In this edition of the Global Conversation Isabelle Kumar discusses the key issues affecting Romania today with the country’s prime minister Victor Ponta.

During his 18 months in office, Ponta has sought to improve a somewhat negative view of his country in other member states – a view, he maintains, that does not reflect the reality of modern Romania.

The country has been criticised fiercely by Transparency International for endemic corruption throughout the political system. Ponta argues much has been done to tackle the problem and that it has gone a long way to meet reforms demanded by the EU.

Romania, he claims, is often targeted by European politicians seeking to advance their own political fortunes at home.

Isabelle Kumar tackles Ponta on this and other hot topics including discrimination against Roma, Romanian migration and the country’s future membership of the eurozone and Schengen free travel area.