Romanian and Bulgarian Migration Estimates Are ‘Unfounded,’ Report Finds
The number of Romanians and Bulgarians to arrive in the UK in 2014 may be as few as 20,000, according to a cross-party lobby group, Migration Matters Trust.
Atul Hatwal, director of Migration Matters, said the estimate – far lower than competing claims by groups such as MigrationWatch – was based on analysis of historical EU migration patterns, macro-economic factors such as the impact of the recession on the UK, and limited job opportunities in areas such as manual labor. Hatwal said the figures exposed the higher claims as unfounded and inflammatory.
“Our belief is that the anti-immigration lobby have cried wolf once too often,” he said. “Their claim is that as many as 300,000 new migrants will arrive from Romania and Bulgaria over the course of 2014. In truth we believe that figure will probably peak at around 20,000.” (Curentul)
Nearly 87,000 Students Enrolled For High School Graduation Exam In Fall Session
Nearly 87,000 high school students have enrolled to take the high school graduation exam in the fall session, which starts Monday, August 19, and lasts until the beginning of September.
Authorities said the exam in the fall session will be carried out the same as in the summer session in June-July.
Of the students enrolled, 67% finished high school this year. (Gandul)
Ruling Coalition Amended Tax Code 14 Times So Far
Although the Ponta Cabinet has gradually introduced 20 new taxes, it still has not managed to increase state budget revenues.
To implement the new taxes, the ruling coalition USL has amended Romania’s Tax Code 14 times so far, which means more than once a month.
In order to bring more money to the state budget, the Government has raised several local taxes and wants health insurance contributions to be also paid from rental income starting January 2014. (Curentul)
Ministries To Get Budget Funds In 2014 Only Based On Performance Criteria
Romania’s Minister-delegate for Budget Liviu Voinea said ministries will get state budget funds in 2014 only based on performance criteria.
”In 2014, we want state budget funds to go to certain sectors based on performance criteria. The education sector is one of the targeted sectors. Many European countries, as well as the United States, grant budget funds based on performance criteria,” said Voinea.
Voinea gave the education sector as example, arguing the Finance Ministry will decide to increase financing in this sector if certain performance indicators, mutually agreed with the Education Ministry, are achieved. (Evenimentul Zilei)