FORUM FOR DESCENTRALIZED COOPERATION

BETWEEN ROMANIA AND BELGIUM

The 4th edition of the Forum of decentralized cooperation between Romania and Belgium took place in Leuven, 25-27 October 2013. The Forum was organized by the associations Actie Dorpen Roemenie (ADR), Operation Villages Roumains (OVR) and PVR (Parteneriat Villages Roumains), with the support of the Embassy of Romania in Belgium, the Embassy of Belgium to Bucharest and the Province of the Flemish Brabant.

The event was hosted by the Province of the Flemish Brabant and enjoyed the participation of representatives of local and provincial authorities from both countries, as well as representatives of NGOs,

professional associations, universities and research institutes, companies interested in the decentralized cooperation between Belgium and Romania. The seven thematic workshops organized during the

Forum tackled the 7 priority areas of decentralized

cooperation for the next years, i.e. health, environment

protection, tourism and patrimony, agriculture, water

management, youth projects, civil society. The fruitful

exchanges held between national and local decision

makers from both countries relied on the experience

accumulated over time by Romanian and Belgian partners

and revealed the commitment of both partners to develop

joint projects and partnerships in the field of decentralized

cooperation.

In the three plenary sessions of the Forum, Belgium and

Romania representatives made presentations regarding

the stage and objectives of the process of descentralization

and expressed points of view

on concrete modalities of

stimulating cooperation

initiatives at the local and

regional level, including by

means of public policies in key

cooperation areas of both countries.

The 2013 edition of the Forum included an important

business dimension and offered the opportunity for

exploring opportunities for initiating partnerships

between Romanian and Belgian private companies. The

Business to Business meeting benefited from the presence

of Mr. Leonard Orban, ex-European Commissioner and

minister for European affairs, as keynote speaker on how

to access European funds for local projects in Romania.

Several Belgian companies showed a great interest in such

a topic.

The Forum provided the opportunity to exchange best

practices and explore new initiatives in key areas of

cooperation. The event demonstrated the relevance of

decentralized cooperation between Romania and Belgium

at a time when Romania plans to launch a major reform of

its national and local administration and also the

imperative of providing an official framework for

decentralized cooperation that can ensure the continuity

of the dialogue between Belgian and Romanian partners.

No. 4

October-December 2013

NEWSLETTER

Embassy of Romania in Belgium

omania in Belgium

The entire team of the Embassy of Romania in Belgium wishes to all readers of our Newsletter, partners and friends of Romania, season’s greetings and Happy New Year 2014!

Macroeconomic key figures for 2013

Romania tops EU economic growth in Q3 of 2013:

The GDP was up 2.7 percent from the similar period of 2012. The increase of the industrial output, exports and

the absorption of European funds were the main triggers.

Romania’s economy advanced 1.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2013 from the second quarter, and 4.1 per

cent from the similar period of the year before, according to estimates released by the National Statistics Institute

(INS). January 1 – September 30, 2013, Romania’s GDP was up 2.7 percent from the similar period of 2012, both in

unadjusted and seasonally adjusted terms.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is expecting Romania’s GDP to increase by 2.2

per cent in 2013 and by 2.4 per cent in 2014, having upwardly adjusted its projections from 1.4 per cent and 2.2 per

cent, respectively.

In the same time, the statistical office of the European Union Romania (Eurostat) made public that Romania had

the largest economic growth in the European Union in Q3 this year, compared with both the Q2 and the Q3 last

year, according to preliminary figures.

As a result of a quarterly economic growth of 1.6 percent, Romania became the leader in the EU, followed by

Latvia (1.2 percent), UK and Hungary, each posting a growth of 0.8 percent, Poland and Bulgaria, both announcing

growth of 0.6 percent (source: www.nineoclock.ro).

According to the National Statistics Institute, the unemployment rate in the 3rd quarter of 2013 has been 7%,

decreasing from the previous quarter (7.5%). The unemployment rate in terms of age categories is at the highest

level among the young population (age 15-24 years), reaching 23.2% (source: www.hotnews.ro).

