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Mirel BRAN

Romania's long-standing fascination with all things French
19/03/2013 - ROMANIA

Romania's long-standing fascination with all things French

The French influence has long been felt in Romania, which in the past has enjoyed a special relationship with France. While that's not so much the case today, there are still French speakers and Francophiles to be found in the country and similarities to be found in their respective languages. The historic links between East and West therefore look likely to continue - linguistically at least.
Gypsy weddings: the extraordinary nuptials of Roma children
20/12/2012 - ROMANIA

Gypsy weddings: the extraordinary nuptials of Roma children

Although most countries don't allow individuals to wed before they are 18 years of age, some minors are still getting "married" in 21st century Europe. Among the Roma, children are often wed at very young ages, observing strict rules of tradition. Their futures are mapped out by their parents and there is no going against their wishes. The marriage may not be legal in the eyes of the law, but for the Roma, it's binding for life.
Romania: 'Hackerville', capital of global cybercrime
07/12/2012 - REPORTERS

Romania: 'Hackerville', capital of global cybercrime

The Romanian town of Ramnicu Valcea has become the world capital of internet fraud. Young hackers, specialised in ripping off naive customers, evading police forces all over the world. Our reporter went to meet them.
Romania prepares for parliamentary elections
07/12/2012 - ROMANIA

Romania prepares for parliamentary elections

Romania is gearing up for elections this Sunday to choose MPs in both houses of Parliament. Voters are tired of a political class which is renowned for its corruption. Meanwhile, the economic crisis which is affecting all of Europe has hardly warmed people's feelings towards politicians either. The right preaches the gospel of austerity - not a popular solution for many - while the left promises a lot, but is tainted by its historical links with the Communist system.
Fate of President Basescu hangs in balance
26/07/2012 - ROMANIA

Fate of President Basescu hangs in balance

Romania is gripped by an unprecedented political crisis. Parliament suspended centre-right President Traian Basescu on July 16th. The opposition call it a coup d'état organised by a coalition of socialists and liberals. Brussels and Washington have voiced concerns about what they say are undemocratic developments, but the fate of Romania is still in the hands of Romanians. On Sunday, they will vote in a referendum on whether or not to back the suspension of President Basescu.
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France: behind the scenes in the war on Romanian gangs
15/06/2012 - REPORTERS

France: behind the scenes in the war on Romanian gangs

In Paris, locals and tourists often see young Roma gypsies in the street, near tourist attractions trying to get people to sign "petitions", or distract their attention. But behind these young Roma lies a large-scale trafficking operation.
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Roma: integration school
15/11/2011 - PLANET HOPE

Roma: integration school

An estimated 2.5 million Roma people live in Romania. Here, the government has fully understood the importance of education in integrating the community into wider society. But in practice, going to school often brings new problems for these Roma families.
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Is France the promised land for Roma people?
23/09/2011 - REPORTERS

Is France the promised land for Roma people?

Ever since Romania joined the EU in 2007, France has been faced with an influx of Roma dreaming of a better life. But often the road ends with expulsion and they are sent back to square one. Far from being discouraged, these Roma immigrants refuse to give up on living in France, and cross the border again and again. France 24 followed one such family on their quest to fulfil their French dream.
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The new El Dorado of farming
15/06/2011 - ROMANIA

The new El Dorado of farming

Could the future of European organic farming be in Romania? Investors in the agricultural industry have come to realise what a goldmine lies under the green pastures of the Carpathian mountains - land here costs a fractions of Western European prices and farmers can buy far bigger properties.
The Danube’s wild horses
04/01/2011 - REPORTERS

The Danube’s wild horses

In Romania, after the fall of the communist regime, farmers could no longer afford to feed their horses. They abandoned them in the Danube delta, where the animals became wild again and took control of their new territory. For the authorities, these horses pose an environmental risk; there is even talk of exterminating them. But one man has decided to save them.
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