ROMANIA A SHINING LIGHT: LEADING ENERGY MARKET REFORM
ROMANIA IS WINE COUNTRY!
GET A TASTE OF ROMANIA’S WORLD-CLASS WINES
WELCOME TO ROMANIA: HOME TO ONE OF EUROPE’S OLDEST CIVILISATIONS
This supplement was brought to you by The Copenhagen Post in association with the Romanian Embassy
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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR MATEI VIOREL ARDELEANU
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Relations between Romania and Denmark date back centuries. There are striking similarities between the mythologies of Vikings and Thracians who lived in the territories of nowadays Denmark and Romania. However, official diplomatic ties between Romania and Denmark were established in the 19th century, after Romania gained its independence in 1877. The first official Danish-Romanian bilateral relations were set in 1879, and in 1934 the first diplomatic offices were mutually established in the capitals of both countries. In modern times, the relations between our two countries have always been friendly, and our two countries have begun to truly discover each other, aside from the popular Danish figures such as author Hans Christian Andersen, physicist Niels Bohr and existentialist philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Nowadays, Romanians know more about Danes and are more aware of what is going on in Denmark, and vice versa. We have an interest in Danish design, Denmark’s expertise in renewable energy and energy efficiency, new Danish technologies in agriculture and the food sector, Danish education and healthcare, as well as eco-transportation using bicycles. Currently, a significant Romanian community lives in Denmark, among them hundreds of students, researchers and lecturers, IT engineers and excellent workers in agriculture and services. They form part of a community which is well-integrated within the Danish society.
DOING BUSINESS IN ROMANIA As such, bilateral relations have developed along an ascending trajectory. The value of Romanian products exported in Denmark has reached DKK 1.5 billion, while Danish imports in Romania almost double this value. According to 2014 data from the Romanian National Bank, Denmark was placed in 18th position with respect to the extent of its direct investments in Romania, with a total value of DKK 3.5 billion, that is 0,8% of the entire share of foreign direct investments in Romanian markets. However,
we are far from realising the enormous potential of cooperation between our two countries. Business-wise, the Danish market is among the most friendly in the world, but highly complex, sophisticated and exacting. Romanian companies display an increasing interest in the Danish market and request the support of the Romanian Embassy in Copenhagen to facilitate local contacts. Already, there are Romanian companies operating in Denmark especially in the transport, construction and services sectors. As for the Romanian market, more than 800 companies with Danish capital operate in Romania. At the same time, Danish farmers are well represented in Romania’s agriculture sector. I believe that the business environment in Romania becomes increasingly friendlier, testified also by figures of foreign direct investments, which reveal a positive trend in the past recent years. Romania’s economy grows by 3.5-4% on a yearly basis, with estimates to surpass the 4% threshold in the short term. These developments place Romania in the top position among European Union Member States in terms of economic growth. Unemployment is set between 6 and 7%, the budget deficit is below 2%, inflation is negative and public debt accounts for less than 40% of GDP, one of the lowest in the EU. In 2013, a high level bilateral economic forum was established with the support of Dansk Industri. Debates on the framework of the Romanian-Danish economic forum have focused on such areas of common interest as: Energy, infrastructure, environmental protection, urban planning and development.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE Through our Embassy in Copenhagen, we make efforts to involve more cultural institutions, public figures and the general audience in our agenda of projects. We aim at being constantly present in the Danish cultural life. I can offer the examples of an outstanding exhibition by 10 Romanian painters from a cultural association called Fabrica de Pensule (Paintbrush
Factory) based in Cluj, hosted for six months by the Arken Museum of Contemporary Art in Ishøj. Also well-known Danish ballet dancer Johan Kobborg is currently the artistic director of the Romanian national Opera Ballet Company and partner of Romania’s world known prima ballerina, Alina Cojocaru. Moreover, next year, the well-known ballet company Danish Dance Theatre will be present in Sibiu, Romania, for one of the most acclaimed international theater festivals in the world. Romania is also a beautiful tourist destination all year long, offering a variety of attractions for Danish tourists: The Danube Delta, the Retezat National Park (the only old growth forest in Europe), medieval citadels in Transylvania, painted churches – part of the UNESCO world heritage, castles, an much more! I think Romanians can learn from Danes to improve their respective activities and record. My ambition is to witness Denmark becoming a hub for Romania’s interests in Northern Europe, while Romania, a similarly important partner for Denmark in South east Europe.