Official visit of Romanian Prime Minister, Victor

Ponta, to United States

On October 21-23, Prime Minister Victor Ponta paid an official working visit to the United States of America. The aim of this visit had both a political and an economic component. The visit includes an important economic component,

with meetings with representatives of the major companies that have already invested in Romania or possibly have investment plans, on three important areas: the energy, the IT and modern equipment and technologies industry”, Prime Minister has stated. The Head of the Romanian Government has been received at the White House by US Vice President, Joe Biden. U.S. official thanked Prime Minister Victor Ponta for the support that Romania extended to the U.S. on a number of regional issues , including Afghanistan and reaffirmed U.S strong commitment for a strategic Partnership with Romania. On the last day of his visit, Prime Minister Victor Ponta had scheduled discussions with members of US Cabout

Congress about the need to eliminate U.S. visas for Romanians, advocating for our country's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program. (Source: www.gov.ro)

Economic and Trade Forum China – Central and

Eastern European countries

The Economic and Trade Forum China –Central and Eastern European countries took place in Bucharest, November 26, at the initiative of the Government of Romania. The event has been organized in the margins of the meeting of the Heads of Government in Central and Eastern Europe – China, held on the same day. The economic and trade forum has been opened by Mr. Victor Ponta, Prime Minister of Romania and Mr. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of PR China. In addition to high government officials from 17 countries, the forum has been attended by over 1500 businesspeople, of which about 300 Chinese businesspeople, 800 Romanian and over 400 businesspeople from other countries in the region (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Macedonia,Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary). (Source: www.gov.ro)

Romania at a glance

omania in Belgium

Romania-Belgium Business Club - CAROMB

On November 19, at Club Lorraine in Brussels, took place the re-launching of the Romania-Belgium Business Club. The meeting of the Business Club has been chaired by Ambassador Ştefan Tinca and by Mr. Aurel Gavriloaia, President of the Club and Managing Director at Gebobat. The event gathered more than 45 businessmen, including the main Belgian investors in Romania, such as Alinso Group, Interparking, Omniform, Agrobirda S.R.L., Fish Farm SRL, Delhaize, Interhospitality.

On this occasion, the County of Prahova has made a presentation on the economic potential and the business and investment opportunities in the region.

The event was also attended by representatives from various companies and enterprises interested in identifying new business opportunities in Romania, such as Maxitours, Gebobat, Rombel, Yprado, Bosmans.

For 2014 the club aims to organize trimestral meetings by approaching several topics, such as agriculture, European Funds, IT, environment, green energy, local subsidies, etc. Likewise, for every event we intend to invite different Romanian counties in order to facilitate them to promote their local economic potential. (foto source: Trends.be, 12 December 2013)

For more information about the Business Club, interested companies can visit the CAROMB website: www. caromb.eu. The persons/companies interested in joining the Business Club may submit a registration form by contacting the Economic Bureau of the Embassy of Romania in Belgium: + 32(0)2344 1532 or send an email to stefan.sima@roumanieamb.be.

Background information

The Club will build up an open business network for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Managers currently operating between Belgium and Romania or interested in developing business projects between the two countries. Its mission is to provide opportunities to network, to facilitate the open exchange of knowledge, to promote business opportunities and relationships between Romania and Belgium, and to foster a favorable business environment and stimulate entrepreneurship.

39.8 billion euros - the budget allocated to Romania

within the EU multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020

The budget granted to Romania in the EU multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 is 39.8

billion euros, increasing by 18% as compared to the budget 2007-2013, announced President Traian Basescu at

the end of the European Council held in Brussels. According to the President, Romania has achieved a number

of facilities regarding the system of payments, including deductible VAT and an increase of 10% for the

cohesion budget, compared to the budget for the financial year 2007-2013, which amounted to 19.8 billion

euros. Also, the head of State affirmed that Romania will receive for the financial year 2014-2020, an amount

of 125 million euros for the program to combat unemployment and 420 million euros for the program to

combat poverty in rural areas.

Hereby, Romania will receive 60 million euros each year for the next seven years, i.e. 420 million euros for the

financial years 2014-2020, for the disadvantaged rural population within the European program to combat

poverty in rural areas framework. Concerning the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), 17.5 billion euros were

allocated to Romania, meaning an increase of 27% over the budget of 13.8 billion euros which was allocated for

the years 2007-2013.

(Source: Agenţia Naţională de Presă AGERPRES)

140 million euros for the creation of jobs for young

Romanians.

Romania has at its disposal starting the 1st of January 2014 140 million euros from the European Union for the

creation of jobs strictly for young Romanians, announced President Traian Băsescu at the end of the spring

European Council in Brussels. From about 650 000 people unemployed, Romania has about 170,000

unemployed young people between 18 and 25 years old. Starting the 1st of January 2014 we have 140 million

euros from the EU to create jobs strictly for young, said the President.

Basescu pointed out that Romania has a low unemployment rate among young people compared with other

European countries, such as Spain. President Basescu also stated that Romania must do everything it can to

ensure economic growth and macroeconomic consolidation and the most important source are the European

funds. I would draw a conclusion, as far as we are concerned, looking also at the conclusions of the Council, and

I would say that in 2010, we did what was necessary, in order to stabilize the macroeconomic environment; we

must continue now a process of strengthening macroeconomic stability. In 2011, 2012, 2013, we must do what

we can to ensure economic growth and macroeconomic consolidation, said the President during a press

conference.

