September 3, 2015
For a roundup of domestic and international events, click here.
Newsroom, 03.09.2015, 12:00
FISCAL CODE – Romanian deputies have today voted in favour of the new Fiscal Code, after Senators adopted the document on Tuesday. If promulgated by the president, the code will provide for a drop in the VAT to 20% as of January next year and to 19% as of 2017. The tax on special buildings and the excise on fuel will be eliminated as of 2017. A tax on dividends will also apply starting this date. The code also provides for a surcharge of all abandoned buildings and plots of land in built-up areas starting January 2016.
NATO – The first NATO command on Romanian territory opened today in Bucharest, concurrently with 5 other similar Allied structures on NATOs eastern flank. These centres are part of the NATOs process of adapting to security developments. The Unit for Integrating NATO Forces is one of the two Allied structures that will operate in Bucharest. Its mission is to plan operations, carry out military exercises and coordinate the deployment of NATO response forces. The new unit will employ some 42 military, of whom 27 Romanian.
MOLDOVA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has reasserted its firm commitment to support the economy of the Republic of Moldova and the Governments reforms, although has called on Moldovan authorities to step up their efforts to combat the banking crisis and ensure the transparency of stockholders in this field. Moldova cannot afford to lose another billion dollars as it happened last year, EBRD Executive Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus Francis Malige said in a meeting with Moldovan officials in Chisinau. According to the Malige, the Governments decision to close down the three banks involved in the mysterious loaning of 1 billion dollars to unknown recipients at the end of last year represents a first promising step. The EBRD official also said the country was undergoing a very difficult period, marked by the banking crisis, the weakening of the national currency and a severe economic slump. In order to attract more investment to generate jobs and boost growth, Moldova urgently needs to reform its banking system and combat corruption, Francis Malige went on to say. The EBRD has so far invested 1 billion euros in projects aimed at supporting the private sector in the Republic of Moldova.
FOOTBALL – Romanias national team is currently in Budapest, where it will play Hungary on Friday as part of the 2016 European Cup preliminaries. On Monday, Romania will play Greece at home. After four wins and two draws in six games, Romania is the leader of Group F, with 14 points, followed by Northern Ireland with 13 points and Hungary with 11. The last matches will be played in October, when Romania will play the Faeroe Islands away from home and Finland on home turf. Romania last qualified to a European Championship in 2008, when it did not move past the group phase.
TENNIS – Romanian tennis player WTA 2nd ranked Simona Halep is today playing Katerina Bondarenko of Ukraine in the second preliminary round of the US Open, the last Grand Slam tournament of the year. Another Romanian player, Monica Niculescu, ranked 41st in WTA standings, is playing Flavia Pennetta of Italy. In the mens doubles, Florin Mergea and Rohan Bopanna of India will play Mariusz Frystenberg of Poland and Santiago Gonzalez of Mexico. In the mixed doubles, Simona Halep and Horia Tecau of Romania will play Arantxa Parra Santonja and David Marrero of Spain. In the womens doubles, Andreea Mitu and Teliana Pereira of Brazil will play Timea Babos of Hungary and Kristina Mladenovic of France.
FILM – Italian filmmaker Adriano Valerios debut feature film Il Viaggio has been selected for the Venice International Film Festival in the ‘Settimana della critica section. Having reached its 71st edition, the prestigious festival will run through September 12. The opening night will be held on September 4 and will be attended by a Romanian delegation. Il Viaggio tells the story of three young people facing personal crises. The female protagonist Clara has just ended a long-term love affair and is about to lose her job. Ivo is unemployed, and his frustrations cause him to make rash decisions. The film tells the story of a counter-migration flow, from Italy to Romania, where people seek jobs and happiness. The films cast also includes Romanian actor Stefan Velniciuc. Il Viaggio was co-produced by Italy, Bulgaria, Romania and Macedonia.