President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● Editor: David Nothling ● Layout: Lyndsay Jensen ● Commercial Director: Hans Hermansen, hans@cphpost.dk, Tel: +45 2420 2411 ● Picture credit for images: iStock & Romanian Embassy
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THE HISTORY THAT HAS SHAPED ROMANIA Manastirea Barsana
Home to one of Europe`s oldest civilizations, Romania has a long history that shaped it into a significant player on the European stage.
At 238 400 square kilometers, Romania is the ninth largest country of the European Union (EU) by area, and has the seventh largest population of the EU, with more than 19 million people.
THE OLDEST EUROPEANS The earliest written evidence of people living in the territory that comprises present-day Romania, comes from Herodotus in his Histories (440 BC): The Dacians inhabited Dacia (corresponding to modern day Romania, Republic of Moldova, Northern Bulgaria and surroundings). 40 000 year old modern human remains were discovered when the Cave with Bones was uncovered in 2002, the Romanian fossils being among the oldest remains of Homo sapiens in Europe. Under the leadership of King Burebista (82 - 44 BC), Dacia became a powerful state, which threatened the Roman Empire’s interests in the region. The Dacians were defeated by Emperor Trajan’s army in 106 AD, and the core of their kingdom was turned into the province of Roman Dacia. It was also the first Roman province to be abandoned, around 271 AD.
THE THREE PRINCIPALITIES
Romania is a country located at the crossroad of central and southeastern Europe, on the Western shores of the Black Sea. Romania shares a border with Hungary and Serbia to the West, Ukraine and Republic of Moldova to the Northeast and East, and Bulgaria to the South. 4
In the Middle Ages, Romanians lived in three distinct principalities: Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. By 1541, the entire Balkan peninsula and most of Hungary became Ottoman provinces, while Moldavia, Wallachia
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and Transylvania came under Ottoman suzerainty, but preserved full internal autonomy and, until the 18 century, some external independth
ence. Michael the Brave united, for a brief period (in 1600), the three principalities. After his death however, the union dissolved. In 1859, people’s representatives in both Moldavia and Wallachia elected the same ruling Prince of the Romanians, Alexandru Ioan Cuza. Thus, Romania was created. Romania declared its independence from the Ottoman
In line with its commitment to an efficient EU policy for security and defense, Romania is among the 5 largest contributors to the EU civilian missions. At the same time, Romania has promoted within the EU the Black Sea Synergy, aiming at economically developing the Black Sea area. Romania and Austria have promoted in partnership an EU strategy for the development of the Danube area which will allow a recovery of the region from all points of view – environmental, economic, social and so on. At the same time, Romania offers official development assistance for countries in the region. Its priorities are Republic of Moldova, Arab Republic of Egypt and Georgia.
Empire after the Russian-Turkish War (1877-78) in which it fought on
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the Russian side. In 1881, the Romanian principality was raised to kingdom hood and Prince Carol became King Carol I of Romania. After World War I, governing bodies created by the Romanians of Transylvania, Bessarabia and Bukovina chose a union with the Kingdom of Romania. World War II brought the loss of Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina and Southern Dobruja, and in 1947, King Michael I was forced by communists to abdicate and leave the country. Romania was proclaimed a republic. The country was under communist rule from 1948 until 1989, when the regime of Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu was overthrown under auspices of the Romanian Revolution which brought the fall of Ceausescu and the end of the communist regime. Free elections were held in 1990.
POST-REVOLUTION ROMANIA
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Since 1990, deep structural transformations have taken place, transforming Romania into an open society. Romania is now a democracy, with a free market economy, observing human rights, and attracting investment. The country is an EU and NATO member state, and over the years has gradually increased its role in the region. A large majority of Romanians attribute the freedoms they have today to those won in 1989. Freedom has fed the aspirations, dreams, development plans and the creativity of the Romanian people since the fall of communism. Today, Romania is a unitary semi-presidential republic, in which the executive branch consists of the President and the Government.
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A TAPESTRY OF CULTURES For centuries, people speaking diverse languages, belonging to various cultures and practising different religions have lived together peacefully in Romania.