(Source: Agenţia Naţională de Presă AGERPRES)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assigns 2 million euros

to official development assistance.

Our activities

omania in Belgium

Discover Romanian Products at Delhaize

At the initiative of the Romanian Embassy in Belgium, on November 14th, Delhaize Group (which owns the Mega Image brand in Romania) launched the campaign called “Discover Romanian Products at Delhaize”, a project aiming at promoting Romanian traditional food products and beverages produced in Romania in selected Delhaize stores in Brussels.

The campaign has been a real success, as all the products were highly appreciated by Delhaize customers and were sold out in less than a week.

Therefore, the success of the initiative convinced Delhaize Group to replicate the campaign on a larger scale, in more Delhaize stores, in 2014 and to include Romanian products in the stand dedicated to international food, on a permanent basis.

The visit of the Ambassador of Romania in Geel

(Antwerp Province) On 18th of November, the Ambassador of Romania in the Kingdom of Belgium had a meeting with Vera Celis, Mayor of the town of Geel, Province of Antwerp. The Ambassador's visit took place in the context of the preparation for the most important sporting event that will take place in Belgium in 2014, namely the Special Olympics (Antwerp, September 2014). In the week preceding the Special Olympics, the Romanian delegation will be hosted for a few days in Geel. During the meeting with the Mayor of Geel, special attention was paid to the subject of decentralized cooperation between Romania and Belgium, especially in the light of the fact that Geel is twinned with the Romanian village of Slatina – Timis where a major project in the field of provision of medical and social services is implemented, with the support of several NGOs from Belgium. The Mayor of Geel expressed her interest for getting to know the education system in Romania and also expressed her openness towards the idea of a visit in Romania during her mandate as city mayor.

The official opening of the Romanian language

course for adults in the CVO Middenschool

Denderleeuw – Aalst On 25th of September 2013, the Ambassador of Romania in Belgium attended the inauguration of the Romanian language course at the school Middenschool CVO Aalst – Derderleeuw, on the same occasion with the opening of the new academic year 2013-2014. The event took place in the presence of the director of the school as well as in the presence of members of local authorities, members of Denderleeuw community, including Romanian citizens. The opening ceremony marked a premiere: formal recognition of Romanian language courses for adults by the Flemish authorities, starting with 2013. Three language centers across Flanders, including the CVO Denderleeuw will complete the offer of Romanian language courses, already existing in Brussels, namely those at the Romanian Cultural Institute and the Lectureship of Romanian language at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). The Romanian Embassy supports constantly such initiatives and maintains contact with Romanian language learners.

The visit of the Ambassador of Romania in the

Province of Walloon Brabant On 5th of November, the Ambassador of Romania in Belgium, had a meeting with the governor Walloon Brabant Province, Mrs. Marie -José Laloy. On this occasion, the Ambassador emphasized the results obtained during the Forum of Decentralized Cooperation Romania - Belgium which took place in Leuven (25-27 October 2013). The Governor of the Walloon Brabant Province expressed her interest for the event and for follow-up actions of the Forum from Leuven.

Marie-José Laloy highlighted a number of best practices in promoting the economy of the Province, focusing on the initiative Intercommunality Walloon Brabant (IBW), on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and on the project of support for the business centers located within the Province. The Ambassador of Romania expressed his interest for meetings with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Walloon Brabant as well as visits in the centers for economic promotion, for facilitating the contact with similar organizations in Romania. Another objective of these visits would be the thorough knowledge of the profile of Belgian enterprises interested in making investments in Romania. The governor expressed her openness towards facilitating the contact of the Ambassador of Romania with local representatives of the business sector. It was also agreed that the Romanian Ambassador will hold a speech about Romania’s economic profile, in the series of conferences organized by the Walloon Brabant Province, in May 2014.

Ambassador of Romania visits the Province of

Limburg On 17th of December 2013, the Ambassador of Romania made an official visit to the Province of Limburg, at the invitation of Mr. Herman Reynders, the Governor of the Province of Limburg and Mr. Johann Leten, Chief executive of the VOKA-Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The visit celebrated 25 years of intensive collaboration between the province of Limburg and Romania on the occasion of the kick-off of the „Romania-year” on 17th December 2013. The visit represented a good opportunity for discussions on ways to rethink and encourage future cooperation in the economic and cultural fields between Romanian and Flemish authorities as well as to stimulate the interest of Belgian companies for further developing their activities in Romania. For 2014, the parties decided to support a common information session organized by VOKA Limburg, Essers and Actie Dorpen Roemenie Limburg with Limburg enterprises that have made investments in Romania. On the same occasion, the Romanian Ambassador met the Mayor of Maasmechelen, Mr. Raf Terwingen. The two officials have agreed that the experience that Maasmechelen has in the field of economic reconversion may serve as a model for a future twinning project with a city or town in Romania.

