October 5, 2013 UPDATE

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România Internațional, 05.10.2013, 18:52

Lifting labour restrictions for Romanians and Bulgarians on January 1st, 2014, is no danger for Germany, said the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor, in an interview carried by Der Spiegel. According to the EU official, Romanians and Bulgarians who are working in Germany bring a strong contribution to the country’s economic growth. Currently there are only 8 EU countries where restrictions are in place for workers coming from Romania and Bulgaria, namely Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Malta and Great Britain. Restrictions will be lifted in all the EU member states on January 1st, 2014. In December 2012, the European Commission approved Spain’s decision to reintroduce restrictions for Romanian workers, due to the economic and financial crisis in that country.

The first edition of the Grand Prix Nova International Radio Theatre Festival came to an end in Bucharest on Saturday. The best productions were awarded on Friday night. The winner in the Radio Theatre category was Germany, and in the short play section, the first prize went to Croatia. Romania came in second thanks to our colleague Attila Vizauer, with the play ‘The Poor Dad’. Grand Prix Nova, held under the high patronage of her Royal Highness Princess Margaret of Romania, was organized by Radio Romania under the aegis of the International Radio and Television Union and the Romanian Ministry of Culture. The festival was held in celebration of 85 years of radio broadcasting in Romania.

IMF experts recommend Romanian authorities should not give in to raising pressure to adopt populist measures, which might damage previous reforms or create new risks. In a public report, the IMF states that Romania has made progress in cutting old debts and liberalizing the energy markets, but in other fields the developments have been insignificant, such as the involvement of the private sector in the energy field. Last week, the IMF approved a new precautionary agreement with Romania, worth 2 billion Euros. According to the Romanian Government’s letter of intent, the base for the calculation of property tax will be revised, and starting next year, owners of rented property will have to contribute to the health-care fund.

The film Child’s Pose, by the Romanian director Calin Netzer, got the best film award at the International Film Festival in Namur, Belgium. The leading actress, Luminita Gheorghiu, also got the best leading actress award. This year, Child’s pose got the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, as the first Romanian feature film to win such a competition. The film is also Romania’s proposal for the 2014 Oscars.

Bucharest is playing host to the 8th Anim’est International Animation Film Festival. The French-Belgian film screened last night in the opening of the festival, called “Ernest et Celestine”, this year’s winner of the Cesar Award, enjoyed the presence of a large audience. Long and short reels will be screened in Bucharest until October 13th, some of them awarded at other international festivals. The event will also host press conferences and workshops held by animation specialists.

Runners from 35 countries, including 15 internationally acclaimed athletes, have registered for the 7 races of the 6th Bucharest International Marathon. A children’s race will take place today, with over 100 parents registered. Another 5 races, including the wheel chair race, will be held tomorrow. Organizers hope the event will be registered in the Book of World Records, thanks 6 Romanian athletes who will run tied to one other.

Romanian women’s table tennis team won broze at the European table tennis championships in Schwechat, Austria. On Saturday, the Romanian players beat the Hungarian team 3 — nil. In the semifinals to be held on Sunday, Romania, who is en titre vice-champion, will meet Russia, who in the quarters beat Poland 3 — 1.

At the World Gymnastics Championship in Anthwerp, Belgium, Romanian gymnast Larisa Iordache came forth in the all around final on Wednesday, totalling 57,766 points. She has qualified for the apparatuses final, as well, in the beam and floor events. Another Romanian, Sandra Izbasa has also qualified for the floor final. In the men’s apparatuses finals, Romania will be represented by Marius Berbecar, in the vault and paralel bars events. The finals are held on Sunday.