A DIVERSE PEOPLE Multiculturalism is truly alive in Romania. It embraces cultural variety and pluralism, and the cultural identities of Romania’s minority communities. Cultural borrowing, the intermingling of customs, continuous competition between Romanian, Transylvanian Saxon, Hungarian and other influences inform everyday life in Romania. If you visit Transylvania, you will witness how closely Romanians’ houses resemble those of Transylvanian Saxons and Hungarians, each one more charming than the last. Visit Dobrogea and you can sample Turkish baklava in Romanian pastry shops, while in southern Romania tasty meatballs are customary fare. Proud of their traditions, Romanians welcome guests warmly, inviting them into their homes, offering them the finest dishes they can prepare, singing them beautiful folk songs and even inviting them to dance. When you visit Romania, you will delight in discovering a place that is alive with legends, myths and traditions which have been cherished over centuries. Few countries in the world have preserved so many customs or have such love for their folk music and dancing. It is impossible to enter a Romanian household and not be offered whatever food the hosts have on the table, or a glass of wine or rachiu (tuica) – a traditional type of brandy. Romanian cuisine has countless culinary customs and traditions, which use both foods specific to the region and ingredients and methods from the gastronomic cultures whose destinies have in6
tertwined with Romania’s throughout history. The abundance of wildlife in the Romanian forests also inspire a rich variety of meat dishes and delicacies.
RELIGION Unlike other cultures, Romanians adopted Christianity in peace, not as a result of war, and many of its customs still bear the mark of ancient rituals combined with profound respect for Christian values. Romania’s main denomination is Orthodox Christianism (87%), followed by Roman Catholicism (5%) and other denominations (8%). Some religious groups are concentrated in particular regions. Old Rite Russian Christians are mainly located in Moldavia and Dobrogea. Most Muslims live in the southeast around Constanta. Most Greek Catholics reside in Transylvania. Protestants and Roman Catholics reside primarily in Transylvania. Orthodox and Greek Catholic ethnic Ukrainians live mostly in the north. Orthodox ethnic Serbs are primarily in Banat. Members of the Armenian Church are concentrated in Moldavia and the south. Virtually all members of the Protestant Reformed, Roman Catholic, Unitarian, and Lutheran churches from Transylvania are ethnic Hungarians. Approximately half of the Jewish population is in Bucharest. Romania’s Jewish community’s history stretches back around two millennia. The Yiddish language, much used between the wars by Romanian Jews, is very little spoken among today’s Jewish population.
Several temples and synagogues have stood on Romanian soil, some of them declared historic and architectural monuments, and protected by law.
LANGUAGE The official language is Romanian, which has Latin roots that date back to the Roman occupation of the area, but also contains words from Greek, Slavic languages, and Turkish. Romanian is a rich Latin language, sharing its Latin basis with Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese, and for this reason it is often compared to an oasis of Latinity in the South-East of Europe. In the fourteenth century, the country adopted the Cyrillic alphabet, but it later reverted to Roman lettering. Modern languages like English, French and Italian are widely spoken in trendy parts of Romania.
WINTER CELEBRATIONS A winter holiday spent in a Romanian village can be a unique experience. On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, children and young people go from door-to-door singing carols, and young men perform the ‘goat’ or ‘bear’ dance. The ‘goat’ dance used to be a ceremonial, religious element of agricultural celebrations, a ritual designed to bring fertility for the following year, herds full of animals and abundant crops. The dance is accompanied by a wooden flute, and at its end, one of the young men, approaching the table where the visited family sit, wishes them good fortune for the following year. The young men dance with the lady of each house and her daughters and then, refreshed with treats provided by their hosts, offer thanks and take their leave.
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PEARLS OF NATURE IN ROMANIA A journey into nature. Visit magical, legendary destinations, explore medieval fortresses, walk streets that have witnessed the unfolding of history, knock at the gates of castles and discover monasteries founded by medieval princes and painted by gifted artists. Romania is a land of natural beauty, where all types of landscapes are to be found, from mountain peaks, home to chamois and reaching 2,000m, where you can walk among alpine vegetation, to plains, coastline and the Danube Delta, the world’s third most bio-diverse delta. In Romania’s many national parks, nature parks and reservations, you can see so many specimens protected by the law at European and international level. Romanians are famous for their hospitality in the welcome they extend to their guests. You’ll be delighted both by the welcome you receive from your hosts and the traditional food, not to mention the wide range of sporting activities you can choose from. Come and discover Romania’s most beautiful sights, none more beautiful than its natural wonders!