Our activities

Online Romanian Radio in Belgium

Arthis Association in Brussels inaugurated, on 4th December, an online Romanian Radio, with the support of the Department for Romanians Abroad, within the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new Radio will be the ideal platform for information exchanges and online debates. This initiative will significantly help strengthening the Romanian community in Belgium. The radio can be reached at www.radioarthis.be.

National Day at the Ambassador’s Residence On the occasion of the National Day, the Embassy of Romania in the Kingdom of Belgium offered a reception for the diplomatic corps in Brussels, as well as for high-officials, local authorities, economic partners and members

of the Romanian community in Belgium. The event took place at the Residence of the Romanian Ambassador and it was attended by numerous important Belgian officials. Among the guests that attended the reception can be mentioned the presidents of the Belgian organizations active in decentralized cooperation with Romania (ADR, OVR, PVR), Honorary Consuls of Romania in Belgium, representatives of Belgian companies with investments in Romania, members of the Romania-Belgium Business Club and representatives of various thinks-thanks active in Brussels.

National Day celebrated by the Romanian

community in Belgium The Embassy of Romania in the Kingdom of Belgium and the Alba County Council offered to the Romanian

community in Belgium, as well as to the friends of Romania the opportunity to celebrate the National Day on a special event organized on 6th of December at the Cultural Center of Uccle in Brussels. The program included an art exhibition entitled “The Art that Unites”, organized with the special support of Inter-Art Foundation from Aiud,

Romania, as well as a concert with traditional Romanian Christmas songs. The guests could also enjoy the traditional Romanian cuisine from Alba County during a reception offered by the Association of producers of traditional and ecological food products “Alba Transilvania”. The event has been honoured by the presence of Mr. Dumitrel Ion, President of the Alba County Council, and Mr. Armand De Decker, Mayor of Uccle.

Numerous members of the Romanian community in Belgium attended the event: cultural NGOs and foundations, representatives of the cultural, academic and economic elite, businessmen, members of European institutions, and Belgian partners that develop projects in connection with Romania. The event represented an opportunity for promoting Alba County. The participants have highly appreciated the traditions, cultural heritage, history and economic potential of the region.

The participation of the Romanian Ambassador at

Brussels INNOVA Salon 2013 On 15th of November, the Ambassador of Romania participated at Romania’s Day organized within the 62nd edition of the International Competition Brussels EUREKA (14-16 November 2013) at the Salon Brussels INNOVA 2013, dedicated to inventions, research and new technologies. On this occasion, he made a visit to Romania's stand and spoke with the Romanian inventors and scientists participating in the international salon in Brussels. Romania was represented in the international jury of the Salon Brussels INNOVA 2013 by prominent Romanian members of the academia and a representative of the Ministry of National Education.

Our activities

Starting March 2013, two main platforms will guide the Embassy’s public diplomacy projects: Romanians in Belgium and Authentic Romania. The former is meant to bring back to the memory or to shed light on the special contribution of Romanians to the development of Belgian society. The platform aims also at revealing the ways in which the host society has encouraged new forms of expression and professional achievement for Romanians in Belgium. The second platform aims at promoting Romania through a platform open to all those interested in having initiatives that could contribute to a better knowledge of Romania in Belgium.

Member of the Romanian community in Belgium, elected as Member-Associate of the Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine

On 26th of October, prof. univ. Dr. Stefan N. Constantinescu, a well known personality of the Romanian community in Belgium, has been elected as Member-Associate of the Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine. Dr. Stefan N. Constantinescu is also a full Member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Romania. Currently, Dr. Constantinescu is the coordinator of the SIGN Unit (Signal Transduction and Molecular Hematology), at Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain and member of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Brussels). Dr. Constantinescu also continues his academic work in Romania.

Online Romanian radio in Belgium Arthis Association in Brussels inaugurated, on December 4, an online Romanian radio, with the support of the Department for Romanians Abroad, within the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new radio will be the ideal platform for information exchanges and online debates. This initiative will significantly help strengthening the Romanian community in Belgium. The radio can be reached at www.radioarthis.be.

Phone: +32 (0)2 345 26 80 Fax: +32 (0)2 346 23 45

Rue Gabrielle 105, B -1180 Bruxelles

If you want to know more about our activities, please visit our site http://bruxelles.mae.ro

or write to us at newsletter@roumanieamb.be