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On March 15, Klaus Iohannis welcomed Bulgarian president Rumen Radev at the Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest. The talks focused on the security situation generated by the Russian military aggression against Ukraine and ways to combat this conflict's effects. In the joint press conference held after the meeting, the Romanian president said the war in Ukraine would not spread to NATO countries but, at the same time, reiterated the need to strengthen the Alliance's eastern flank, to prevent and discourage any possible attack.

Spain's prime minister Pedro Sánchez also came to Bucharest this past week, on March 17, to meet with the Romanian president. The war in Ukraine and its economic and humanitarian effects was again the main topic on the agenda, but discussions also focused on other aspects of the Spanish-Romanian relations.

President Klaus Iohannis also met with Estonian president Alar Karis in Bucharest on Thursday, March 17. Once again, the talks focused on the Russian aggression in Ukraine and ways to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. Another topic was Moldova's accession to the European Union, with president Iohannis saying that Romania is not only willing but is determined to help its neighbour with this process.

Also last week, on March 16, president Klaus Iohannis attended the event marking the beginning of works at the Maison de la Francophonie de Roumanie, a project that will be integrated into the campus of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. "The building you are erecting in this place is proof that the values of Francophonie are not only a precious heritage for the Romanians, but also a resource that stimulates new energies," the Romanian president said.

Last week also started with the news that Romania's new population and household census is kicking off. In the first stage, which will end on May 15, people can fill in the official questionnaire online. The form is split into several sections and includes questions related to graduate studies, occupation, and income. Further details here.

The City Hall of Iasi, a university city in eastern Romania, also announced early last week that the Braunstein Palace, an iconic building of the city, regained its brilliance after refurbishment. The restoration project was financed through the European Regional Development Fund, and the palace is set to host the French, German, and Italian cultural centres. More details here.

(Openinh photo: woman at the anti-war protest in Bucharest; photo credit: Inquam Photos/Adriana Neagoe)

Weekend calendar: Asia Fest in Bucharest, Sibiu Jazz Festival, RROMA Film Festival in Brașov