NATIONAL AND NATURAL PARKS AND RESERVES Whether you wish to explore unique ecosystems, get a workout, relax, or do a little of everything, you’ll find yourself accommodated by Romania’s 13 national parks: Semenic – Caraş Gorges, Nera Gorges – Beuşniţa, Domogled – Cerna Valley, Retezat, Călimani, Bicaz Gorges – Hăşmaşului, Ceahlău, Rodna Mountains, Piatra Craiului, Cozia, Buila-Vânturariţa, Jiul Gorge and Măcin Mountains. Rich in spectacular landscapes and biological diversity, Romania’s 14 nature parks are Bucegi, Apuseni Mountains, Portile de Fier (‘Iron Gates’), Comana, Defileul Mureşului Superior (‘Upper Mureş Gorge’), Balta Mică a Brăilei (‘Small Moor of Brăila’), Lunca Mureşului Inferior (‘Lower Mureş Meadow’), Lunca Joasă a Prutului Inferior (‘Lower Meadow of Lower Prut’), Grădiştea Muncelului – Cioclovina, Maramureşului Mountains, 8
Vânători-Neamţ, Putna – Vrancea, Geoparcul Dinozaurilor Ţara Haţegului and Geoparcul Platoul Mehedinţi. Romania’s habitats let visitors see unique and endangered plants and animals, and many of these ecosystems are extremely valuable to science.
FĂGĂRAŞ MOUNTAINS – THE HIGHEST PEAKS Located here, are picturesque glacial lakes, the largest of which is Bâlea Lake, the centrepiece of Bâlea Nature Reserve. Sitting at 2,040 m, the lake has a 4.65ha surface area, and a depth of 11m, and is easily accessible, close to the highest point of the Transfăgăraşan road which crosses the massif from north to south. The sunny southern ridge is reached via a highway tunnel (or, for rock-climbing enthusiasts, over the ridge). Plant life here differs from that on the north side, but also features some of the plants specific to the higher ground of the Transylvanian ridge – juniperus, juniperus communis and bilberry (vaccinum myrtillus). Hiking on the ridge trails (it is recommend that visitors hike
Ecoturism fauna capra neagra
accompanied by a tour guide or a local) you can see rare species of birds, including several varieties of falcon, kestrel and spotted nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). During summer, it is possible to see chamois here, especially in the remote depressions and away from frequently passed tourist routes in places such as Arpăşel, Albota, Lăiţa. Foxes, bears and wolves rarely climb higher than 2,100m, but roam the lower ground in the dense coniferous forests, as do stags, lynx, European pine martens, wild boar and roe deer from the broadleaf forests. In Făgăraş Mountains Nature Park you can also visit Arpăşel Fauna Reservation, the limestone landscape of Turnu Roşu and the highest peaks in Romania, eight of which rise above 2,500m, with the highest, Moldoveanu peak, reaching 2,544m. The ridges of Făgăraş Mountain are narrow and make for fairly challenging hiking, but the beauty of the landscape affords unique rewards. And between Bâlea Waterfall and Bâlea Lake, you can admire the views from the cable car high above a classic glacial valley. The Danube Delta Reservation is the third-richest biosphere reservation in the world in terms of biodiversity - a paradise of birds, fish and rare flowers - and it has become part of UNESCO’s World Culture and Natural Heritage since 1990. The wonderful and mysterious wet land lays on 3,510 square kilometers to the Eastern part of Romania as the Danube River flows into the Black Sea. It hosts more than 7,000 known species of rare living creatures, plants and flowers – 2,994 plant species and 4,262 animals species. Almost 70% of the Delta’s vegetation grows in various reeds and rushes, some of them forming floating islands.
The Danube Delta’s fame comes mainly from its bird population, comprising 341 species. This is home to huge colonies of Pelicans (see picture), a bird that is one of the closest creatures to dinosaurs, still living on the face of the Earth. The Reservation is Romania’s most important area for fish farming with 135 species that are being raised, including sturgeon. The Letea and Caraorman forests show a fairy tale picture with many of their trees growing from water, rich in creeping plants which give an exotic aspect to the place. Among the secular oaks, about 2000 wild horses live in the Letea Forest area. During spring and autumn migration periods, the Danube Delta is an important rest area for several million birds, especially ducks, storks, and countless species of birds of prey. The Popina Island is one of their “summer homes”.
