Press Review - May 23, 2016

05.23.2016 By Gabriela Stan

PM Dacian Ciolos Travels To USA To Meet With Vice President Joe Biden

Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos traveled to the United States of America on Sunday, where he will meet with US Vice President, Joe Biden.

The PM will also meet with US high officials, representatives of the business sector, as well as members of the Romanian community in Washington area. The concept of the visit is built around the phrase ”From shared security to shared prosperity”.

Ciolos told Realitatea TV station on Thursday that the visit to the US is related to the cooperation of the two states in the economic sector, adding that he will encourage Ford representatives to continue their investments in Romania. (Adevarul)

Calin Popescu Tariceanu Said He Collaborated Very Well With Victor Ponta

Co-chair of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), Calin Popescu Tariceanu, stated on Saturday that he worked very well with Victor Ponta, and if the former PM wants to return to politics, he “will salute” the decision.

“What is the meaning of worked very well? In politics, it is of huge importance for partners to respect their commitments and their word, otherwise there is no certainty that a partnership can work. If Mr. Ponta returns to politics, I will salute this decision. But the decision is in his hands and in PSD’s hands,” Tariceanu stated, cited by stiripesurse.ro. (Puterea)

Bill: Banks To Eliminate Commissions For Cash Withdrawal Operations

Banks may be forced eliminate commission for opening, managing or closing an account, for withdrawing or depositing money in an account or for card payment in the European Union, including online payments.

The provisions are included in a government ordinance bill drawn up by the National Consumer Protection Authority (ANPC) which targets the transposing into the Romanian legislation of the Directive 2014/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the comparability of fees related to payment accounts, payment account switching and access to payment accounts.

EU member states must adopt and publish the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive by September 18, 2016. (Evenimentul Zilei)

“Rabla Plus“ Program Offers A Chance To Electric Cars

This year’s cash-for-clunkers program has a new section dedicated to the acquisition of electric vehicles, named “Rabla Plus“, with a budget of RON75 million.

“Rabla Plus“ program offers a chance to electric vehicles but Romania is facing huge problems in terms of infrastructure for charging such vehicles, which could put a spoke in the program’s wheel, according to Constantin Stroe, chairman of the Romanian association of automotive manufacturers ACAROM.

According to “Rabla Plus“ program, the financing for an electric vehicle could reach EUR6,000, but carmakers warn that the government-backed  program could face certain issues, not because clients wouldn’t be interested in buying such vehicles, but because of the lack of infrastructure for charging such vehicles.

On the other hand, the price for the acquisition of such vehicles is rather high, exceeding EUR30,000.

Environment Fund Administration has previously announced that it will financially support the installing of 10,000 electric car charging points. (Adevarul)

Romanian Director Cristian Mungiu Wins Best Director Award At Cannes Film Festival

Romanian Director Cristian Mungiu won the best director award at the Cannes Film Festival for his drama “Bacalaureat/Graduation“.

Mungiu got the Best Director Award ex aequo with French director Olivier Assayas for his supernatural thriller "Personal Shopper".

British director Ken Loach won the Palme d'Or Best Picture award at the Cannes Film Festival with "I, Daniel Blake" movie, a social-realist drama. The British director has previously won another Palme d'Or with “The Wind That Shakes the Barley“. (Adevarul)