Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

No. 9/ 11th Year

1st – 15th May 2014

POLITIC

1. President Traian Basescu received the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Space and Defense Policy Frank Rose at the Cotroceni Palace 2. President Basescu: Updating military reserve directory, a legal requirement and NATO member's response stage 3. President Basescu and PM Victor Ponta met CIA Deputy Director Avril D. Haines 4. President Basescu: Talks between Kiev, Ukraine Russian minority must continue 5. PM Ponta welcomes John Kerry's messages of support for Romania's regional policy 6. PM Ponta: No danger for Romania and its citizens 7. Government sends to Presidency MAE, MAI and MApN assessment on situation in Ukraine 8. Corlatean pleads in US for 'cohesion and firmness' in Euro-Atlantic push for new sanctions against Russia 9. ForMin Corlatean meets US Vice President Biden 10. ForMin Corlatean requests active support from US Senate for increased American; NATO presence in Romania 11. Bilateral meeting of the Greek Presidency of the EU and the Romanian Chairmanship-in-Office of SEECP 12. MAE disapproves organisation by Russia of military parade on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea 13. Tariceanu: Romania to be the first country to ratify EU - Rep. of Moldova Association Agreement 14. Romania-U.S. consultations on missile defence at Foreign Ministry headquarters 15. Defence Ministry denies mobilization of reserve and registration of youth 16. Romania and Poland condemn Russia's actions to destabilize Ukraine 17. Romanian officials have coordinated positions on Ukraine 18. Romania does not recognize Crimea annexation, nor Donetsk and Lugansk referendums 19. Romania supports expanding Ukraine sanctions list and rejects referendums on independence

ECONOMIC

1. President Basescu, message to the investors: You can trust Romania, the economy is ever more performant 2. PM Ponta: Private investors to hold up to 35 percent stake in Constanta Port 3. Dep.Min. Voinea: Gov't sets January 1, 2019 as target date for Romania's accession to Eurozone 4. Minister-delegate Voinea: I am expecting Q1, 2014 growth of at least 3.5 pct 5. Eurostat:Romania in top spots in EU in industrial production growth in March 6. Isarescu conditions accession to euro zone in 2019 7. Isarescu: Living standard will grow if debt is refinanced 8. Ghetea CEC Bank: The agriculture will be the new boom in the Romanian economy

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9. Without economy backed by justice, it is very difficult to have resources (JusMin) 10. Minister-delegate for SMEs: Business environment favors adoption of European currency 11. EC improves again outlook on Romania's economic growth in 2014 and 2015 12. Analysis GfK: the Romanians are as pessimistic as in 2013 regarding the revival of the economy and the income in 2014 13. Central Bank decided on Tuesday to maintain key interest rate at 3.5 percent per annum 14. Romania announces financial support for Council of Europe package to Ukraine 15. Romania can have 5 percent economic growth on medium term (Lothe, BRD) 16. Trade balance deficit, down 26.8 mln lei in March 2014 from March 2013 17. Piraeus Bank: We expect that the evolution of the GDP in Romania present the highest growth 18. Gov't approves curbing some defence industry companies' budget arrears 19. Romania is a politically stable country: We may win investors thanks to geopolitical crisis 20. EBRD improves Romania 2014 economic growth estimate to 2.6 pct

SOCIAL

1. SE Europe's first master's programme in musical theatre launched by Lower Danube University 2. EC proposes 3.6 million euros to help 1 000 redundant workers in Romanian steel industry 3. EC publishes European map of regulated professions; Romania has 109

CULTURE

1. Romania, Germany presidents to sponsor Transylvania fortified churches 2. Book written by the Ambassador of Romania in the UK, included in the European Parliament collection “100 Books on Europe to remember” 3. Biomass, Biogas & Cogeneration Romania 2014 – National Conference 4. First European Regions Festival - tradition and multiculturalism 5. Two European awards for fresco restoration projects at Dragomirna Church 6. Over 40 films from 25 countries to be screened at European Film Festival, May 9 to 18 7. Thirty-three museums and cultural organizations are open in Bucharest on Night of Museums

POLITICS

1. President Traian Basescu received the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Space and Defense Policy Frank Rose at the Cotroceni Palace

President Traian Basescu received the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Space and Defense Policy Frank Rose on Wednesday, and took this opportunity to maintain that in the current 'complicated' regional context, Romania will not hesitate to assume its European and Euro- Atlantic responsibilities for its own and its allies' security, and the enforcement of necessary sanctions to Russia.

'President Traian Basescu referred to the importance of consultations with top representatives of the Unites States of America, especially in this complicated regional context, marked by the 2

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events in Ukraine. He mentioned that Romania will not hesitate to assume its European and Euro-Atlantic responsibilities for its own and its allies' security and the enforcement of necessary sanctions against the Russian Federation,' the Presidential Administration informed in a release.

The head of state reviewed the new security issues generated by the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, and he voiced his worries concerning the downturn of the international conditions in the Black Sea area and its possible consequences for Romania and NATO.

According to the Presidential Administration, the US official thanked the President, on behalf of the US Administration, for his constant support to Romania's participation in the American ballistic missile defence system. He appreciated that the decision of deploying missile defence elements in Romania was a good choice of the United States.

'The American official declared that the project is going on as scheduled, with the support of the White House and of the US Congress, and its financing is guaranteed. Mr. Frank Rose also said that the US investments in this project, including the base in Deveselu, represent a contribution both to Romania's and NATO's security,' the release points out.

2. President Basescu: Updating military reserve directory, a legal requirement and NATO member's response stage

Updating the military reserve directory was an action required by law, as well as a response stage of a NATO member state, President Traian Basescu told a press conference at the Cotroceni Palace on Sunday; he added that Romania's Army is among the best trained in the region.

'The analysis has been carried out at the previous sitting of the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT). There is nothing extraordinary about that, it is performed every four years in accordance with the law; this was the fourth year. Furthermore, there have been also some NATO response stages. Romania was not the only country to do this - all NATO member states did,' the President said, answering a question on the update of the military reserve directory.

Basescu said that 'there are quite many reservists in Spain and Italy,' but calling them up is out of question because 'there is no danger for a NATO member state to come under attack.'

Asked about a proposition made by Defence Minister Mircea Dusa to enroll youth up to 35 years of age, Basescu answered that the laws in force have no provisions to this effect, as Romania has 'a (...) a well-trained professional army (...) that is far more efficient than a non-professional army that would enlist 18-year old youngsters for just a few months, for nine months or for 13- 14 months. The Romanian Army is toughened by 11 years in the real theatres of operations,' added the head of state.

