May 24, 2022

MEASURES A new set of social and economic measures agreed on by the ruling coalition made up of the Social Democratic Party and the National Liberal Party will take effect in Romania as of July 1. The measures include postponements of bank loan repayments for citizens and businesses struggling with financial problems, as well as support for low-income pensioners. The government will also take steps to ensure fiscal consolidation and public deficit commitments. The costs of this set of measures reach EUR 1.1 bln.

POLL Six out of 10 Romanians (58%) believe cutting consumption is the easiest solution for the financial difficulties caused by the rising inflation, says a survey made public today. In April, the inflation rate reached a record 13.8%, well above the National Bank's 12.5% forecast for 2022. According to the survey, 67% of the respondents see the government of Romania as responsible for this inflation rate. Three-quarters of Romanians also believe inflation is higher in Romania than in other countries. The respondents say the most substantial price rises are witnessed for foodstuffs (77%), fuel (77%) and utilities (electricity and gas) - 70%. In this context, 58% say reducing consumption could solve the inflation problem, but pay raises are also considered as solutions, and so is emigration. The survey was conducted online, between April 20 and 26.

IMF The International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva said on Monday that while a recession of the world's major economies is not expected, it is not out of the question either. The global economic prospects have worsened since the IMF's downward adjustment of its 2022 forecasts, owing to the war in Ukraine, the slow-down of China's economy and the global price shocks, especially in the foodstuff sector. 'In a short period of time...the horizon has darkened,' Kristalina Georgieva said. In January, the IMF estimated that this year the global economy will grow by 4.4%, but last month the forecast was adjusted to 3.6%.

NATO NATO fighter jets deployed to military bases in Romania carry on their missions to ensure the integrity of the Allied air space, the Romanian defence ministry said. In less than 6 months, Italian Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft stationed at the Mihail Kogălniceanu base in south-eastern Romania reported a combined 1,000 hours of flight in NATO missions protecting the Romanian air space. Air missions are paired with missions of the NATO Battlegroup set up in Romania in the wake of Russia's invading neighbouring Ukraine.

REFUGEES The number of Ukrainian nationals entering Romania on Monday was 2.4% smaller than on the previous day, reaching 7,709, the Romanian border police announced. Since the start of the crisis, more than one million refugees crossed the border into Romania. Meanwhile, new checkpoints will be opened on Romania's border with Ukraine, allowing the Siret checkpoint, in the north-east, where trucks are currently waiting up to 14 hours to leave the country, to give priority to humanitarian assistance shipments. In a first stage, a checkpoint will be opened at Vicovu de Sus (north) for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, and another one at Racovăţ (north-east) for vehicles of up to 7 tonnes. Later on, a new checkpoint will also be operational in Ulma (north-east).

TENNIS The Romanian tennis player Ana Bogdan Ana Bogdan (93 WTA) was defeated on Monday by Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (15 WTA), 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-1), 6-2, in the first round of the Roland Garros Grand Slam tournament. Irina Begu was also scheduled to play on Monday against Jasmine Paolini of Italy, but the match was suspended because of the rain in the 3rd set. On Tuesday 3 other Romanians, Simona Halep, Irina Bara and Mihaela Buzărnescu will play in the main draw. Sorana Cîrstea qualified in the second round on Sunday, while Gabriela Ruse lost her first round. Halep, seed no. 19, is a Roland Garros champion in 2018 and a finalist in 2014 and 2017. (AMP)