Vlachs

Romania's parliament is to discuss a bill that would allow ethnic Romanians from non-EU countries in the Balkans to get jobs in Romania more easily than other non-EU citizens, to meet a growing labour shortage.

MPs from a number of parties submitted the bill to the Senate last week. It must now be discussed by parliamentary commissions and in plenary sessions.

President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Saturday morning attended, in the Union Square, in Iasi City, the ceremonies organised by the local authorities marking the 156th anniversary since the unification of Moldavia with Wallachia (Tara Romaneasca), inaugurated with the playing of the national anthem and military honours.

Romania is struggling for the status, recognition and guaranteeing the freedom of the Christian Orthodox Church in Serbia's Timoc Valley, Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean told debates hosted by the Palace of Parliament on Wednesday.

Council of Europe resolution to foster minority rights, languages in Albania

A law on nationalities would help clarify Albania's policy, and other steps also are needed to address remaining discriminatory practices against minorities.

A new Council of Europe resolution requires Albania to provide education to minorities in their native languages. [AFP]