3. President Basescu and PM Victor Ponta met CIA Deputy Director Avril D. Haines

The President of Romania Traian Basescu on Monday welcomed Avril D. Haines, Deputy Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Presidential Administration informs.According to the quoted source, discussed during the meeting were the situation in the region, as well as the good collaboration between security services of the two countries.

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta at Victoria Palace also on Monday received US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Deputy Director Avril D. Haines, informs a Government release.

'On this occasion, they talked about aspects concerning the developments in the region and highlighted the excellent collaboration between the intelligence services of Romania and the US,' the cited source pointed out. 3

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______

A similar meeting took place at the Cotroceni Palace. President Traian Basescu on Monday announced he had a meeting with CIA Deputy Director, the topics tackled being related to the regional issues and opinions about increasing security in the region.

The US 'wants, let's say, do its job as Romania's strategic partner both through the significance of the visits paid in the coming period and through direct contributions to increasing the security level of Romania and in the region,' the head of state pointed out.

4. President Basescu: Talks between Kiev, Ukraine Russian minority must continue

Romania believes that the talks between Kiev and the Russian minority in Ukraine must continue, President Traian Basescu said on Tuesday.

'Romania believes negotiations must be held between Kiev and the representatives for the Russian minority in eastern and southern Ukraine. (...) Our position is that Kiev must continue the talks either as a round table or by direct debates, but ones that should reach the population both in Donetsk and Lugansk', the president said at the Cotroceni presidential palace after consultations with Prime Minister Victor Ponta.

Also attending the consultations were National Defence Minister Mircea Dusa, Internal Affairs Minister Gabriel Oprea and Secretary of State with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu.

5. PM Ponta welcomes John Kerry's messages of support for Romania's regional policy

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta said at the Government's meeting on Wednesday that he welcomes the messages sent by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry with respect to support for the regional policy of Romania and particularly for the Republic of Moldova and for a settlement to the Ukraine crisis in the spirit of the international law.

'I want to welcome the messages that State Secretary Kerry sent on the occasion of meeting (Romanian Foreign Minister Titus) Corlatean in Washington with respect to the support for the regional policy of Romania, for the role we play in this region and particularly for the Republic of Moldova and for a settlement to the Ukraine crisis in the spirit of the international law,' the prime minister said.

Ponta underscored Romania supports Moldova 'unconditionally and in an unlimited manner' so that it might integrate into the European Union and might 'develop'.

He requested Minister-delegate for Energy Razvan Nicolescu to review all the legal proceedings relating the natural gas distribution on the Iasi-Ungheni Pipeline linking Romania to neighbouring Moldova.

'The pipeline is completed on the Romanian side, it has taken a little bit longer on the Moldovan side, but they are finalising it too. I ask you, Minister Razvan Nicolescu to review all the legal procedures. I have also spoken to (Romanian natural gas carrier) Transgaz, given it is the company exploiting the pipeline. We now have the pipeline, but there is no one to distribute the gas, so please see to it that this happens by autumn', Ponta said.

The head of the executive also called on the ministers to achieve all the other projects being conducted together with the Republic of Moldova.

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

6. PM Ponta: No danger for Romania and its citizens

Prime Minister Victor Ponta assured on Monday that Romanian citizens and Romania as a country are in no danger whatsoever, in the context of the situation in Ukraine.

'There is no direct threat for the Romanian citizens or Romania. (...) I shall pay more attention to everything I convey as public message, I am positive that all the Romanian state representatives will do the same,' Ponta said in a statement to the press at the National Defence Ministry (MApN) headquarters, after a discussion with the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Ministers about the situation in Ukraine.

He disproved the public discussions connected with the reserve military mobilisation and the youth recruitment.

'I want to disprove once more any kind of public discussions connected with the reserve military mobilisation, the recruitment of some youth, there has never been the question, it is not necessary, it is not wanted and it is not needed. At the same time, facing the extremely serious crisis situation, which is worsening at Romania's border, and I am referring to the situation of Ukraine, all the constitutional institutions with capacities in the governmental area and in the areas coordinated or subordinated by Parliament, are doing their job and have each moment, each day, new pieces of information, up-to-date, about the development of the situation of Ukraine,' the Prime Minister pointed out.

However, Victor Ponta said that Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are currently 'in a danger situation.'

'Once more, on behalf of Romania's Government, I want to strongly reiterate the unconditional political support Romania grants both to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova concerning the observance of international law, the territory integrity and inviolability, the pro-democratic and pro-European path of these European countries (...) referring, in particular, to the Republic of Moldova with which Romania has an entirely special relation, but also to Ukraine, a neighbour and partner that needs to be supported,' the Government head also said.

In this context, the Prime Minister announced that Defence Minister Mircea Dusa on Monday met with his Republic of Moldova counterpart and the Romanian chief diplomat, Titus Corlatean, would talk with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine.

7. Government sends to Presidency MAE, MAI and MApN assessment on situation in Ukraine

The Government sent to the Presidency the assessment of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE), the Interior Ministry (MAI) and the National Defence Ministry (MApN) on the situation in Ukraine,according to governmental sources .

Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Monday, after a meeting with the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Ministers, announced that these institutions would draw up an up-to-date material concerning the situation in Ukraine which had changed 'fundamentally since the latest CSAT [Supreme Council for National Defence] meeting' and that, based on the material, which the assessments of the intelligence services would be added to, CSAT could establish a clear position of Romania on this topic.

'Tomorrow [on Tuesday] we shall have all the materials and integrated proposals of the three governmental institutions, MApN, MAE and MAI; the document will be sent to the President. Only the CSAT can ask other institutions - the intelligence services, SRI [the Romanian Intelligence Service] and SIE [the Foreign Intelligence Service] in this case - to participate in

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______drawing up this document. (...) Based on these documents drawn up by the ministries, with additional assessments, information and data of the intelligence services, which are under Parliament's control, we should be able to have a clear position of the CSAT, a position of Romania on the current situation and on what Romania should do in the near future. Therefore tomorrow I shall have the document from the three ministries and I shall send it to the President,' the PM said at Victoria Palace.

The Prime Minister mentioned that the information on Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova provided by the governmental institutions were updated, taking into account that 'the latest CSAT was held one and a half months ago and the current situation has fundamentally changed since March 27.'

8. Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean pleads in US for 'cohesion and firmness' in Euro- Atlantic push for new sanctions against Russia

Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Titus Corlatean, on Tuesday had a meeting, on the occasion of his visit to the United States, with Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, with which he discussed, among others, about the situation generated by the developments in Ukraine, pleading for 'cohesion and firmness' in applying new sanctions against Russia, according to a press release sent on Wednesday.

