EC: Romania Can Still Produce “Mititei” Using Traditional Recipe
European Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Ciolos said Romania can still use its traditional recipe to produce grilled ground meat rolls, locally known as “mititei,” which can even be exported to European Union countries.
Romania obtained derogation from the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFCAH), which allows it to still use baking soda in meat products.
The meat rolls, largely consumed in Romania, contain sodium bicarbonate and an EU directive banned the use of baking soda in meat products starting June 1, 2013. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Rompetrol Group Changes Name To KazMunayGaz International
Romania’s second largest oil group Rompetrol will change its name to KazMunayGaz International, as part of the group’s strategy to integrate operations, but will keep the Rompetrol name for its gas stations network.
The company, fully owned by Kazakh state-run oil and gas company KazMunayGas, also said its central leadership and management body will be renamed KMG Rompetrol. (Evenimentul Zilei)
BCR: Ukraine Default To Have Limited Impact On Romania’s Economy
Romania’s economy is unlikely to experience significant difficulties following a potential debt payment default in Ukraine or commercial sanctions on Russia, according to estimates from lender BCR.
“On balance, the impact on Romania should be rather limited, given the rather weak commercial relationship between Romania on one hand and Ukraine and Russia on the other hand,” BCR said in a report Monday.
The bank expects Romania’s biggest challenge in case of a natural gas cutoff from Russia would be to find a viable alternative resource by the next winter.
However, Romania is one of the countries least dependent on natural gas imports in the European Union, with only 20% of its annual consumption being covered from external markets, particularly from Russia. (Curierul National)
Calin Popescu Tariceanu Elected Senate Chairman
Calin Popescu Tariceanu, backed by the ruling coalition USD, was elected Senate chairman Monday with 93 votes in favor.
Tariceanu, a former prime minister and former leader of the Liberal Party, left the party two weeks ago when liberals decided to withdraw from the ruling coalition and the government.
The Senate chairmanship was vacated last week, when Liberal Party president Crin Antonescu resigned. (Evenimentul Zilei)