News review of the day – May 7th

President Klaus Iohannis attending ceremonies in Poland marking 70 years since the end of WW II

President Klaus Iohannis is attending the ceremonies in Poland marking 70 years since the end of World War II, but also the beginning of 45 years of Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. Romania’s president is going to join other political leaders in a reunion this evening in the city of Gdaţsk, the birthplace of Solidarity trade union movement in Poland. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and President of the European Council Donald Tusk are also expected to attend the event.

Regional Cyber Security Summit to be held in Bucharest next week

Prime Minister Victor Ponta has met today at Victoria Palace with United States’ Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Dean Thompson. The chief of the Cabinet has stated for Radio Romania that talks concerned next week’s Regional Cyber Security Summit which is to be held in Bucharest. The event, organized in partnership with the US Department of Commerce and the US Embassy in Bucharest, is going to reunite 17 participant states from Central and Southeastern Europe, members of NATO and the EU but also non-members, which will present their cyber security policies and will approach subjects concerning cyber threats and vulnerabilities. The participants will also try to identify regional and international co-operation opportunities and to share good practice.
Talks and meetings are going to last for three days, May 11-13, in the presence of Romania’s Prime Minister Victor Ponta and US’ Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce H. Andrews.

INSCOP Research survey reveals major concerns of Romanians have shifted

More than half of Romanians consider that their country is on a good track, however, the percentage of those who think like this is decreasing – according to a survey conducted by INSCOP Research and commissioned by „Adevarul” daily. This perception is broadening the more time passes since the presidential elections last year. Asked about their main concerns, almost a quarter of the people questioned placed health condition first on their list.
24% now worry about this matter compared to 17% last year. The next major concern, shared by 18%, is the possibility of income decrease. Another 15 % are worried about the risk of job loss. The most significant increase regards people’s concern about the possibility of a regional conflict – 15% of them fearing a potential war. Last year, this subject worried only 10% of Romanians. The survey was conducted at the end of April on a sample of 1.085 persons and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.

Romania still one of Europe’s low-collection-rate countries with only 32%

Romania is still one of Europe’s low-collection-rate countries against its GDP, with only 32%, according to a statement made by secretary of state in the Finance Ministry Enache Jiru during a conference today. The fiscal consolidation program is going to carry on and he considered that results can already be noticed following reorganization of the Tax Administration body – ANAF and its anti-fraud campaign. Collection has risen in the first quarter of the year following fiscal control activities, the revenue exceeding the target by 3 billion RON. The official underlined that another surplus is expected after the VAT cut on food products starting June.

Automotive industry remains essential for Romania’s economy

Automotive industry remains essential for Romania’s economy and its turnover is going to reach 20 billion euros over the next few years. The market is sustained not only by carmakers like Dacia and Ford but also by 400 producers of auto parts. Nevertheless, so far, no other producer in this sector has announced its intention to invest in new production facilities in Romania, according to secretary of state in the Finance Ministry Enache Jiru. President and CEO of Dacia carmaker, Nicolas Maure, has stated during the same conference that the plant in Mioveni is working at its full capacity, however, salary raises are going to be moderate and in accordance with the inflation rate.

Net average salary in Romania in March – 7% higher than last year

Net average salary in Romania has reached 1.830 RON (~406 euros) this March, a level 7% higher against the same month in 2014 – according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics. Against February 2015, the net average salary has seen a 100 RON (~22 euros) increase. The main reason accounting for the raise is represented by quarterly and Easter bonuses. The highest average salaries have been registered in the tobacco industry – 5.800 RON (~1280 euros) and the lowest in the hospitality industry – 1.000 RON (~220 euros).

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