According to the quoted source, the agenda of talks included priority topics such as the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, with special focus on the political-military and security cooperation. Other topics included were the worrying developments in Romania's eastern vicinity, namely the developments in Ukraine, the impact and implications of the developments in the stability and security plan for the Black Sea region, and the NATO summit to be held in Great Britain.

'The Minister of Foreign Affairs hailed the excellent bilateral cooperation from a military and security point of view of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the US, emphasizing our country's contribution to the American missile defence system in Europe, as well as Romania's support for the transit of US troops in Afghanistan through our country's territory', the release shows.

Furthermore, MAE specified that Titus Corlatean requested the democrat senator's political support for Romania's accession to the Visa Waiver program 'as an outcome of the Strategic Partnership relation and Romania's status as a member of NATO and the EU'.

Corlatean also emphasized Romania's concern towards the developments in Ukraine that pose serious implications on regional and international security, requesting the active support of the US Congress for an enlarged and consolidated American and NATO presence and an intensification of bilateral cooperation as part of the Strategic Partnership.

'The head of Romanian diplomacy showed that a consolidated cooperation of the US in the Black Sea region would contribute to the strategic stabilization of the region and the discouragement of destabilizing factors. On this occasion, the Romanian official reiterated the importance of continuing US support, in coordination with the EU, for the European path of the Republic of Moldova', MAE showed.

In what regards adopting new sanctions against Russia, the head of Romanian diplomacy pleaded for cohesion and firmness in the Euro-Atlantic community's approach.

'Senator Levin expressed his appreciation for the distinguished value of Romania's contribution to consolidating the security of the United States and the Allies within NATO, mentioning

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especially the distinguished results of Romania's participation in Afghanistan. Furthermore, he reassured the Romanian side of the firm commitment to the operationalization calendar for 2015 of the missile defence system at Deveselu', the release concludes.

9. ForMin Corlatean meets US Vice President Biden

The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Titus Corlatean briefly discussed with the United States Vice President Joseph Biden on the sidelines of the conference 'Toward a Europe Whole and Free', organized by the Atlantic Council in Washington on April 29 and 30, where the US top official was a guest of honour.

The head of the Romanian diplomacy mentioned on this occasion the importance of the Romania-USA Strategic Partnership and the necessity of the closest possible coordination of position within the current security context in the Eastern European space, a release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) informs.

The Romanian official stressed the need of full support to the Republic of Moldova.

In response, Vice President Biden confirmed the United States' support to the Republic of Moldova and to its European goals; within this context, he evoked his earlier visit to Chisinau.

Corlatean asked the acceleration of the procedure of nomination of a US ambassador to Romania, an issue which according to Biden is on the agenda of the US Administration, MAE's release also mentions.

10. ForMin Corlatean requests active support from US Senate for increased American; NATO presence in Romania

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Titus Corlatean, conducted on Wednesday in Washington D.C. meetings with members of the US Congress but also separate meetings with senators John McCain, member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Dan Coats, member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, a release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) informs.

As part of the discussions, the sides approached the topic of developments in the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, placing emphasis on cooperation in the realm of security, as well as the topic of 'worrying developments in Ukraine, including their impact on stability and security in the Black Sea region and the agenda of the NATO summit in Great Britain'.

The head of Romanian diplomacy emphasized the importance of long-term increased attention of the US to the Black Sea region, that would potentially discourage any other destabilizing attempts, the quoted source states.

Furthermore, minister Corlatean highlighted the importance of solidarity within the Euro- Atlantic community in condemning the flagrant infringements of international law by the Russian Federation and applying firm and efficient response measures that are to, firstly, alleviate the security situation in the region. He emphasized the importance of granting political and economic support to Ukraine, but also the other eastern partners, especially the Republic of Moldova, support that would lead to the materialization of the freely made European choices of the two countries.

Minister Titus Corlatean also underscored Romania's major interest for the results of the top- level meeting in September 2014 to reflect the consolidation of the transatlantic relations and the

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______dimension of collective defence, but also the credible and visionary continuation of the Alliance's enlargement. Both US Senators supported the Romanian approaches and expressed their appreciation for Romania's significant contribution to consolidating the security of the United States and of the NATO allies, including the distinguished and excellent cooperation with American military forces in the theaters of operations, especially in the context of Allied efforts in Afghanistan. Answering the extended invitation, the American dignitaries expressed their interest to visit Romania this year, added MAE in the quoted release.

11. Bilateral meeting of the Greek Presidency of the EU and the Romanian Chairmanship-in-Office of SEECP

Foreign Minister Titus Corlăţean met on Wednesday, 7 May 2014, in Thessaloniki, with the Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Evangelos Venizelos, Romanian Foreing Ministry informs. The meeting belongs with the regular coordination mechanism between the two capitals, given that the Greek Presidency of the EU Council coincides with the Chairmanship in Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (first half of 2014). During the talks, the two ministers analysed the excellent stage of the cooperation between Romania and Greece and had an extensive exchange of views on the main themes on the agenda of the Greek Presidency of the EU Council and reviewed the priorities of Romania for the duration of the SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office, with a focus on the process of reflection on the future of SEECP. The two officials also exchanged views on developments in the international arena. Special attention was granted to developments in the states of South-Eastern Europe with respect to advancing the European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The head of Romanian diplomacy said that “The European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of South-Eastern Europe is a prerequisite for strengthening stability, security and economic development in the region. Development of regional cooperation is an important criterion for accession to the EU, and involvement of the candidates to accession in the activity of regional cooperation formats, including those that encompass Eastern partners (SEECP, CEI, EUSDR), is particularly important. As holder of the SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office, Romania has constantly pursued the synchronisation of regional cooperation within this Process with the agenda of the EU enlargement process. Therefore, our initiatives have complemented the efforts of the states in the region to get closer to the EU, this also being the reason why the agenda of the Romanian Chairmanship in Office of SEECP has been focused on negotiating chapters 23 – “Justice and fundamental rights,” and 24 – “Justice, freedom, security.”

12. MAE disapproves organisation by Russia of military parade on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) disapproves the organisation by the Russian Federation of a military parade on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which is part of the sovereign and independent Ukraine, informs a press release on Friday.

'MAE expresses its deep regret over the association of this very important anniversary for the entire European family, Ukraine is also a part of, with the illegal annexation of the Crimea Peninsula. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that the memory of the millions of human lives lost during the World War Two must be honoured with the most profound gratitude,' reads the release.

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Romania's refusal to recognize the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by the Russian Federation, 'an illegal act that affects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.'

'The participation of the President of the Russian Federation in such an event, which should have been dedicated to the memory of the victims of the World War Two by no means contributes to the tempering of the situation in the region,' said MAE.