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CITY SPLENDOUR Bucharest Parliament palace
Welcome to city living in the Carpathian garden! On your next visit to Romania, you are encouraged to explore the many city splendours that the country has to offer, including; to visit fortified medieval towns, stroll down streets steeped in history, open castle gates, and discover churches and cathedrals built by master craftsmen, breathe fresh mountain air or bask on sun-kissed beaches. Discover the stories of towns that have survived centuries of turbulent history – each with its own compelling characteristics. Whether you have a weekend or two weeks to explore our country, Romania is ready to reveal both little-known secrets and urban sophistication!
BUCHAREST – ‘LITTLE PARIS OF THE EAST’ The Romanian capital is a city of contrasts, where historic buildings stand side by side with skyscrapers of glass and metal. Bucharest, located in the country’s south-east, is by far the largest Romanian city (with almost two million people) and it is the nation’s cultural, industrial and financial centre. According to local legend, the city was established by a shepherd named Bucur who tended his flocks on the bank of the River Dâmbovita. Although it was documented for the first time in official 15th-Century records, Bucharest only became the capital of Romania in the middle of the 19th Century. The streets of Bucharest often reflect its nickname ‘Little Paris of the East’, given to the capital between the wars for its elegant architecture and thriving cultural life. Bucharest also bears the scars from four decades of a communist regime, which ordered the demolition of entire residential neighbourhoods to make way for wide boulevards and massive monumental buildings, and the rapid and sometimes chaotic development since 1989.
The Historic Quarter Bucharest’s historic quarter has seen a renaissance in the last few years and has become one of the capital’s most popular leisure districts. During summer, the local streets – Smârdan, 10
Franceza, Selari, Sfântul Dumitru, Gabroveni and Covaci – are packed with tables where you can enjoy a coffee, a cold beer or a salad or steak. In winter, the hustle and bustle adjourns inside the pubs and restaurants, where the most popular drink is hot mulled wine. Prices here accommodate every budget.
Hotels Bucharest offers a wide selection hotels ranging from two to five stars, many of which are part of prestigious hotel chains. Exclusive boutique hotels, providing exceptional levels of service and tastefully furnished, cater for the more discerning visitor, while budget travellers can choose from city hostels and apartment hotels.
Shopping From designer labels to antiques, handicrafts and souvenirs to electrical goods or diamond rings, look no further than Bucharest. Calea Dorobanti, Calea Victoriei and Magheru Boulevard, or on nearby tiny Ion Câmpineanu Street are the places for luxury shopping. For a more varied selection of international and local brands check out one of the city’s ten air-conditioned shopping malls and shop until you drop. Afterwards you can take in a movie, or relax over a meal, or a coffee or an ice cream. Food shopping has never been easier with numerous supermarkets and hypermarkets round the fringes of the city centre, and smaller grocery stores, delicatessen and specialist food stores in the central area.
Transport Two international airports, Henri Coandă (Otopeni) and Aurel Vlaicu (Baneasa), both located north of the city centre connect Bucharest with the rest of the world, and provide domestic connections to many Romanian cities. Direct international trains arrive daily at the main railway station, Gara de Nord, coming from cities as far afield as Vienna, Istanbul and Moscow, and with connections from all over Europe. Meanwhile, over 200 trains depart daily for destinations throughout the country.
SIBIU – THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE This beautiful Transylvanian city resembles the Western European main cities. Designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2007, together with Luxembourg, Sibiu passed through several years of an extended restoration process and its historical centre is currently a small, but charming medieval city which you can cross on foot, walking on pedestrian streets and squares surrounded by historic buildings. Also known under the German name Hermannstadt, Sibiu has always been an important centre of the German community of Transylvania. In fact, the city was established in the 12th century by the German colonists, known here as Saxons and in the 17th century it was considered the most Eastern city of Europe. Home to a mixed Romanian, German and Hungarian population, Sibiu brings together the three cultures that also influenced the architectural style of the city.
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ROMANIAN RESEARCHERS
SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORKING: APPLICABILITY AND SERVICE POSSIBILITIES
Awards for three Romanian reasearchers from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND MICROBIOLOGY On 28 April 2015, the prestigious Novo Nordisk Foundation organised the award ceremony dedicated to granting 18 scholarships for talented researchers in the fields of medicine and biotechnology, totalling DKK 83 million. Simona Chera, M.D., Phd, researcher at the University of Bergen (Norway), received an excellence grant for her studies on diabetes. Beatrice Dyring-Andersen, M.D., PhD, was awarded
a postdoctoral grant for research in treating skin cancer to be pursued at Harvard University (United States of America). Amelia-Elena Rotaru, M.D., PhD, was granted a postdoctoral scholarship for the study of microbiology at the Biology Department, University of Southern Denmark. The three grants are further proof of the outstanding value of Romanian researchers and their significant contribution to developing the fields of medicine and microbiology in prestigious academic centres in Northern Europe.
