GENEVA — Former Wimbledon and French Open champion Simona Halep had her four-year doping ban cut to nine months by the top court for global sport on Tuesday, making the former world number one eligible to return to competition immediately. Halep was initially banned for four years for two separate anti-doping rule violations. But the … Read more
The troubled story of the evacuation of the National Bank of Romania treasure to Moscow began during the First World War. Romania entered the war in August 1916, joining the ‘entente’ of France, United Kingdom and Russia. After the initial victories, Romania’s situation became increasingly challenging, as it fought a two-front war against the central powers: … Read more
“The very soul of Europe is at risk,” warned Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. During the two-day meeting in Rome, politicians cast around for ideas and strategies to reverse the curve. “We should respond to the worries of our citizens,” Belgian Socialist Party lead candidate Elio Di Rupo told POLITICO, noting that the far right … Read more
Saying that they don’t mean to stand in the way of Rutte, a senior Eastern European diplomat said: “At least somebody has to ask, ‘OK, Mark, how are you going to deal with Russia?’” They also cite Rutte’s repeated failure to bring Dutch defense spending up to the target of 2 percent of GDP agreed … Read more
For Burduja, the minister, that means it may be better to work with Washington than against it. “We can aim to be a leader,” he said, but “if technology is developed faster in the U.S. or in the EU, and the EU or the U.S. benefit from it, I think it’s just as good.” But … Read more
By Laura Sharman Published: 00:01 GMT, 6 February 2024 | Updated: 09:40 GMT, 6 February 2024 Advertisement Mist-shrouded mountains, mesmerising underwater statues, a baby monkey being ‘scolded’ by its mother and a supermoon being ‘held’ by a skyscraper. And a busy ‘double’ roundabout – serving both cars and pedestrians. These are some of the scenes … Read more
Vlad advocated for voluntary basic military training for men and women up to 35 years old. The general noted the end of compulsory military service in Romania as a reason for a shortfall in the army’s readiness. Vlad also called for legal reforms to empower Romania to defend itself against Russian drones. Debris from one … Read more
Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov on Saturday said his country may fumble the January 1, 2025, target date to join the EU’s currency zone. The country’s target date to adopt the euro was “not sacred,” Denkov said during an appearance on the Bulgarian radio station Darik Radio. “What is sacred is not the date but … Read more
BRUSSELS — Ursula von der Leyen is readying plans for a second five-year term as European Commission president and her party is pressing her to launch the official campaign as soon as possible, according to two officials informed about her thinking. The timing of a potential announcement, not confirmed by people close to von der Leyen, … Read more
EU member countries reached agreement Saturday on removing air and maritime internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania, but the two countries’ full entry into the bloc’s passport-free Schengen zone remains subject to further discussions. Controls at sea and air borders with Romania and Bulgaria will be lifted as of March 31, the Council of … Read more
