Soros Foundation Romania

In 2006, the Open Society Foundation–Romania (Soros Foundation Romania, as of March 2007) pursued its mission of promoting a society based on freedom, accountability, and respect for diversity by supporting activities that increase transparency in public institutions, fight discrimination, promote inclusive communities, and improve policymaking. The foundation also worked with civil society groups and government agencies to implement reforms and policies to make Romania a strong and effective member of the European Union.

The following briefs describe some of the foundation’s activities and achievements in 2006.

Small Community Fights Government and Big Mining Company

Residents of Rosia Montana, Romania, continued their fight against Canadian-based mining company Gabriel Resources, which for ten years has attempted to obtain permission to build Europe’s largest open-pit gold mine, complete with dangerous cyanide-laced ponds. A Romanian state-owned mining company is Gabriel Resources’ partner, and press reports have revealed that many former and current local officials or their family members have been on the payroll of its local subsidiary. The foundation supported grassroots organizing for over 250 families that do not want to be relocated, and helped secure experts to identify socially and environmentally responsible development alternatives.

Romania Works to Give Disabled More Independence

Foundation support helped the National Council of Disability in Romania advocate for a new law on equal opportunities for disabled people, which was adopted in 2006. The law creates facilities and services that allow disabled people to become independent and active members within their communities.

Survey Reveals Extent of Romanian Migration

A survey conducted by the foundation showed that at least one-third of all the nation’s households have had a family member leave to go abroad since 1989, with 80 percent of these migrants leaving in search of work. The majority of jobs found abroad were in construction for men, housekeeping for women, and agriculture for both sexes. The survey, which also highlighted the impact of remittances on families and communities in Romania, seeks to support policies that maximize the benefits of migration. It was presented to the Romanian, Italian, and Spanish governments and the International Organization for Migration.