Cosmin Caba started as a PhD student in the Fotonik department at Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in March 2013. His research topic is “Software Defined Networking: Applicability and Service Possibilities”. Cosmin completed his MSc studies in telecommunications at DTU in 2013, and his BSc studies in electronics, telecommunications and information technology at “Politehnica” University of Bucharest. During his Masters, Cosmin worked with topics from various areas of telecommunications and computer science. For his Masters thesis, he has implemented a software tool to help students in testing the applications they implement in one of the courses at DTU Fotonik. The project received the TELE 2014 student prize for the best student contribution in telecommunications in Denmark in the year 2013.
Solidarity with the families of the victims of the deadly fire in Colectiv Club in Bucharest and of the terrorist attacks. 11
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ROMANIA, THE SILICON VALLEY OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE One of the fastest-growing information technology (IT) markets in the region.
crossed the mark of USD 3 billion of total revenues in 2005 and reached USD 4.8 billion in 2006. Nowadays it accounts for about 6-10% of GDP. In 2003, Microsoft acquired Romanian Antivirus Technology, and according to Microsoft, Romania has a clear potential in information technology, an area in which Romanian students, researchers and entrepreneurs excel. Its Western-oriented culture and the high educational degree of its youth bring Romania forward as a huge potential market (the second largest software producer in Eastern Europe). In terms of IT outsourcing services, Romania is ranked in the third place worldwide successfully challenging India.
OFFSHORE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Romania is the leader in Europe, and sixth in the world, in terms of the number of certified IT specialists, with density rates per 1,000 inhabitants greater than in the US or Russia. There are almost 100 000 specialists in the IT sector. Approximately 5 000 of the 30 000 engineers graduating every year in Romania are trained in ICT. In recent years, Romania has made significant progress in all of the information and communications technology (ICT) subsectors, including basic telephony, mobile telephony, the Internet and IT. The IT market is one of the most dynamic sectors of the Romanian economy. Since the year 1994 the IT market has demonstrated growth rates of 40–60 percent a year. The biggest sector in terms of revenue is system and network integration, which accounts for 28,3% of the total market revenues. Meanwhile the fastest growing segment of the IT market is offshore programming. The industry of software development outsourcing 12
Currently Romania controls five percent of the offshore software development market and is the third leading country (after India and China) among software exporters. Such growth of software outsourcing in Romania is caused by a number of factors. One of them is the supporting role of the Romanian Government. The Government has launched a programme promoting construction of IT-oriented technology parks – special zones that have an established infrastructure and enjoy a favourable tax and customs regime. Another factor stimulating the IT sector growth in Romania is the presence of global technology corporations such as Intel, Motorola, Sun Microsystems, Boeing, Nokia and others, which have intensified their software development activities and opened their R&D centres in Romania. Nevertheless, Romania’s main competitive advantage in software development consists of its highly qualified, cost-effective human resources.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN DENMARK The Danish Agency for the Modernisation of Public Administration has selected the solutions
offered by Romanian company Bitdefender for protecting the IT infrastructure in the public sector. Bitdefender data protection services provided for Danish authorities the Gravity Zone Security for Virtualised Environments programme, to address threats such as phishing, ransomware and others, including an application for scanning network traffic which has the advantage of enhanced applicability regardless of terminals and operating systems. Danish authorities justified their decision of selecting Bitdefender services based on the excellent credentials and quality of its technology, integrated services and their adaptability and implicit efficiency. Bitdefender has already established partnerships with various local authorities and companies in Denmark. About Bitdefender: Bitdefeners is a world-renown producer of IT infrastructure and data protection programmes. The company’s technological performance has been certified by relevant international bodies. Thus, Bitdefender products have established a premiere being the first to be awarded simultaneously the titles “Best protection” and “Best performance” by German institute AV-TEST. Bitdefender is also the producer of world’s “Best antivirus in 2014”, thus confirming its leadership status on the global market for system protection services. Bitdefender has more than 500 million clients worldwide.
