Press Review - October 13, 2015

10.13.2015 By Gabriela Stan

Former President Traian Basescu Disagrees With Refugee Quotas

Traian Basescu stated Monday in a TV show that he disagrees with the refugee quotas, adding that the only solution would be the end of the war in Syria by any means.

 "I totally disapprove the refugee quota approach. Whoever called them should take them. Mrs. Merkel has her responsibility. Her public announcement that they can come was catastrophic. Romania should correct that and say: no, we won’t receive refugees.

(…) This quota story is inexistent in EU treaties. There are 23 million unemployed in the EU. (…) The solutions should be found in Syria. (…) The solution is the end of the war in Syria by any means," Basescu stated. (Evenimentul Zilei)

 

President Klaus Iohannis Meets With US Ambassador Hans Klemm

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis had a meeting with US Ambassador Hans Klemm at Cotroceni Palace on Monday.

According to the Presidential Administration, the two officials emphasized the mutual interest in enhancing cooperation in terms of security, as well as political dialog. President Klaus Iohannis also stressed the necessity to strengthen the economic dimension of the Romanian-US Strategic Partnership, and reaffirmed the country’s interest in contributing to the regional stability and security in collaboration with the US. (Puterea)

 

Romania Consumer Prices Edge Up In September, Annual Inflation at -1.7% - INS

Romanian consumer prices edged up a slight 0.26% in September compared with August, taking the annual inflation rate to -1.7%, the country's statistics institute said Monday

Romanians paid 0.9% more for food and 0.1% less for non-food items in September compared with August, while service prices rose 0.13% on the month.

Compared with September 2014, prices of food items dropped 6.47%, while non-food items were 0.54% more expensive and prices of services grew 1.99%, the data showed. (Puterea)

 

Electronics Prices Could Go Up After Implementation Of New Law

The prices of electronics and white goods could increase after the implementation of a law stipulating that sellers of such equipments and electronics waste collectors should pay an additional tax.

The companies which sell electric and electronic equipment and electronics waste recycling operators will have to pay RON20 per kilogram for the difference between the annual collecting obligations (minimum 40% for 2016) and the collected quantities, according to a bill which is currently under public debate and was posted on the website of the Environment Ministry. The bill also stipulates a contribution of RON5 per kg of batteries for battery sellers and battery collectors, for the difference between the annual collecting obligations (45% by September 26, 2016) and the collected quantities. (Romania Libera)

 

Romania Could Lose EUR7B On Poor EU Fund Absorption Rate

Romania could lose nearly EUR7 billion from the funds assigned by the European Union for 2007-2013 period, as the country only absorbed 57% of these EU funds by the end of June, according to MEP Iuliu Winkler (UDMR, EPP).

"The finance minister, the former EU funds minister is still talking about 80% fund absorption rate. The current EU funds minister is already more realistic, talking about a 70% target. Last year, in October 2014, I was saying that, in the best case, the absorption rate will reach 60% of the EUR19.8 billion, except for agriculture funds, and I also said I wished I was wrong. For the 2007-2013 period, Romania had EUR19.8 billion available, and 60% (absorption rate e.n.) means a loss of 40%, or EUR6-7 billion,“ Winkler stated.

The MEP added that the real EU funds situation will be known in April next year.  (Adevarul)