June 21, 2024 UPDATE
A roundup of local and international news.
Newsroom, 21.06.2024, 19:50
Salary. The government approved a bill on setting the European minimum wage, thus transposing into the national legislation a 2022 Directive by the European Parliament and the Council on adequate minimum wages in the European Union, the Romanian labour ministry said on Friday. The bill is next to be fast-tracked through Parliament. The European minimum wage is also included in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, under which the minimum gross basic salary is to be established according to an objective mechanism based on a clear formula, in consultation with social partners. Its level is to be updated annually taking into account the purchasing power, the general level of salaries and their distribution, the salary increase rate and work productivity nationwide.
Cyber attacks. Russia-affiliated groups of cyber attackers have launched 25 attacks in the last week against websites in Romania, said the National Cyber Security Directorate. The attacks targeted private companies in the financial and banking sector, transports and telecommunications, as well as the Directorate’s own website. There were no periods of significant interruptions in the activities of the targeted sites. Experts recommend network administrators to implement services to protect against such actions.
EU talks. The 27 EU member states confirmed the start of accession talks with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova on 25th June, the EU Council’s Belgian presidency said on Friday, quoted by France Presse. The European Commission said Ukraine and Moldova meet all conditions for the opening of official talks. The EU granted Ukraine the status of accession candidate country in June 2022, in a symbolic gesture months after the start of the Russian invasion of that country, with Moldova also receiving this status. According to France Presse, starting accession talks is one step in a long and painstaking accession process.
Investments. Seven out of ten investors are expecting an increase in Romania’s appeal as an investment destination in the following three years, according to a survey conducted by the financial consultancy and audit company Ernst & Young. 46% of executive leaders surveyed believe that Romania remains a robust and resilient investment market in 2023 and mentioned plans to consolidate or expand their operations in the near future. Bucharest continues to remain the main investment destination with a significant share of 40%. Iaşi, in north-eastern Romania, and Timişoara, in the west, each registered three investment projects and Cluj-Napoca, in the north-west, and Braşov, in the centre, two projects each.
Defence. The Country’s Supreme Defence Council decided that Romania would donate its Patriot air defence system to Ukraine, according to a statement from the Romanian president’s office. The Council said the transfer will be made on condition talks continue, mainly with the US strategic partner, with a view to receiving a similar or equivalent system to ensuring the protection of the country’s airspace. The statement also notes that the decision was based on a comprehensive technical assessment by the authorities and all steps were taken to prevent the risk of creating vulnerabilities for Romania.
Radio drama. The 12th Grand Prix Nova International Radio Drama Festival organised by Radio Romania is getting under way on Sunday in Bucharest. This year’s edition is about innovation in the creation of sound fiction, with over 20 productions from 10 countries taking part in the three different competition categories. Organisers say the festival has in time earned recognition in its field, striving to make radio drama accessible to both theatre professionals and the wider public.
Football. Ukraine on Friday defeated Slovakia 2-1 in Group E of the European Football Championship under way in Germany. Romania, who are in the same group, will be playing Belgium on Saturday evening in Cologne. In their opening match last Monday, Belgium lost to Slovakia nil-1 and Romania defeated Ukraine 3-nil in front of over 40,000 Romanian fans. Romania will be playing their final group match next Wednesday in Frankfurt against Slovakia.
Swimming. Romanian swimmer David Popovici won the gold medal in 200 m freestyle at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade, defending the title he won two years ago in Rome. On Wednesday, he also won the title in 100 m freestyle, his being the only medals won by Romania in Belgrade. Popovici will also compete in these two races at the Paris Olympics.
