Press Review - September 28, 2017

09.28.2017 By Oana Gavrila

EU Hails Romania’s Renewable Energy Targets

European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic visited Romania on September 27 for a two-day visit to will discuss the country’s involvement in regional energy markets and regional cooperation.

Sefcovic stressed that investing in regional gas infrastructure is the Energy Union’s key ingredient.

“I congratulate Romania for having already met its 2020 renewables target and for making excellent progress towards its energy efficiency target and I look forward to discussing how the Clean Energy for All Europeans package can further help Romania pursue its energy transition,” Sefcovic said.

Power Restored in Timis County Ten Days After Major Storm

Ten days after a powerful storm hit the western Romanian Timis county, leaving five dead and causing major power outages, power has finally been restored throughout the county.

Locals submitted 640 complaints to the consumer protection office against power supplier Enel.

Over 100,000 people were affected by lack of electricity in the area.

ROBOR Index Jumps 9.6 Points in One Day, Hits 1.25%

The three-month ROBOR index, used to calculate interests on loans in lei with variable interest, jumped to 1.25% on Wednesday, growing 9.6 points in just one day.

The six-month ROBOR index, which is used to calculate interests on leu-denominated mortgage loans, reached 1.35% Wednesday from 1.25% Tuesday.

At the beginning of September, three-month ROBOR stood at 0.92%, from 0.87% at the beginning of the year.

The three-month ROBOR index hasn't topped 1% since October 2015.

Underprivileged People Work for Food in Bucharest Charity Shop

Underprivileged people may work in exchange for food at a new SocialXChange charity shop opened in the Drumul Taberei area in Bucharest.

The shop opened Wednesday and underprivileged people may do community service work in exchange for donations of food or other items.

The work and donations are evaluated according to a point collecting system and money is not necessary.

Romania's State TV Board Fired Over Debts, Poor Ratings

Romania's Parliament has dismissed the governing board of the state television company after it racked up debts of more than EUR150 million and registered poor ratings.

Lawmakers voted 203-74 on Wednesday to reject the 2016 annual report and fire TVR Chief Executive Irina Radu and the board a week after the broadcaster submitted its annual report to parliament. Parliament later approved a new board.

At the end of last year, the five-channel broadcaster had debts of RON654 million and investment in programs fell by 90%. Romania has a number of private broadcasters, which offer non-stop news and entertainment.

The Parliament voted to appoint Doina Gradea as interim state TV president.