Statement by President Klaus Iohannis ahead of a two-day visit to Croatia
Klaus Iohannis: I am going to take an official visit to the Republic of Croatia this afternoon and tomorrow morning, on the invitation of my counterpart Mrs Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. I will have talks with the head of state, with Prime Minister Zoran Milanović and with the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Josip Leko.
This is my first visit in the Balkans as President of Romania and the first visit made by a Romanian head of state since Croatia became member of the European Union. I am thus continuing my series of European encounters, this time with a state in the Western Balkans which is very significant for Romania.
Both sides have expressed their wish to give a new boost to dialogue and bilateral relations from the highest level. At the same time, we are interested in a close co-operation meant to consolidate the European perspective for the Balkan states.
Bilateral relations between Romania and Croatia have constantly developed over the last years, especially since Croatia’s accession to the EU. We share many goals that we can better achieve by working together: our co-operation within the EU, where we have similar interests and positions; a boost in economic relations; co-operation within the Danube Region, capitalization of opportunities offered in this respect by the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.
Talks in Zagreb are going to focus on these subjects but we are also going to exchange views regarding developments in EU’s vicinity and other themes on the international agenda. I am going to send a message to my Croatian interlocutors expressing our wish for closer regional co-operation meant to contribute to security and prosperity of the Balkans and EU’s Eastern vicinity.
Low costs of dismissal for objective reasons makes Romania attractive for investors
Romania remains attractive for investors given its low costs regarding dismissal for objective reasons of employees with an average seniority, according to an international study on the matter commissioned by a network of law firms. The document reveals that dismissal costs rise significantly with seniority. The study correlates dimissal procedures in 31 countries showing that Western Europe has higher costs than Central Europe. The study takes into account the average cost an employer has to bear in a certain country in order to stop employment relationships and reach an agreement with the sacked employee without going to court.
75 years of military radiophony marked by a ceremony at Radio Romania’s headquarters
Radio Romania has launched an invitation to fellow journalists to celebrate 75 years of military radiophony marked by a ceremony organized tomorrow, June 16th, starting 12 PM at its headquarters, in partnership with the Defense Ministry.
Following an agreement between The Romanian Broadcasting Corporation and the General Staff of the Romanian Army, the public radio will broadcast a recording of the first edition of the military program which premiered on June 16th 1940 and never stopped ever since.
Since 1990, the military radio program called „The Army Hour” has continuously militated for the army’s change-over and has correctly informed citizens and servicemen about security and national defense developments. The radio program has also led an active pro-NATO campaign before Romania’s accession to the Alliance in 2004. At the same time, Radio Romania’s correspondents have been reporting from theatres of operations in Bosnia and Hertzegovina, Afghanistan and Iraq reflecting Romanian military’s professionalism and sacrifice.
New tourism draft bill to allow fines for abandoned-hotel owners
The new tourism draft bill entering public debate today contains several stipulations meant to allow local authorities apply fines to hotel owners that abandon buildings. The new provisions are necessary, authorities say, as several seaside resorts between Olimp and Saturn on the Black Sea shore abound with deserted hotels that became part of a deplorable scenery. On their turn, tourism employer associations have asked for a flat-tax system and a 50% reduction of the property tax on the buildings they use.
Bianca Ioniţă