13. Tariceanu: Romania to be the first country to ratify EU - Rep. of Moldova Association Agreement

Romania will be the first country to ratify the Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova, Senate Speaker Calin Popescu-Tariceanu this Wednesday assured President of the Moldovan Parliament Igor Corman, while on a visit to Chisinau.

'Moldova can rely on Romania's full support for everything that related to its European path. I want to salute the great success of the visa system liberalization that benefits numerous Moldovan citizens and particularly young people, who naturally have a higher mobility. There will of course be a subsequent stage, I am referring to the process of ratification of the Association Agreement by the EU member states. On behalf of the Senate, I pledged Romania to be the first country to ratify the EU - Rep. of Moldova Association Agreement as a clear and unequivocal sign of our support for the Republic of Moldova's European path,' Tariceanu said after the meeting with Igor Corman.

The Senate Speaker added that the Republic of Moldova deserves congratulations on the remarkable progress made in the last period and for having proven to be a country the EU seeks to get closer to.

'The extremely concerning political crisis is on top of our agenda, and from this perspective we had an extremely helpful exchange of opinions. What I can tell you is that we pay attention to and consider the relationship with the Republic of Moldova as a privileged one, and I believe that the benefits your country draws from the rapprochement to the EU are visible, they can be measured especially in the context of the regional political crisis,' Tariceanu mentioned.

Calin Popescu-Tariceanu invited Igor Corman to come to Bucharest on June 17, when the Senate of Romania celebrates its 150th anniversary, and also gave assurances that the exhibition 'Made in Basarabia' will run flawlessly.

14. Romania-U.S. consultations on missile defence at Foreign Ministry headquarters

Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs Bogdan Aurescu on Wednesday met in Bucharest with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Defense Policy Frank Rose, informs a release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the release, the sides analyzed the development of the U.S. ballistic missile defence system in Romania, and the enforcement of the provisions of the 2011 Agreement between Romania and the U.S. on the deployment to Romania of the U.S. missile defense system.

'Frank Rose reaffirmed the staunch commitment of the U.S. towards rendering the missile shield facility at the Deveselu military base operational by 2015, which makes an essential contribution to NATO's ballistic missile defense capability, and thanked the Romanian side for the excellent cooperation in the implementation of the Agreement of 2011. The U.S. official confirmed that there is no delay in achieving this goal, which also has the necessary financing sources assigned,' the release also states. 9

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______

At the same time, the two officials expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the negotiation and conclusion of the bilateral agreement on the establishment on Romania's territory of the U.S. missile defence system.

'Also approached during talks was the security situation in the eastern neighborhood of NATO and its implications on the regional and international context, as well as the importance of NATO's reassurance measures for the eastern allies, Romania included,' informs the cited source.

The two officials also discussed the objectives of the September 2014 NATO Summit related to the missile defence system and developments in the Romania-Poland-Turkey Trilateral, the Foreign Ministry said.

15. Defence Ministry denies mobilization of reserve and registration of youth

The Ministry of National Defence (MApN) categorically denies the existence of a reserve mobilization or youth registration for draft, states a release on Friday.

'The mentioned document, the Joint Order published in the Official Gazette, Part I, No. 312 of April 28, 2014 updates the form of the medical certificate issued by family doctors, to be submitted by young people at the local registration and enrolment commission for the purpose of undergoing medical examination. This is a legal step in accordance with Article 27 of Law No. 446/2006 on the people's preparedness for defence, with its subsequent amendments and completions, which expressly stipulates the obligation of establishing a single form for this document,' MApN's release points out.

It specifies that the certificate is similar to the one used by professional soldiers and officers, and the legislative measure is not related in any way to the possible evolution of the security environment around Romania.

'As regards the appreciations of the Army's operational capability or of Romania's involvement in any military operations on Ukraine's territory, the Ministry of National Defence declares that these are speculations, and falling into a psychological warfare trap should be avoided. Romania's Army is capable of fulfilling its duties stipulated in the Constitution to defend the national security and to meet Romania's international commitments in military terms,' the Defence Ministry informs.

MApN's release adds that Romania, as a member of NATO, takes all the necessary steps in accordance to the decisions taken at North Atlantic Council level to ensure the country's preparedness to contribute to the enactment of the fundamental purpose of the Alliance, namely the defence of its common space.

16. Romania and Poland condemn Russia's actions to destabilize Ukraine

Secretary of State for European Affairs with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs George Ciamba met on Monday with Jadwiga Zakrzewska, Chair of the Poland - Romania Parliamentary Friendshi

Group of the Sejm (Lower House) of the Republic of Poland. This was an occasion for the two officials to condemn moves to destabilize the situation in Ukraine, in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression on this country.

'The subjects approached during the meeting did not refer just to aspects related to the excellent Romanian-Polish parliamentary cooperation, but also to hot topics on the European agenda, with 10

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

emphasis on regional security, in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression on Ukraine. Both George Ciamba and Jadwiga Zakrzewska condemned actions to destabilize the situation in the neighboring country, stressing the importance of NATO and EU showing solidarity in promptly and efficiently sanctioning the brazen violations of international law,' the Foreign Ministry said in a release. The two officials also stressed that in the long term, it is necessary to support both the authorities in Kiev and the other eastern partners, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia in particular, especially amid the recent violent provocations. Also attending the meeting were representatives of the Polish Parliament and Ambassador of Poland in Bucharest Marek Szczygiel.

At the end of the meeting, the diplomats and MPs from both countries agreed to further Romania - Poland dialogue, also by the organization of joint events illustrative of the solidarity of the two peoples, especially in 2014, which marks the 75th anniversary of the Great Polish Evacuation to Romania after the outbreak of WWII and the rescue of the Polish treasure, or 25 years since Poland's first partially free elections on June 4, 1989.

The Foreign Ministry said that the visit, organized in the context of the meeting of the Polish delegation with Petru Movila, Chairman of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Poland in the Romanian Parliament, and preceded by other recent contacts such as the Romania-Turkey-Poland trilateral meeting (Bucharest, May 7, 2014), confirms the interest of both sides in strengthening bilateral political dialogue at all levels, including on parliamentary ground. 17. Romanian officials have coordinated positions on Ukraine

Prime Minister Victor Ponta declared on Tuesday that Romanian officials have coordinated positions on the situation in Ukraine and in the Republic of Moldova and on the strategic partnership with the United States.

Speaking at the National Military Circle after consultations called by President Traian Basescu at the Cotroceni Palace, Ponta said, 'I have participated with Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel Oprea and [Defence] Minister Mircea Dusa to a consultation with the President and his counsellors concerning the messages that all the representatives of the Romanian state - namely the President, myself, and the Defence Minister - will send at the very important meetings with the Secretary General of NATO, with the US Vice President and with [US] Secretary of Defense Mr. [Chuck] Hagel. From this point of view, Romania's positions, Romanian officials' positions are very well coordinated, they had to be, concerning Romania's position on Ukraine, on [the Republic of Moldova, on the strategic partnership with the US. '

He mentioned that the consultations also included talks on the way of applying the sanctions decided by the European Union and the United States to individuals labelled as undesirable.

