Romania-Insider.com has chosen 15 topics to keep an eye on in 2015 in Romania, from business, politics, justice, culture and sports.

Politics & Justice

New president Klaus Iohannis – after having won against current Prime Minister Victor Ponta, whom many believed to be a favorite in the presidential race, all eyes are now on Iohannis and what he will achieve as the country’s president. Eagerly awaited are his official visits to France and Germany.

Possible investigation into former president Traian Basescu – soon after leaving the presidential seat after two consecutive mandates, Basescu might face investigations and criminal charges. One of them is the famous Fleet case, which was suspended while he was a president, and in which Basescu is investigated for selling the country’s ships for scrap metal.

Prime Minister position – will Victor Ponta hold on to his seat? Ponta lost to Klaus Johannis in the presidential elections so he continues to be the Prime Minister. But the liberals have already filed a motion of no-confidence against the Government. Will it stand the test?

Large investigations (Microsoft case, EADS, forest retrocessions) – several large investigations started in 2014, and are likely to continue in 2015, while new ones could open, as prosecutors keep themselves busy at tackling corruption.

Business

Bucharest Stock Exchange – new platform for small and medium companies (AERO) to be opened in February +  developments on the path to becoming an emerging market.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) – new agreement?  Will Romania enter a new financing agreement with the IMF, after finishing the most recent stand-by agreement?

New data on natural gas discoveries in the Black Sea by OMV Petrom and Exxon. The two companies, currently drilling away and prospecting in the Black Sea, could announce more gas discoveries, which could ensure the country’s independence on the gas front, as well as supply other European countries.

Hidroelectrica – insolvency exit and potential stock exchange listing. The largest energy producer in Romania, Hidroelectrica, currently insolvent – for the second time – should exit insolvency in 2015, and get ready to list its shares on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

Fondul Proprietatea – targeted listing on the London Stock Exchange. The largest investment fund in Romania, Fondul Proprietatea, with assets of about EUR 3.16 billion, has been seeking all needed approvals to list on the London Stock Exchange. This is expected to happen in 2015, and would bring Romania, its stock market and local companies more international visibility. The fund is already listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

Mall openings – Mega Mall in Bucharest, Coresi in Brasov. One of the most eagerly awaited mall openings in Bucharest – Mega Mall, is due to happen end of April 2015. Mega Mall will be one of the largest shopping centers in Bucharest, and is owned by NEPI, the real estate investment fund that has been most active in purchasing properties and in developing new projects. In the central city of Brasov, the Coresi commercial platform is due to open end – March, on the former Tractorul industrial platform.

Culture, Entertainment & Sports

Cluj European Youth Capital – the Transylvanian city of Cluj is the European Youth Capital this year, when it will organize over 1,500 events, including a huge concert featuring David Guetta and Avicii.

Solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse on March 20, 2015 will be visible only partially in Romania, but it is still one of the major astronomical events of the year, and a must see for nature enthusiasts.

Qualifiers for the Euro 2016 soccer competition. Romania’s national soccer team will have several matches this year, in an attempt to qualify for the 2016 competition. Romania’s latest appearance in the European competition was in 2008.

Simona Halep, no. 3 WTA. The country’s start tennis player had the best year of her career in 2014, and the whole world will be watching her evolution in 2015. Romanians hope she will make it to number 1 WTA and defeat Serena Williams. Halep already started the year with an important win in China.

George Enescu festival – Bucharest will host the famous George Enescu festival this fall, which will turn the Romanian capital into a destination for music lovers.

Have we missed anything important? Please add your comment in the box below.

editor@romania-insider.com