In Romania, the severe health crisis has led to the display of Cristian Movila's photographs in central Bucharest, depicting the dire situation in ICUs to convince vaccine skeptics. Less than 50% of Romanians are vaccinated, resulting in high infection rates and daily deaths. Medical professionals and authorities emphasize prevention through vaccination. The urgency has reached Brussels, with EU Commissioner Thierry Breton advocating for vaccines and COVID certificates. The COVID certificate remains blocked in the Romanian Parliament, with ongoing negotiations.

The Romanian hotel industry has been severely affected by the pandemic, with restrictions leading to a 65% drop in business and the loss of up to 100,000 jobs. Hoteliers, like Larisa Puscasu with her 'wegloos', are getting creative to stay afloat. The Alliance for Tourism in Romania estimates significant losses and hopes for more government support next year, potentially aided by EU subsidies. Romania is focusing on ecotourism and private, isolated locations to attract tourists avoiding crowded beaches.

Efforts in Romania to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change include building bridges for large carnivores and reintroducing bison. The World Wildlife Fund and Rewilding Europe are key players in these initiatives, which aim to create more resilient ecosystems. September saw record-breaking global temperatures and significant Arctic sea ice reduction, underscoring the urgency of such projects.

Romania is among seven European countries with high COVID-19 mortality rates, second only to Spain, with around 40 deaths daily. Intensive care units are nearing capacity, raising concerns among healthcare professionals. Experts advocate for mass testing, which is currently limited to symptomatic patients, and targeted lockdowns in high-transmission areas. Romania has reopened shops, bars, and hotels, but some schools remain closed. Local elections are set to proceed with measures to prevent virus spread.

In Târgoviște, Romania, locals were unexpectedly asked for a password to enter their city during a political rally for the Social Democrats (PSD) ahead of the European Parliament elections. The event led to the closure of 14 streets, and strict security measures were enforced, causing confusion and frustration among residents. The police later clarified that the password was intended to secure the rally area. The incident reflects broader dissatisfaction with the PSD's efforts to roll back anti-corruption laws and change the justice system, as highlighted by journalist Mari Jeanne Ion.

Stefan Mandachi, a businessman from northeastern Romania, has constructed the world's shortest highway, measuring 1 metre, to protest the lack of road infrastructure in his region, Moldova, and particularly in his city, Suceava. Frustrated by the government's unfulfilled promises over 30 years, Mandachi invested €4,500 into the symbolic project. Romania's highway network spans only 805 kilometres, with slow progress on road construction. The local mayor, Neculai Miron, acknowledged the limited funding for infrastructure, relying on European funding and the local budget for a 5.2 km road. The campaign

Romanian protesters continue to demonstrate in Bucharest's Victory Square against government corruption, seeking support from the European Union to uphold democratic values. Despite EU's monitoring efforts to combat endemic corruption in Romania, the recent government decision to decriminalize certain corrupt practices has sparked criticism from the European Commission and intensified public outcry. Protesters, feeling unrepresented by their government, are calling for immediate improvements in infrastructure and public services, reminiscent of the EU's developed nations.