'We have discussed the way of enforcing the sanctions imposed by the European Union based on principle situations; in this matter, Romania, the Romanian government will firmly apply the imposed level of sanctions to all the individuals on the undesirables list set by the European Union or the US. There are also practical enforcement issues involving the functioning of the state's institutions. Therefore, I have renewed our call to discuss the sanctions level, their implementation and the responsibilities of each institution in a session of the CSAT [Supreme Council for National Defence]. The President answered that he will inform us when he convenes the CSAT,' Ponta added.

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18. Romania does not recognize Crimea annexation, nor Donetsk and Lugansk referendums

Romania does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, nor the 'self- rule' referendums held in the regions of Lugansk and Donetsk, because they run counter to the Constitution of Ukraine, President Traian Basescu said on Tuesday.

'Romania does not recognize the annexation of the Crimea, nor the referendums held in Lugansk and Donetsk, because they run counter to the Constitution of Ukraine,' the Romanian President said at the Cotroceni Palace, after consultations with Prime Minister Victor Ponta.

Basescu stressed that a clear offer must be made to Ukraine by the signing, as soon as possible, of the Association Agreement, and of the Free Trade Agreement, respectively, most probably after the presidential election to be held there on May 25, adding that this country should be given a European perspective.

19. Romania supports expanding Ukraine sanctions list and rejects referendums on independence

Romania supports the European Union's position saying that the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Ukraine must be respected, rejects the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and believes that the referendums organized these days in Ukraine are illegal and unconstitutional, which is also the reason why the Union cannot, by no means, recognize them, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Titus Corlatean on Monday, May 12, stated in Brussels.

In this context, Romania supported the expanding of the Ukraine sanction list, specified the Romanian official.

At the end of the meeting of the General Affairs Council of the EU, the head of the Romanian diplomacy explained that the meeting agenda was, obviously, mostly dominated by the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, and also specified that the discussions allowed certain conclusions to be drawn in the end. According to him, the EU member states officials discussed very clearly about the need to maintain a common and unitary position of the EU and make a step forward towards in dealing with the situation, as well as about the need to maintain a firm position at the Union level, in the context in which illegal referendums are being held in Ukraine.

'The OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) initiative focused on facilitating dialogue at all levels as to reduce tensions and in support of the organization of elections on May 25 represents a measure that might determine a more positive development of the situation, to the extent in which the Russian Federation will also consent to bring its positive contribution. However, for now, the situation is as it is and we are going to monitor it very closely,' the Romanian official said, when asked if switching to a new phase of sanctions depended on Russia's attitude with respect to the presidential elections scheduled to take place in Ukraine on May 25.

Titus Corlatean also mentioned that MAE has already deployed a series of observes in Ukraine for the May 25 presidential elections, their exact number following to be announced later on.

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ECONOMICS

1. Basescu, message to the investors: You can trust Romania, the economy is ever more performant

President Traian Basescu told the investors from TRW Automotive in Romania that they can trust Romania and the economy of our country which becomes more and more performant, assuring them that he will consider the evolution of this factory after the end of his tenure as well.

The president said in his speech delivered during the launching of the TRW Automotive factory in Roman, Neamt county that between 2008 – 2013 the Romanian governments gave the foreign and Romanian investors aids worth 770 million euro, out of a total of investments of 3.1 billion euro. ‘This created the conditions for what is happening now, Romania is growing its exports every year including during the crisis’ president Basescu said.

The head of state showed that, out of the 770 million euro which represented state aids for investors to create work places and for investments 320 million was spent, which means that the investments are not over yet and the industrial potential of Romania is growing..‘It is clear that through the complete non-payment of the state aids which the Romanian government approved, there are resources that the investments grow and create new work places’ Traian Basescu said.

The president wanted to send a message to the investors. ’You can trust in Romania. Certainly, there will created work places more easily, after this terrible crisis of 2009, 2010 even 2011 the Romanian economy becomes more and more performant, more competitive’.

The head of state said that the production in this factory will be exported 85%.’ Modest people, average people as well as people with money who use Range rovers, Rolls Royce or whatever other cars, will have their life defended by your work’ Traian Basescu said.

The American producer of auto parts TRW Automotive opened in Roman, Neamt county a new unit for the sewing of airbags, thus expanding their operations in Romania. The group also owns other production units in Baia Mare and Oraviţa (Caraş-Severin), Lupeni (Hunedoara) and Marghita (Bihor), with over 3,000 employees in Romania.

2. PM Ponta: Private investors to hold up to 35 percent stake in Constanta Port

Prime Minister Victor Ponta said on Thursday in Tulcea (eastern Romania) that he is in favour of 15 percent of the shares of the Constanta Port being listed on the stock exchange, with the stake taken by the private investors not to exceed a third and the other two thirds held by the local authority and the Government.

'According to the viewpoint of the Government that I lead, the private investors should hold a higher stake in the Constanta Port. We will list 15 percent of shares on the stock market and up to 35 percent for private investors. A third will be held by the Government and another one by the local authority. In many European states, the stake of local authorities in ports exceeds 51 percent, but we considered that we still do not have a sufficient management at the local authority. Moreover, we shall keep the money received from assets in the company, and thus, we shall have transparency, money for investments and an involvement similar to successful examples in other countries,' Ponta said in Tulcea on Thursday.

As for the port of Tulcea, he stated that the Transport Ministry has launched the procedures for its transfer from the management of the Administration of Maritime Danube Ports in Galati into

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______that of the Tulcea local authorities, arguing this formula provides more possibilities for the port to attract EU funds.

During the press conference held in Tulcea, the head of Executive announced more investments that will be carried out in the upcoming period in Tulcea, such as the modernization of the Danube Delta International Airport, of the Tulcea-Constanta national road, supporting the investment in the arrangement works on the wastewater system in the Sfantu Gheorghe commune, and the procurement of an angiography equipment for the County Emergency Hospital.

In addition, Ponta announced that two months from now, the European Commission will give Romania an answer regarding the funding for the investment in the bridge over Danube, between the towns of Macin and Tulcea. He also pointed out the fact that thanks to the financial instrument Integrated Territorial Investments, the county of Tulcea will benefit from several hundreds of millions of euros to improve the living conditions of the people residing in the Danube Delta and for environment preservation.

