NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe on a visit to Romania
Romania’s Defense Minister Mircea Duşa and Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Nicolae Ciucă have received General Sir Adrian Bradshaw , NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) in Bucharest today.
The three officials have had talks about the latest developments concerning security in the Black Sea region, the participation of Romanian troops in Afghanistan as well as the two NATO headquarters which are going to be set up in Bucharest. General Bradshaw is on a two-day visit to Romania and will also attend an international military exercise on the Smardan polygon, in Galati county alongside Defense Minister Mircea Duşa.
Tatiana Niculescu Bran steps down from presidential spokesperson position
Presidential spokesperson Tatiana Niculescu Bran has resigned from her position today by mutual agreement with President Klaus Iohannis. She motivated the decision by stating that her collaboration with the media was not the one she desired. Tatiana Niculescu Bran added that she will continue to support the President’s national project, Radio Romania reported.
Romania registered a 40% increase in direct investment
Romania has registered a 40% increase in direct investment in the first few months of 2015 against the same period in 2014, according to state secretary with the Department for Foreign Investments and Public-Private Partnership Alexandru Nastase. The official added that Romania entered the EU top 5 concerning FDI. The exports last year reached 52 billion euros and consisted mostly in installations, machines and textiles. „The stable legislative framework and tax structure represent opportunities for foreign investors” – the state secretary declared. On the other hand, bureaucracy, poor infrastructure, transportation and lack of transparency in public procurement are issues that deter possible investors.
Cabinet to assess impact of possible VAT cut for water consumption bills
The Cabinet announced it is considering a cut in the VAT rate on water consumption. According to PM Victor Ponta, an analysis is to be completed by next week assessing budgetary expense needed for such a decision. The Prime Minister explained that VAT cuts for water bills are now a European practice.
Victor Ponta: Tax cuts are generally a good idea. But every time you come up with an idea like this you should assess its impact as it is not enough just to come up with it. It is important to analyze its cost, so let’s ponder and see what it means.
The Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) has also recently announced they will introduce a draft bill in the Parliament asking for a cut in the VAT rate on utility bills down to 9% for hot water, gas, power and central heating – meant to help low-income or large families.
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