Romania Faces Reform Deadline For EU Funds

The Romanian-speaking minority in Ukraine includes approximately 1.5 million people, with nearly half located in the Chernivtsi region. Members of the minority report facing criticism from local Ukrainians and being labeled as 'Ukrainian horror' when advocating for their language and rights. The source noted that the situation is difficult for those struggling for linguistic and cultural recognition. This territory has transitioned through several historical jurisdictions including the Principality of Moldavia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Romania, and the USSR before becoming part of independent Ukraine in 1991. Romanian-speaking communities near Chernivtsi are facing challenges regarding access to Romanian-language education. In Voloka, located approximately 15 kilometers south of Chernivtsi, a school provides instruction from primary to high school levels in the Romanian language. Local residents expressed concerns about the preservation of their language and schooling for their children. Romania is experiencing a singular case within its care system, a situation that has persisted for over four centuries. Romania has nearly 10 billion euros to collect from the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility. The funds are contingent on nine major reforms that must be finalized by August. A key obstacle is the future law on unitary salaries, for which political consensus is lacking. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan warned that without this law, Romania risks losing over 700 million euros.