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LEADING ENERGY MARKET REFORM IN ROMANIA Shaping the future of renewable energy in the region. The achievement of European Commission targets related to the production of energy from renewable sources has encouraged development within the renewable energy market in Romania, particularly in biomass sources. Serious efforts are also being put into achieving European targets for energy efficiency. In this respect, the Romanian Regulatory Authority for Energy aims to run an information campaign for consumers regarding the use of renewable energy and its benefits to daily living, and to the family budget that can be obtained by simply applying energy efficiency measures.
CREATING AN ENERGY EFFICENT COUNTRY The main challenge for 2015 lies in the liberalisation of household energy markets, which will inevitably bring price increases. Price increases are required to create the necessary conditions for competition, ensuring that investors achieve their targeted return on investment. In order to facilitate price increases, the Romanian Regulatory Authority for Energy put into force a pre-market mechanism that targets estimated price increases according to the timetable for phasing out the regulated tariffs to households. One of its key tasks is to educate consumers to get the best energy deal possible. In the natural gas sector for instance, following the recent discussions held by the Romanian Government with the representatives of the International Monetary Fund, European Union and World Bank, the parties agreed to increase the price of natural gas from domestic production as of July 1, 2015 and as a result, the Regulatory Autority estimates that the average price to final customers will increase by about 11%. In the electricity sector, due to the maintaining of regulated prices to households at the same value as the one in the second half of 2014, and due to the reduction of the high efficiency co-
generation contribution, a decrease of between 0.5-1% of the electricity bill to households is envisaged for the second half of 2015.
BIOMASS AND BIOGAS SECTORS Romania has a good supply of biomass, largely as a result of its forests. The country has registered some success using biomass for public heating, particularly in the city of Suceava in the north of the country, and has been actively engaged in developing regulations for the biomass energy sector. The country is expecting increased investment throughout 2015 in this sector of the market. In addition, beside biomass, the biogas sector has also a great potential in Romania, especially in small and medium-sized communities, where biogas sources can be the engine behind the expansion of local activities such as tourism, small industry, agriculture and agro-industry. This potential can be developed through a national programme for biomass and biogas, but also through direct cooperation between companies with notable results in the field. Romania has positioned itself as an electricity supplier to Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The potential of export markets will drive investment as investors seek to expand power generation capacity in line with greater demand. Increased electricity supply will also enable the country to shift the emphasis of household energy consumption from gas to
electricity, releasing increased quantities of gas for industrial applications and reducing our reliance upon gas imports. Everything possible has been done to smooth the way for international energy trading, including the installation of an OTC platform Romania’s Stock Exchange.
THE SECOND RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH LAB IN EUROPE The second renewable energy research laboratory in Europe was recently completed in Timisoara, western Romania, after an eight million Euro investment. Researchers at the facility are looking for the best way to use the solar energy, which they say will ensure the world’s future energy. They have more than 20 next-generation devices at their disposal, brought in from the Netherlands, America, Israel, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The lab also has a microscope unique in Eastern Europe, which allows image capture at an atomic level. Only Poland has a laboratory with the same performance. The laboratory belongs to the National Research Institute for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter. The building that hosts the laboratory is energy efficient, as it produces its own electricity through solar panels on the roof. 13
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A TASTE OF ROMANIA European-inspired foods offering great variety in style and flavour.
Some may say that it is difficult to define a uniquily Romanian cuisine, as many of the country’s dishes borrow heavily from neighbouring cultures, including Turkish, Hungarian, Germanic and Slavic. While not well known abroad, Romanian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s agrarian roots and culturually intertwined history. “The central characteristic of the Romanian cuisine is its great variety. It is a cuisine influenced by repeated waves of different cultures: The ancient Greeks, with whom Romanians traded; the Romans, who gave the country its name; the Saxons, who settled in southern Transylvania; the Turks, who for centuries dominated Romania; as well as Slavic and Magyar neighbours. All of these influences gradually blended into the varied and delicious Romanian culinary tradition,” says Nicolae Klepper, Taste of Romania. The results of this melting pot of cultural influences, are starters and main courses with a familiar homemade quality, built around staples such as pork, chicken and lamb, made special through the addition of ample, organic fruits and vegetables.
EASY-TO-MAKE ROMANIAN RECIPE You can try this traditional Romainian dish at home, it is that simple to make!
