Romania Puts Off Raising Fuel Excises Until End-March 2014
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta Wednesday said the planned increase in fuel excises by EUR0.07/liter, starting January 1, 2014, will be delayed for three months, until March 31, 2014.
Following the decision to put off increasing fuel excises, President Traian Basescu signed the 2014 state budget bill into law.
Ponta said the decision is the outcome of a “political compromise” between the members of the ruling coalition USL and Basescu. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Romania’s 9-Month Trade Balance In Farming Products Posts EUR3.2M Surplus
Romania’s trade balance in agricultural products posted a surplus of EUR3.2 million in the first nine months of 2013, compared to a deficit of EUR494 million in the same period in 2012, according to Agriculture Ministry data released Wednesday.
The ministry said the positive result is due to sustained growth in exports of agrifood products, mainly to third countries, and it is a first for Romania after the 1989 anti-communist revolution. It also said Romania has registered trade balance deficit in agricultural products every year after the revolution.
Imports of farming products were lower on the year to EUR3.506 billion in the first nine months of 2013, while exports stood at EUR3.509 billion. (Adevarul)
Energy Minister Says Romania Seeks To Invest EUR1B In New Type Of Nuclear Reactor
Romania seeks to invest an estimated EUR1 billion over 15-20 years in a new type of nuclear reactor, Energy Minister Constantin Nita told a news conference Wednesday.
“The project will unfold for 15-20 years and costs EUR1 billion. It is a European project that the government supports and we hope to find financing,” he said.
Nita added the project will unfold in Mioveni, Prahova county. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Government Extends Term To Sell 10% Stakes In Electrica Moldova And Oltenia
Romania’s government has extended by another year, until December 31, 2014, the term to sell up to 10% in electricity producers Electrica Moldova and Electrica Oltenia to employees.
The sale deadline was set to expire at the end of this year, following an extension approved in 2012.
Electrica Moldova and Electrica Oltenia were privatized in 2005 and taken over by German utility group E.ON and Czech CEZ, respectively. (Curierul National)
Dan Diaconescu Gets Three Years In Prison For Blackmail
Romanian TV station owner turned politician Dan Diaconescu was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison for blackmailing a former mayor and a businessman.
The ruling is not final and may be appealed. (Adevarul)
Romania Gets EUR2.6M EU Funding To Restore Putna Monastery
Local authorities in Suceava, northeastern Romania, have secured EU financing of EUR2.6 million to restore the historic Putna Monastery.
Financing of EUR1 million will be assigned for restoration works on an early 17th century orthodox church in Suceava. (Evenimentul Zilei)