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Romania

Capital Bucureşti
Time Zone EEST (GMT+2)
Country Code 40
Mobile Codes 71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78
ccTLD .ro
Currency Leu nou (1EUR = 4.1 RON)
Land Area 238,391 sq km
Population 22 million
Language Romanian
Major Religion Orthodox Christianity

DEA and Multi-National Police Operations Highlight Narcotics, Terrorism and Role of the Balkans

December 31, 2011

By Chris Deliso A two-year DEA undercover operation, which played out in exotic international locales in cooperation with police forces of several states, demonstrates that the Balkans is still perceived as a safe haven for ‘business’ and logistical activities by major international terrorism and organized crime entities. The operation, part of which came to light [...]

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Creating Romania’s Foreign Trade: Interview with Ambassador Adrian Constantinescu

July 3, 2011

In this remarkable new interview, Adrian Constantinescu, the outgoing Romanian ambassador to Macedonia, recounts the highlights of almost 40 years of academic, governmental and diplomatic experience- with emphasis on his specialty, foreign trade negotiations. One of a handful of figures who helped guide Romania’s economy out of the depths of communism during the 1990s, Ambassador [...]

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Key Data

Notable Public Figures

Traian Băsescu, President

Emil Boc, Prime Minister

Traian Igaş, Interior Minister

Gheorghe Ialomiteanu, Finance Minister

Gabriel Oprea, Defense Minister

Ion Ariton, Economy Minister

Elena Udrea, Regional Development and Tourism Minister

Brands & Distinctions

Tourism

Gymnastics

Car manufacturing

Major Industries

Constructions, car manufacturing, information technology, agriculture.

Key Trade Partners

Italy, US, CEFTA countries, Moldova

Main Airports

Bucureşti-Otopeni, Bucureşti-Băneasa, Timişoara, Cluj, Constanţa

Issues and Insights

Overview

Romania is a country of Latin language and culture on the banks of the Black Sea. A member of the EU since 2007, Romania is building a stronger European identity, all the while defining itself as an important regional partner. The beautiful landscapes and fast-growing industries make it a very attractive destination.The European membership had done much for the business environment and reduction of corruption, but the general view is that there is still room for improvement in that particular area.

Outstanding Issues

Romania has no border disputes with its neighbors, but ethnic repartition in Eastern Europe make it point of improvement in the relationships with its neighbors, be it Hungary, Ukraine or Moldova. Relations with EU have come under slight strain due to non-accession to Schengen Zone.

Forward Planning: Points of Interest

  • Reducing the budget deficit and dealing with possible bailouts and privatizations in the current financial crisis
  • EU relations, after the apparent failure to secure Schengen Zone entry
  • Future business deals of environmental impact such as energy infrastructure and gold mining