CABBAGE ROLLS/(GRAPE LEAVES) SARMALE Cabbage rolls are made of ground meat (usually pork, but also beef) mixed with rice and other ingredients and rolled into cabbage leaves. In some regions cabbage rolls are served with polenta and sour cream. This specialty is known under the same name “sarmale”.
Ingredients: 1kg ground pork ½ cup rice 1-2 chopped onions 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1l tomato juice Salt and pepper to taste 1 large sour cabbage 15 slices of bacon
Method: Chop the onions and fry them in the oil until tender. Add rice and cook for another minute. Add onion and rice mixture to ground pork and add salt, pepper, dill and parsley and mix well with your hands. Now it’s time to assemble the rolls. Remove all the cabbage leaves and cut each leaf in half. Fill each half leaf with a big tbsp of the meat mixture and roll. Put all the rolls in a big pot and add the tomato juice over the rolls. Add more water if needed, the juice should cover the rolls entirely. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees for about four hours. After two hours remove the foil and put back in the oven. Serve hot with a bit of sour cream on top. Sources: http://travel.cnn.com/; http://www.seriouseats.com/
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EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
WELCOME TO WINE COUNTRY A taste of Romania’s world-class wines. Whether you travel in Romania, be it along the coast of the Black Sea, in the Dobrogea Plateau near the Danube Delta region, in the Province of Moldova, along valley slopes of the scenic Carpathian Mountains, in Transylvania or Wallachia, or in nearly any agricultural area throughout Romania, you’re in wine country. Romania is one of the world’s top-ranking producers of numerous delicious wines, some of which never leave its borders. Archeological evidence of country-wide wine production in Romania’s grape-friendly soil and climate dates back to the classical Greek and Roman eras of settlement in Romania. Today, the country is on a list of the world’s “Top 12 Wine Producers”, in which France ranks number one and Italy is listed as number two, Romania ranks 10th among the world’s top wine producers by volume. Romania’s climate and soil are hospitable to the production of many different types of wines; from dry, sparkling whites to rich, aromatic, purplish reds. Popular domestic grape varieties used for wine production include Frâncuşă, Fetească Albă, Tămâioasă, Fetească Neagră, Băbească.
REGIONAL WINES Frâncuşă – A very versatile soft, dry wine, crisp and lively, with just the slightest touch of sweetness. Fetească Albă – Semi-dry white wine, well balanced, with a distinct aroma reminiscent of the first flowering of the vineyard. Tămâioasă Romanească - A naturally sweet or semi-sweet white wine with subtle honey and basil aromas, an exquisite amber color and a persistent rich taste. Its sweet taste may also suggest a blend of rose petals and wild berries. Grasă de Cotnari – A naturally sweet white wine with a delicate fragrance and a smooth inter-
play of fruitiness and acidity. Galbenă de Odobeşti – A light white wine with a delicate bouquet that preserves the fragrance of the mellow grape. Fetească Neagră – Semi-sweet, medium bodied, light red wine, with original aromas. Băbească Neagră – Traditional full bodied red wine with a delicate bouquet and a slight taste of clove. Cadarca - This red, native variety, displaying a ruby-red color with a stinging taste of fresh clove, was the wine of the imperial court of Vienna during the reign of Emperor Franz Josef, in the 18th century. Romania also produces its share of worldwide vintages, including Riesling, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Muscat Ottonel. For the traveller interested in adding viniculture to his or her cultural itinerary, a trip to Romania offers many opportunities to visit wine-producing regions and to discover and sample the many different wines of Romania, from little known local and regional wines to Romania’s great wine labels, such as Murfatlar, Cotnari, Jidvei, Dealu Mare and Odobeşti. Source: Romania Tourism; Wine Institute based on data from Office Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin.
”Rumænske Vine og Specialiteter” specialises in selling food products only from Romania. We are a special shop offering only products from Romania, such as: A large variety of Romanian beers and wines from the best wines districts of Romania, charcutery products, cheeses of different types, typical Romanian groceries, traditional Romanian cakes and sweets, as well as many other products. Our prices are very attractive and competitive. The address of our shop in Copenhagen is: Åbenrå 20, st, 1124 Copenhagen K (close to Nørreport station), phone: 28434342 Operating hours are: Tuesday to Suturday 11.00 - 19.00; Sunday 11.00 - 16.00, Monday - CLOSED 15
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