Four Romanian cities shortlisted for European Capital of Culture 2021 title
The Romanian cities of Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timişoara and Baia Mare have been shortlisted in the competition for „The European Capital of Culture 2021” title. The announcement has been made this afternoon by the President of the European Commission experts jury during a press conference hosted by the National Library in Bucharest.
Steve Greene: All European Capital of Culture candidates on the shortlist got noticed by Europe not only for their cultural activity, but also for their overall policy and decision-making processes.
The citites of Alba Iulia, Arad, Braşov, Brăila, Craiova, Iaşi, Sfântu-Gheorghe, Suceava and Târgu-Mureş had also been competing for the title in the first stage of selection, Radio Romania reports.
75% of Romanians consider Europe should no longer receive Middle East immigrants
Following terrorist attacks in Paris, more than 75% of Romanians consider Europe should no longer receive immigrants coming from the Middle East and more than 80% are against them settling down in Romania – according to an INSCOP survey commissioned by Adevarul newspaper and conducted between November 26 – December 2.
The survey shows that the percentages rose from 65% in September to 80% (against immigrants settling in Romania) and from 56% to 75% (against Europe receiving more immigrants).
On the other hand, fewer and fewer respondents believe immigrants come to Europe due to poverty and war in the Middle East. More and more now tend to believe immigrants form organized groups seeking to create havoc in Europe, according to the same survey. This fear determined 82% of the interviewees to express themselves against immigrants’ presence in their town – Radio Romania reported.
Romanian Leu reaches 11-month low against the Euro
The Romanian currency continued to depreciate against the Euro reaching an 11-month low yesterday with an exchange rate of 4.50 Ron for 1 Euro. The same evolution was registered against the US dollar which is quoted at 4.11 Ron and the Swiss Franc, quoted at 4.16 Ron by the Central Bank, Radio Romania reported.
Statistical data regarding annual inflation rate and price evolution in November
The annual inflation in Romania maintained its negative rate in November, with a slight increase from minus 1.6% to minus 1.1% against the previous month, according to data released today by the National Institute of Statistics (INS). Consumer price index rose in November by 0.31% against October given the increase in prices of nonfood products by 0.5% and of services by 0.31%. In what food prices are concerned, the highest increase was registered for potatoes (2.8%), vegetables and vegetable cans (2.5%), eggs (2.11%) and sugar (1.9%). At the same time, prices of citrus fruits and other exotic fruits decreased by 12.96% in November against the previous month – Radio Romania reported.
Romania leads the EU top regarding Internet speeds
Romania continues to lead the European Union top regarding Internet speeds, according to a statement in Brussels today by Communications Minister Marius Bostan who attended a reunion of relevant ministers in the EU. Minister Marius Bostan said Internet coverage in Romania expanded over the last years and according to calculations, in 2016 our country is going to surpass the European average. The minister, quoted by Radio Romania, pointed out that the lack of Internet and digital communications coverage in rural areas is justified by a lack of demand, but intends to ensure access in all areas where the population needs it.
Romania’s population decreases to 1966 level
Annual demographic statistics issued by Romania’s INS shows a negative trend regarding population numbers in our country which dropped under the 20-million threshold in 2014, which is now similar to year 1966. President of the INS Tudorel Andrei stated the situation was amplified by the high death rate but also by a downward trend in Romania’s natality rate, aspects that cannot be altered on the short term. Until 2013, the population decreased mainly due to migration followed over the last two years by a huge difference between birth and death rates. In 2014, Romania’s population decreased by 80.000 people adding up to 40.000 migrants. The number can be compared with two small cities disappearing each year, Radio Romania reports.
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