Stories from Bucharest · Romania

Olympic champions Simona Radiș and Iancuța Bodnar have reunited in the same rowing boat after nearly two years of sporting separation. The athletes completed five weeks of winter training on a lake between Rome and Naples, coordinated by Dorina Lupa.

Only 7% of those surveyed in Romania reported a danger in consumption, according to a report from Radio Romania Intl. Additionally, only 8% reported a risk regarding solar radiation.

A study indicates that 47% of residents in Bucharest and 32% nationally feel exposed to air pollution. Additionally, 31% of respondents reported exposure to active smoking. Only 18% of those surveyed engage in daily or near-daily physical activity.

A study commissioned by a pharmaceutical company operating in Romania indicates that one in four Romanians cannot afford a healthy lifestyle due to high costs. The study was released during World Immunization Week.

BNR Governor Mugrisărescu stated that recovering 91.5 tons of gold confiscated by Russians in 1916 requires the support of the entire Romanian society.

PSD Minister Radu Miruța announced a full convening of the Board of Directors for Metro Bucharest to dismiss General Director Mariana Miklouș. The move follows the discovery of several serious irregularities at Metro-Rex, according to Ager Press. Additionally, nearly 205,000 people were categorized in INSEE statistics as additional potential workforce.

The National Bank of Romania announced that the recovery of the treasury sent to Moscow in 1916 and 1917 remains an ongoing issue. This resolution follows months of negotiations to address treasury recovery issues.

Perishable vegetable prices in Romania are fluctuating between 200 and 600 euros per ton. Producers noted that prices often fall below the cost of production to ensure sales of short-lived goods. Romanian consumer consumption has decreased drastically since December across both agricultural markets and retail sectors. The outlook for the 2026 year remains uncertain for producers. Romanian producers are facing uncertainty regarding vegetable production and consumer demand for 2026 and 2027. Local tax and levy increases on agricultural land and buildings were implemented at the start of 2026. Producers are concerned that consumers may not maintain previous purchasing levels due to economic pressures. Social Democrat MEP Danica mentioned that the crisis in the Middle East has led to increased prices for fuel, gasoline, and diesel.

A new bill was adopted today in Romania to change rules regarding mobile phone usage in schools. Education experts warned that the implementation of this measure could have unintended consequences. The measure aims to reduce public sector spending. The project follows government efforts to curb expenditures. This marks the second special session held since the departure of PSD ministers. The legislation had previously faced delays, including a failure to pass in a previous session due to a missing mandatory opinion from the Legislative Council. For a school to implement such a ban, the Board of Directors must reach a decision with at least 75% of members present. The initiative was proposed by several members of the USR party. Debate on the motion and a secret vote are scheduled for next week, specifically May 5.

The Romanian government is providing state aid to support bee farming and apiary development. Aid would target increased expenses for fuel and fertilizers to reduce economic pressure on farmers and transport companies. Support amounts could reach up to 50,000 euros for small firms under a simplified application process. The aid value would be determined by comparing current prices against historical pre-crisis levels. The National Bank of Romania is preparing a memorandum to authorities proposing a new stage for the recovery of the National Treasury. The assets have remained in Moscow for nearly 110 years since 1921. Additionally, the bank reported that 204,500 people in Romania were inactive last year, either because they were not looking for work or were unavailable to start.