November 3, 2016
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Newsroom, 03.11.2016, 12:00
DIGITAL ECONOMY – Romania will become a major actor on the European digital market and will contribute to the plan to have a vibrant European Union, according to statements made today in Bucharest by the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Gunther Oettinger. The European official attended the opening of the Digital Romania — Industry 4.0 International Forum, joining President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos. The event brings together around 250 representatives of the IT field from both the public and the private sector. The Romanian head of state believes that digitization is not only a means for growth in industry and agriculture, but also an instrument for better public policies to the benefit of citizens.
UNEMPLOYMENT – In Romania the number of unemployed people dropped in September by 1.7% as compared to the previous month reaching a historic low of 5.9% according to data provided by the National Institute of Statistics. At present the unemployment rate has reached the lowest level since the beginning of 2009. According to genre, the unemployment rate among men exceeded by 1.9% that reported for women, standing at 6.7% for men and 4.8% for women. As regards adults (25-47 years old), the unemployment rate has been estimated at 4.9% in September, 5,7% for men and 3.8% for women.
MIGRANTS – Over 800 Romanian citizens found to live abroad illegally took up voluntary repatriation last year, especially from Germany, Austria, and Belgium. This is the first time when Romania appears in the top 15 countries of origin in terms of voluntary repatriation, according to the International Organization for Migration. In 2015, across the world, over 69,000 migrants received aid from various organizations to repatriate voluntarily. In 2016, Albania is in first place, followed by Iraq, Serbia, Afghanistan and Kosovo. According to the law, migrants who opt to return home voluntarily receive financial help, most times from European funds.
MOLDOVA ELECTIONS – The campaign for the second round of voting of the presidential election in the Republic of Moldova has started officially. The election is due on November 13. As many as 3 million people are called to the polls to elect their president through direct vote, after 16 years when the president was appointed by Parliament. In the first round the pro-Russian socialist Igor Dodon obtained 48% of the votes while Maia Sandu got 39%. Analysts say the election has both a political and geopolitical importance. Dodon wants to denounce the integration and free-trade agreements with the EU and favors accession into the Russia-Belarus Kazakhstan Union. In exchange, Maia Sandu wants the reform of the state and the country’s European integration. The vote turnout in the first round was almost 49%, the lowest in the history of elections in the Republic of Moldova.
FOOTBALL – Two Romanian football teams play today in the Europa League. In Group E, current champions Astra Giurgiu play at home against Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic. The group is led by AS Rome and Austria Vienna, each with 5 points, followed by Astra with 3 points, and Plzen in last place with two points. In Group L, vice-champions Steaua Bucharest faces off against FC Zurich of Switzerland on the latters home turf. In that same group, Villareal of Spain leads with 5 points, followed by Osmanlispor of Turkey, and Zurich, with four points, while Steaua is in last place, with only two points. (translation by L. Simion)