3. Dep.Min. Voinea: Gov't sets January 1, 2019 astarget date for Romania's accession to Eurozone

The Romanian Government has set January 1, 2019 as the target date for Romania's accession to the Eurozone, Minister-delegate for Budget Liviu Voinea said Tuesday as he was attending a meeting of the ECOFIN Council and a meeting of the European Investment Bank's Board of Governors, both held in Brussels.

'In the context of the ministerial talks about the economic state of the European Union and the spring estimates of the European Commission released on May 5, Minister Liviu Voinea has stated that based on the progress with real and nominal convergence, the developments in the structural reforms of the country as well as the solid prospects for Romania's economic growth, the Romanian Government has set January 1, 2019 as the target date for Romania's accession to the Eurozone,' reads a press release posted on the website of the Finance Ministry.The announcement is said to have been positively received by the ECOFIN meeting, says the release.

Also discussed at the ECOFIN meeting were a proposal for a directive regarding taxes on financial transactions (in a preliminary stage) as well as an analysis of the European Commission in the macroeconomic imbalances facing some member states of the European Union.

At the meeting of the EIB's Board of Governors, Voinea, Romania's EIB governor, underscored the importance for EIB funding to Moldova being sped up, given the situation in the region. EIB President Werner Hoyer reconfirmed EIB's commitment to funding projects in Moldova.

In his turn, Governor of the National Bank of Romania (BNR) Mugur Isarescu said Tuesday that the objective of Romania's switching over to the European single currency in 2018-2019 is not outside the realm of reality, but it takes a strong political consensus and an assessment of consequences, particularly related to price harmonisation.

4. Minister-delegate Voinea: I am expecting Q1, 2014 growth of at least 3.5 pct

Romania's economy recorded a growth of at least 3.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2014, as reflected by the developments in industrial output and consumption, Minister-delegate for Budget Liviu Voinea says. 'On Thursday, the Q1, 2014 results will be released. With my analyst hat on, what I used to be before becoming a minister, and based on the industrial output and consumption figures, which are already out for the first quarter, I am expecting a growth of at least 3.5 per cent in the first quarter,' Voinea said at the annual meeting in Warsaw of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

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He said that Romania's economic growth could be at least 4 per cent for the entire year 2014 when seasonality is factored in.

According to Voinea, Romania is different for the better from other emerging markets in that its current account deficit is small, it depends only to a small extent on Russia for natural gas, it has solid economic growth and it is expected to join the Eurozone in 2019.

In late 2013, when the Government built the 2014 national budget, it estimated an economic growth of 2.2 per cent for 2014.

Early this May, the European Commission upwardly adjusted again its estimates of Romania's economic growth in 2014 and 2015, with the two standing now at 2.5 per cent and 2.6 per cent, respectively, up from 2.3 per cent and 2.5 per cent, respectively, in its winter estimates released in February.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expecting Romania's economic growth to stand at 2.2 per cent and advance 2.5 per cent in 2015.

5. Eurostat:Romania in top spots in EU in industrial production growth in March

Industrial production in the European Union (EU) grew by 0.5 percent in March 2014 when compared to the same month of last year, the most significant growth among the EU member states belonging to Luxembourg (13.5 percent), followed by Romania (9.6 percent), the data published on Wednesday by the European Statistical Office (Eurostat).

Romania is also in the group of EU member states that recorded the highest growths of industrial production in March 2014 when compared to the month of February 2014. The highest monthly growth belonged to Ireland (5.6 percent), followed by Denmark (3.1 percent), Slovenia (2.0 percent), Croatia (1.3 percent) and Romania (1.1 percent).

According to the data published by the National Institute for Statistics (INS), industrial production in Romania grew by 10.1 percent in the first quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013, while the growth adjusted according to work days and seasonality was recorded at 10.7 percent. In March 2014, industrial production grew when compare to the previous month both as an unadjusted series and as a series adjusted according to work days and seasonality by 6.8 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively. When compared to the same month of last year, industrial production grew by 10.8 percent - unadjusted series, and 11.6 percent - series adjusted according to work days and seasonality by 6.8 percent and 1.1 percent.

6. Isarescu conditions accession to euro zone in 2019

Establishing each accession target is a political matter, it is not up to BNR alone. We contribute with materials but it is a political decision. Our opinion is that there should be political consensus. Personally I have nothing against ambitious targets. On the contrary, if they are able to mobilize, not discourage a country, its people, they are welcome,” said BNR governor Mugur Isarescu, asked whether he support s the date included in the convergence program to be sent to Brussels.

The head of BNR avoided direct answer, preferring to repeat that such an objective supposes a wide consensus, mainly political but also social, including on behalf of religious denominations as it happened in 2000, when EU accession was negotiated.“I don’t think 2018-2019 is outside reality but we should set intermediate deadlines. There are also annual objectives,” Isarescu said.

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He insisted on the need that politicians understood the efforts supposed by this action and should organize and respect intermediate deadlines to ensure the success of such an ambitious program. Isarescu reminded that he had participated in talks in 2000 for the EU accession program and many decision makers were surprised when learning about the engagements to be assumed.

Premier Victor Ponta reminded on Wednesday that Romania intends to adopt euro currency in 2019 as the government announced in February. Official sources told Mediafax that in the convergence program to be sent to EC no date will be mentioned for the objective.

In February, the government and premier Ponta announced that Romania would fulfill this year all accession criteria to the euro zone, such as inflation, the interest rate for bonds, the stability of the exchange rate, budget deficit of less than 3% of GDP and public debt under 60% of GDP and the target of adopting euro is 2019.

In April 2013 Ponta said January 1, 2019 was realistic deadline for adopting euro currency

The convergence program sent then to the European Commission showed that the engagement of adopting euro was maintained for a date when the objective of fulfilling the nominal and real convergence criterion would be reached.

The government has not adopted yet the convergence program which is adopted and sent to Brussels every year.

7. Isarescu: Living standard will grow if debt is refinanced

BNR governor Mugur Isarescu says we cannot make a connection between economic growth and the living standard when public debt is paid and significantly adjusts foreign deficit. Romania should avoid the debt payment policy used by Nicolae Ceausescu.

“The living standard is connected to something else and you should understand that the correlation between economic growth and increasing living standard is valid only in case the whole economic growth goes to the living standard. But Romania has substantially reduced the foreign deficit. What does having foreign deficit mean? For instance we have 14%. If you get 14% from abroad it means an increase for three years. If you reduce from 14% to 4% you have 10% by which either production decreases or the living standard drops.” Isarescu said when asked if making inflation figures equal does not hide a deterioration of the living standard.

