands Protest Austerity Measures in Bucharest Amidst Economic Crisis
Thousands of Romanians, led by the National Trade Union Bloc, marched in Bucharest on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, to protest the government's austerity measures. Demonstrators demanded higher wages, tax reductions, and an end to public sector job cuts, as the country grapples with a significant budget deficit and rising inflation.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Confirms Continued US Troop Presence in Romania Amidst Adjustments
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has confirmed that US troops will remain stationed in Romania, with adjustments to their rotation structure, following recent reports of a partial withdrawal. The move, part of a broader US military posture reassessment, will see troop numbers reduced from approximately 1,700 to around 1,000, while key strategic assets remain operational.
Sorin Grindeanu Elected President of Romania's Social Democratic Party
Sorin Grindeanu has been elected president of Romania's ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) on November 7, 2025, during an extraordinary congress in Bucharest. He secured 2,787 votes as the sole candidate, emphasizing a call for a 'stronger, more confident PSD' and a return to 'national, religious, and traditional values'.
ICSID Rejects Romania's Bid to Halt Euroins Arbitration Case
The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) has rejected Romania's request to halt an arbitration case filed by Eurohold Bulgaria and Euroins Insurance Group. The dispute, seeking over 500 million euro in damages, arose after Romania's financial regulator revoked Euroins Romania's operating license in 2023, leading to its bankruptcy.
Romanian Government Unveils Five Measures to Reduce Electricity Prices
The Romanian government, led by Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, has announced a comprehensive plan to cut electricity prices. The initiative addresses the high proportion of taxes and tariffs, which constitute 49% of the total energy cost, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on consumers.
Drugged, Unlicensed Driver Detained After Attempting to Ram Russian Embassy in Bucharest
A 53-year-old Romanian man, found to be under the influence of drugs and driving with a revoked license, was detained after attempting to drive his car into the Russian Embassy in Bucharest early Thursday morning. The incident resulted in no injuries or significant material damage.
Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania to Formalize EU Transport Corridor Linking Aegean and Black Seas in November
Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania are set to sign an EU pact in November in Brussels for a new North-South transport corridor. This initiative will connect the Aegean and Black Seas via modern highways and high-speed rail, enhancing trade, tourism, and military mobility across Eastern Europe and extending towards Moldova and Ukraine.
Salt Bank Launches Securities Trading for 500,000 Users in Romania Through Upvest Partnership
Salt Bank, Romania's leading digital bank, has introduced securities trading for its over 500,000 users, enabling direct investment in international capital markets. This new offering, launched on October 14, 2025, is powered by a strategic partnership with Berlin-based investment technology firm Upvest.