Romania in Sofia

Today marks World Press Freedom Day. For twenty years, I have maintained that a democracy requires a free press to survive. Accurate information is, quite literally, the oxygen of democracy. Democracy is built on choices, votes, and decisions between competing ideas and leaders. However, citizens can only decide who deserves power based on the quality of information available to them. Journalists do not need platitudes from officials. They need the freedom to do their jobs professionally and without interference. Reflecting on my recent months at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I have noticed a recurring pattern across our region. Civil society and the press maintain constant pressure on politicians to fix what is broken and to ensure power is not wielded against the public interest. Their goal is to prevent state capture, ensuring that the country is governed through democratic mechanisms that remain accountable to the people. This accountability is entirely dependent on the flow of information. Yet, whenever a country takes two steps forward toward the values and standards its citizens demand, there are always those who try to pull it a step back, those who want to pull the handbrake on progress. This resistance almost always stems from a toxic duo: corruption and the suppression of the media. One cannot thrive without the other. This is why, during European Commissioner Michael McGrath’s visit to Romania, our discussion regarding the Anti-SLAPP Directive was not merely about legal or technical procedures. We spoke about the vital necessity of ensuring journalists can speak the truth without facing financial ruin. SLAPPs - abusive lawsuits aimed at journalists - are not designed to be won in court. They are designed to intimidate and exhaust those who dare to ask questions, draining time and resources that should be spent on complex investigations. Romanian investigative journalism has seen significant success in exposing corruption in recent years. This momentum must continue with full force, both here and across the region. It remains the essential oxygen that every democracy needs to breathe.

Busy days for NATO Air Policing ✈️ Romanian Air Force 🇷🇴 detachment on Baltic Air Policing in Lithuania 🇱🇹 conducted its first NATO Air Policing scramble last week, intercepting an Il-20M “Coot-A”. Yesterday, French Rafale 🇫🇷 fighters and Romanian F-16s 🇷🇴 intercepted multiple Russian reconnaissance, bomber and fighter aircraft. NATO Air Policing in the Baltic region under Eastern Sentry ensure continuous vigilance, deterrence, and protection of NATO airspace.

I congratulate Rumen Radev on his clear victory in Bulgaria’s elections. As neighbours, I look forward to further strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Romania 🇷🇴 and Bulgaria 🇧🇬 and advancing our joint priorities within the EU and NATO. We must also continue our work

Look at these eggs… they truly look like living jewels!The intense colors- bright red,deep black,golden yellow,&warm orange accents-are woven into perfect geometric patterns,stars, crosses,&repetitioning lines that feel like a silent prayer. You can clearly see they were crafted