Isarescu answered that things were considered well by Romania to avoid a dramatic drop of the living standard.“Last year when we had 3.5% economic growth and people said it was not felt in one’s pocket foreign deficit dropped from 4% to 1%. How could the living standard grow then?” the BNR governor said.Isarescu added that inflation figures are not “hidden”, they evolve positively and the increase of the living standard will be felt in the next period. He thinks that the best solution for the future is maintaining debt at the same level by refinancing the present loans.

Statistic data indicate a significant deterioration of the living standard since the beginning of the financial crisis of October 2008.According to INS, at the end of 2008 the real salary increase index compared to October 1990 was 139.4%, while in march 2014 it was 127%, 12% less than 5 years ago. In other words the Romanians lost money from their salaries in real terms, although figures indicated a 14.5% increase since December 2008 to march 2014, from a net average salary of 1,489 to 1,706 lei. Reported to the average exchange rate, the salary of December 2008 was the equivalent of 404 euro while the March 2014 salary is less than 380 euro.

At the same time BNR data indicate an almost constant deterioration of the available income over the same period.

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Two days ago Isarescu explained that the fiscal burden has grown in past years because Romania had to make two massive corrections, to adjust the budget deficit by 7.2% and the current account deficit by 12% when companies had to pay more to the state because “somebody had to pay”.

At the Thursday conference Isarescu showed he was not in favor of the leu appreciation because he did not believe the economy and exports had performed so well as to justify such an evolution. That position is practically contrary to a policy which intends to avoid a higher correction of the foreign deficit. The appreciation of the national currency would make imported goods more accessible to the people.

The central bank has always been a supporter of fiscal and current account adjustment. In that respect is backed salary and pension cuts suggested in 2010, the latter being replaced later with VAT increase which led to the drop of the living standard.

8. Ghetea CEC Bank: The agriculture will be the new boom in the Romanian economy

The agriculture will be the new boom of the Romanian economy, as the country has an extraordinary potential in this domain, stated on Monday Radu Gratian Ghetea, the chairman of CEC Bank in a conference on the theme of SMEs contribution to the economic relaunch. ‘A boom, like in the years 2005 – 2008 won’t happen any way, but I think that a boom will come from agriculture, as the agricultural potential of Romania is extraordinary,and the market of land is deregulated. I think of the growth of land price and the union of pieces of land, which will become worked with industrial equipment’ Ghetea said.

He reminded that, at this moment, 40% of the Romanian agriculture is a survival one.At the same time, the CEC Bank official said that other sectors with huge potential of growth in our country are IT and the auto industry.

9. Without economy backed by justice, it is very difficult to have resources (JusMin)

The justice system has the duty to back the economy, said on Friday Minister Robert Cazanciuc, adding that without a backed economy, it is very difficult to ensure the necessary resources for healthcare, education and even for the judiciary system.

'The justice has a duty towards the economy. It has the duty to back the economy through specialized courts, through reasonable terms, through predictable rulings, as the Government has the duty to draw up and maintain a coherent and predictable normative framework. Without an economy backed this way, it is very difficult to have resources for healthcare, education and, why not, for justice. The new civil codes were drawn up to a large extent due to the signals from real life that something else is needed. I believe that one year after the last of them took effect, most of you remark that it was a good decision after all, despite all the difficulty to have, these years, to have a reform almost from a to Z in both the criminal and civil law,' Robert Cazanciuc told in the opening of the conference 'Business Law 2014 - Impact of New Codes on Business Law, the 10th Edition,' an event held on Friday and Saturday by law firm 'Piperea and Associates,' the 'Henri Capitant' Association and the University of Bucharest.

He said that the Ministry of Justice has conducted recently an assessment within courts to determine if there are things to change one year after the civil procedure took effect, and that there is already in Parliament a draft law that is aimed at eliminating 'forms without substance,' giving as example the go-ahead to foreclosure.

Speaking about the future Commercial Tribunal in Bucharest, the justice minister explained that the procedure to purchase a building [for this court] is currently taking place and he hoped that it

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______would become functional as of September 1 and would come up with procedures allowing the ruling in a case in the shortest possible time.

He mentioned that Thursday's release of the Coalition for the Development of Romania for supporting the effort to draw up a new law on insolvency brought him joy, and a dialogue in this regard had been initiated by the Government a few months before, bringing together several professional associations of businesspeople, the Romanian-American Chamber of Commerce and the German-Romanian one, which, once a month, have a dialogue with the prime minister and several members of the Cabinet.

10. Minister-delegate for SMEs: Business environment favors adoption of European currency

The Romanian business environment supports the Government's intent to adopt the European single currency on January 1, 2019, said, on Monday, Minister-delegate for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Florin Jianu, during a conference on the topic of the SMEs' contribution to economic growth.

'The business environment is in favor of adopting the European currency. Any measure that brings predictability to the business environment is supported by the small and medium enterprises', said Jianu.

According to him, the proposal will have to be discussed with representatives of the business environment during public debate sessions.

'Any kind of regulation will have to pass the test of the business environment', added Jianu.

On May 6, the Public Finance Ministry announced that the Government has set January 1, 2019 as the target date for Romania's adoption of the common European currency. The announcement was made by the Minister-delegate for Budget Liviu Voinea at the ECOFIN Council meeting and the Council of the European Investment Bank Governors, events that took place last week in Brussels.

11. EC improves again outlook on Romania's economic growth in 2014 and 2015

The European Commission (EC) on Monday upgraded again its growth estimates for Romania for 2014 and 2015, up to 2.5 per cent in 2014 and up to 2.6 per cent in 2015, compared with 2.3 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively, which were the estimates announced at the 2014 Winter Forecast in February.

This is for the second time consecutively when the community Executive upgraded its growth estimates since the 2013 autumn, after the upward revision in February, when it upgraded its estimates for 2014 up to 2.1 per cent in 2014 and 2.4 per cent in 2015.

Romania's economy exceeded the expectations, posting a 3.5 per cent growth in 2013, driven mostly by the robust industrial output and an abundant harvest that contributed to strong exports, according to the 2014 Spring European Economic Forecast.

However, according to its 2014 Spring Forecast, the Commission expects the growth pace to slow down in the next two years, but to remain solid, followoing to stand at 2.5 per cent in 2014 and 2.6 per cent in 2015.

Structural reforms, along with the liberalization of the energy market and the Labour Code, are beginning to bear fruit. Moreover, domestic demand is expected to gradually replace exports as the main growth engine, as the EC notices in its Spring European Economic Forecast's chapter 18

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

that refers to Romania. Investments are also expected to surge again this year, on the back of a better absorption of the European funds as some major infrastructure projects develop. Private consumption is estimated to grow moderately as consumer confidence improves and the disposable income growth based on a real increase in salaries. In 2013, the trade balance in goods and services improved significantly, on the back of the significant increase in exports, while imports remained weak. The contribution of net exports to the economic growth is expected to slow down significantly in 2014 and to even switch to negative values in 2015.

