Romania

Jail conditions are far better in Romania than what they were – but overcrowding and poor diet remain a problem, a new report says. The number of inmates in Romania’s prisons has risen constantly in recent years and the government spends over 41 million euro a year in supporting them, according …

As the EU ponders Romania’s desire to join the passport-free Schengen area, Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta voices concern that instability in Bulgaria may affect its chances.“The European Commission’s decision next month on Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area will surely be negatively influenced by the current instability in …

The struggle over who should lead the former ruling Democratic Liberal Party is unlikely to restore its standing with the electorate.With around one month to go before crucial internal elections on March 23, the Democratic Liberal Party, PDL, Romania’s biggest opposition party, remains divided by disputes and between its main …

As EU ministers prepare to meet to discuss the horse meat scandal, Romania says two slaughterhouses are under investigation in connection to the row – but denies wrongdoing.Romania on Tuesday disclosed the names of two local companies that are under investigation for alleged involvement in the frozen food scandal spreading …

UK Immigration Minister says Britain will not be a “soft touch” for migrants from Bulgaria and Romania once the remaining curbs on working in Britain expire.Mark Harper told parliamentarians on Monday that the UK had no obligations to offer any more benefits to Bulgarians and Romanians seeking to come to …

Towards the end of 2012, the Constitutional Court of Slovenia issued a decision in regard to a referendum meant to consult the population on the establishment of a so-called “bad bank”. The bad bank was to be a state-owned institution meant to take over bad loans made by private banks …

Romania is to send a small unit to join the EU’s anti-extremist operation in strife-ridden Mali.Romania’s Supreme Defence Council, CSAT, announced on Tuesday that it was sending 10 officers to join the European Union mission in Mali to help train local foces. “Romania’s involvement in this operation is in accordance …

A new report says that Romania detained six individuals on behalf of the CIA after the 9/11 attacks.Some 54 countries, including Romania and Poland, assisted in the CIA’s secret detention and rendition programme in the years after 9/11 terrorist attacks, a new human rights report says. The report, made public …

In a light-hearted response to British fears of mass immigration from Romania next year, a newspaper has launched a campaign inviting British people to come to Romania instead.“Half of our women look like Kate. The other half like her sister.” Kate, of course, is Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William …

Romania is to get two more months to hit its agreed goals with the IMF, ater falling behind with several targets.The IMF is granting Romania two extra months, until June, to meet its commitments, after falling behind in some of its targets connected to a 5 billion euro aid plan. …