European Medicines Agency Recommends Restrictions On The Use Of Codeine
European Medicines Agency has recommended restrictions on the use of codeine-containing medicines for cough and cold in children because of the risk of serious side effects with these medicines, including the risk of breathing problems.
The effects of codeine are due to its conversion into morphine in the body. Some people convert codeine to morphine at a faster rate than normal, resulting in high levels of morphine in their blood. High levels of morphine can lead to serious effects, such as breathing difficulties.
The agency considers that, although morphine-induced side effects may occur in patients of all ages, the way codeine is converted into morphine in children below 12 years is variable and unpredictable, making this population at special risk of such side effects. In addition, children who already have problems with their breathing may be more susceptible to respiratory problems due to codeine. (Romania Libera)
World Gets Ready To Celebrate Hearth Hour 2015
The world will switch its lights off on Saturday, March 28, in a global movement to unite people to protect the planet and promote sustainability.
Earth hour has grown to encourage more than 2.2 million individuals and 2,000 businesses across 7,000 cities worldwide to turn their lights out, as a symbol of their commitment to the cause.
Romania will participate Saturday, March 28, in the Earth Hour movement, by switching off lights in public buildings and not only.
In Romania, Earth Hour is a widespread initiative dating back to 2009 when the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) decided to invite Romanians to take a step back and reflect on how to make our living more sustainable.
The event is held worldwide annually encouraging individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p. m. on the last Saturday in March, as a symbol for their commitment to the planet. It was famously started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. (Puterea)
Metrorex Raises Fares As Of March 28 Despite Protests
Bucharest subway operator Metrorex will increase its fares by 16%-33% starting March 28, despite receiving over 200 petitions against the measure, and estimates to gain an extra EUR1 million a month from ticket prices, the Transport ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the company will use the extra money to increase transport safety.
“We understand that some people have very low incomes but on the other hand, there are social categories that benefit from a series of discounts. The measure is unpopular but necessary,” said Transport minister Ioan Rus.
A two-trip card will cost RON5 from the current RON4, a ten-trip card will cost RON20 from RON15, and a monthly unlimited-trip pass will cost RON70 from RON60. A weekly unlimited-trip pass will cost RON25 from RON20 and a day pass will cost RON8 instead of RON6.
The measure is estimated to increase the subway operator’s annual revenues by around RON44 million. (Romania Libera)
Romania Mulls VAT Cuts Earlier Than 2016, PM Says
Romania’s government will decide in April whether to reduce starting June the standard quota of the value added tax from the current 24% to 20%, or the tax for basic food products from 24% to 9%, said Prime Minister Victor Ponta.
Ponta said a decision in this respect also depends on upcoming talks with officials of the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission.
VAT is the most important tax in Romania, accounting for almost a quarter of the total revenue at the consolidated budget, but collection is considered inadequate.
According to Ponta, a decision to reduce the value added tax six months earlier than the initial deadline of January 2016 will be made in April.
Romania’s new Tax Code draft stipulates cutting the value added tax from 24% to 20% as of 2016 and to 18% as of January 2018.
As per the new Tax Code draft, the government has extended the list of products to get a VAT cut to 9% to include milk, eggs, livestock and live poultry, besides meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. (Puterea)
Romania’s Electricity Production Rose 11.3% Last Year, Consumption Rose 2%
Romania’s electricity production grew 11.3% last year and net consumption grew 2%, to 53.5 TWh, said Transelectrica board chairman Toni Teau.
He added Romania exported 7.5 TWh of electricity last year, 3.5 times more than in 2013 and the highest level since 2004. Electricity imports stood at 1.4 TWh in 2014.
Teau also said hydro energy covered 30.7% of the total, followed by coal-based energy with 26.1%. Nuclear power covered 17.7% of production, gas-based electricity covered 11.9% and renewable energy accounted for 13.6%. (Adevarul)
Iohannis Asks Lawmakers To Reexamine Bill On Hunting and Hunting Fund Protection
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis asked the Parliament to reexamine the bill amending and completing the law which regulates hunting and hunting fund protection.
Iohannis said the current bill sent for promulgation hurts the ownership right and the protection of certain species.
The president thinks that the amendments to the provisions of article 4 of Law no. 407/2006, which eliminate hunters’ obligation to get the consent of the owner of the land on which the hunting takes place, or of the association of owners, represent an obvious breach of the ownership right which is clearly stipulated in article 44 of Romania’s Constitution. (Puterea)