Press Review - June 20, 2018

06.20.2018 By Oana Gavrila

Romania 3-Month Money Market Rate Hits New High at 2.93%

The 3-month money market interest rate used to calculate interests for consumer loans in lei grew to 2.93% a year Tuesday from 2.92% Monday, central bank data showed.

The rate was last higher in October 2014, when it stood at 2.94% a year.

At the beginning of the year, the three-month interbank interest rate stood at 2.05%. During the same period last year, it stood at 0.83% a year.

The 6-month money market rate used to calculate interests for mortgage loans in lei with variable interest grew to 3.04%.

Romania Climbs One Spot in EU 2017 GDP Per Capita Ranking

Romania climbed one spot in the annual ranking of 28 EU member states in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita expressed in purchasing power standards (PPS) in 2017, coming ahead of Croatia, Eurostat data showed.

Romania's GDP per capita stood at 63% of the EU average last year, as the nation gained five percentage points and moved up to 26th position in the ranking, while Croatia dropped to 27th place with 61%.

Bulgaria’s GDP per capita stood at 48% of the EU average last year, the lowest level among all 28 EU member states.

Slovenia, in 16th place, ranked the highest among EU member states in Southeast Europe (SEE) with a GDP per capita at 85% of the EU average in 2017.

PM Appoints New Secretary of State

Lucian Patrascu has been appointed secretary of state by decision of Prime Minister Viorica Dancila.

According to government sources, Patrascu will be serving in the working body of deputy prime minister Viorel Stefan.

Foreign Intelligence Chief Nomination Based on Experience Alone, President Says

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said Tuesday he nominated Gabriel Vlase as chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service due to his experience.

Iohannis said he nominated the social democrat MP for the position without consulting the ruling Social Democratic Party.