Juncker: European Commission agrees with Romania and Bulgaria’s inclusion in the Schengen area
The European Commission agrees with and supports Romania and Bulgaria’s inclusion in the Schengen area, according to a statement made today by EC President Jean Claude Juncker, quoted by Radio Romania. The two countries have met the adhesion conditions and it’s elementary to acknowledge their rights, the EC President added – Radio Romania reports.
Foreign Ministry strongly condemns terrorist attack in Kabul
Romania’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kabul earlier today which targeted institutions of the Afghan administration and resulted in many victims. Romania extends its deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and hopes for a quick recovery of the survivors. A car-bombing attack was registered this morning in downtown Kabul targeting a building of the Afghan information services. 28 people, mostly civilians, were killed by the explosion, Radio Romania reports.
Central Bank Vice Governor calls for diversification of financial sector
Romania’s financial sector needs to be diversified, according to a statement made by the Central Bank Vice Governor Bogdan Olteanu at a relevant conference today. The official considers there is too much focus on savings banks rather than investment ones, which creates disadvantages for Small and Medium Enterprises, the only available option left for them being to resort to investment funds. However, in order to atract this kind of financing, Romania needs to become financially and politically stable and predictable, Radio Romania reported.
Draft bill on reducing the number of representatives to 300 repelled by the Senate
The draft bill on reducing the number of representatives to 300 MPs has been rejected by the Senate. The Justice Committee had previously repelled the draft invoking the upcoming legislative elections this year and recommendations made by the Venice Commission which say electoral systems should not be amended at least one year before elections. Unaffiliated deputy Eugen Tomac activating in People’s Movement Party, who introduced the bill, says his project was based on the results of 2009 referendum initiated by former President Traian Băsescu. The Senate is the first chamber notified on this draft bill, Radio Romania reported.
Romania received 19 gold, 14 silver and 2 bronze medals as well as 30 special awards at Inventions Exhibition in Geneva
Romanian engineer Corneliu Birtok Băneasă received a Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva alongside a special award bestowed by a professional science association based in Hong Kong. His invention, called thermal deflector, is an automotive device designed to reduce fuel consumption. This year, Romania received 19 gold, 14 silver and 2 bronze medals as well as 30 special awards in Geneva.
80 migrants saved from the Mediterranean Sea by Romanian border policemen
More than 80 migrants were saved from the Mediterranean Sea by Romanian border policemen activating in the Frontex coordinated operation. According to a press release, the migrants were floating on two rubber boats ready to capsize. All endangered persons, including women and children, have boarded a Coast Guard ship and were given first aid, food and water. The migrants were taken to Chios harbor and handed over to Greek authorities, Radio Romania reported.
Bianca Ioniţă