EC also upgraded its estimates on Romania's annual average inflation in 2014, from 2.4 per cent up to 2.5 per cent, and revised downwards the annual inflation target for 2015, from 3.4 per cent down to 3.3 per cent.

Despite the robust economic growth recorded in 2013, the unemployment rate increased up to 7.3 per cent, while the overall number of employers dropped, mainly triggered by the drop in the number of freelancers. The political measures that were taken in 2014 and 2015, especially those targeted at combating unemployment among the youth, should start now to bear fruit, according to the EC forecast. The unemployment rate is expected to drop down to 7.2 and 7.1 per cent respectively in 2014 and 2015.

The budgetary deficit was slashed down from 3 per cent of the GDP in 2012 to 2.3 per cent of the GDP in 2013. The budgetary deficit was estimated to stand at 2.2 per cent of the GDP in 2014. As regards the expenses, the estimates took into account the increase operated in pensions, the limited and targeted increase in the salaries in the public sector and the need to increase the resources for co-financing projects approved by the EC.

In 2015, the budgetary deficit is expected to drop again, down to 1.9 per cent of the GDP, as the incomes will moderately grow, as a result of the domestic demand becoming the main growth engine.

Public debt will grow from 38.4 per cent in 2013 at approx. 40 per cent in 2014 and to stagnate at this level in 2015 too. Risks regarding the budgetary projections in 2014 and 2015 are mostly related to the control of the expenses during the elections and the tax collection, the community Executive also specified.

12. Analysis GfK: the Romanians are as pessimistic as in 2013 regarding the revival of the economy and the income in 2014

The Romanians are as pessimistic as in 2013 as regards the revival of the economy and the income this year, only the desire to buy being in slight increase, according to the GfK indicators since the end of Q1. “As a whole, the feelings of the consumers changed too little since the beginning of 2014. The low level which persisted during most of the last year continued to dominate in Q1 as well’ the GfK survey ‘ The consumption climate in Europe which was made in 14 European states.

Thus, the expectations regarding the economic state is at – 17.2 points, against -14 points in December and -13.6 points one year ago. At the same time, the expectations regarding the income have a similar evolution, the indicator being at -8.2 points. It is about a minimum improvement, of 0.7 points, against December, while in March 2013, the indicator was at a better level, of -5.4 points.

The desire to buy is at present at -13.8 points, which means a slight increase, of 1.7 points, as compared to December. One year ago, the figure was -18.3 points.

According to GfK, the economy in the EU states start to grow again, and the consumers hope that this year the economic crisis will end. “The indicator of consumption climate for the EU

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______reflects this trend, getting 0.8 points for Q1 of 2014. At present, it is situated at 8.4 points (…) The optimism which got several European consumers is completely justifiable. In almost all countries represented here, the indicators connected to expectations regarding the state of the economy and income, as well as the desire for purchase, have growing tendencies’ the report shows.

In the majority of the EU countries covered in the study, the GDP increased both comparatively to the previous quarter, and to the previous year. Only the countries experiencing the crisis, Greece and Italy reported a new decrease of the GDP, as compared to the previous quarter at the end of 2013. In Italy, the economy had a slight rebound in Q4 with increase of 0.1 points as compared to the previous year.

‘The germs of the revival continue to be extremely fragile but, there are still uncertainties to be overcome. France and Italy wish to give up the austerity measures and start to have other debts to help the economy to come back through better investments. It is still to see what kind of impact will have this on the credit rating on the financial markets and the European fiscal compact. Another risk is low inflation’ according to GfK.

The results of the GfK survey Consumption climate in Europe is based on a study on the consumers made, at the request of the European Commission, in the EU countries. Almost 40,000 people are questioned every month, representing the adult population in 28 EU countries.

13. Central Bank decided on Tuesday to maintain key interest rate at 3.5 percent per annum

The Board of the National Bank of Romania (BNR) decided on Tuesday to maintain the monetary policy rate at 3.5 percent per annum, the central bank announced in a release.

According to the above-mentioned source, in its May 6, 2014, meeting, the BNR Board also decided to maintain the existing levels of minimum reserve requirement ratios on both leu- and foreign currency-denominated liabilities of credit institutions, and pursue an adequate liquidity management in the banking system.

'In today's meeting, the BNR Board examined and approved the quarterly Inflation Report. The document reiterates the outlook for the annual inflation rate to run over the medium term inside the variation band of the target, ie ±1 percentage point around the 2.5 percent multiannual flat target, starting in the latter half of 2014. Thus, according to the new projection, the annual inflation rate will be 3.3 percent at end-2014 and end-2015, concurrently with the average annual inflation rate evolving in the proximity of the multiannual flat target,' reads the BNR release.

'Similarly to the previous assessments, the risks associated with this outlook stem primarily from external sources, namely the variability of investors' risk appetite over the short and medium term in relation to emerging economies as a whole amid the recent geopolitical and regional tensions, the ongoing cross-border deleveraging across the banking system and the effects of monetary policy stance adjustments by major central banks.'

'Against this background, the Board of the National Bank of Romania has decided to keep the monetary policy rate unchanged at 3.5 percent per annum and to pursue an adequate liquidity management in the banking system. At the same time, the Board decided to maintain the existing levels of minimum reserve requirement ratios on both leu- and foreign currency-denominated liabilities of credit institutions, while reiterating that their harmonization with European levels over the medium term will continue at an appropriate pace and time, conditional on the economic and financial environment domestically and externally,' according to the National Bank of Romania.

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As for the economic activity, the document that was approved by the BNR Board, reveals that it improved thanks to the exports and the favourable evolution of the industrial sector.

'The improvement in economic activity in Romania has further been fostered by export growth and the favourable performance of the industrial sector, as well as by the gradual consolidation of consumption. Looking at the external sector, the current account and the international reserves remain in a comfortable zone while a substantial part of Romania's external public debt has been repaid,' reads the above-mentioned document.

The new quarterly Inflation Report will be presented to the public in a press conference to be given on May 8, 2014.

According to the calendar that was approved, the next meeting of the BNR Board devoted to the monetary policy will be held on July 1.

14. Romania announces financial support for Council of Europe package to Ukraine The Minister of Foreign Affairs Titus Corlatean has announced that Romania joins the financial effort in support of the package of immediate measures dedicated to Ukraine announced by the Strasbourg-based organization; he was speaking on the margin of the ministerial meeting of the Council held in Vienna on Tuesday.

According to a release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the measures to be immediately implemented aim at promoting constitutional reforms, providing electoral assistance in the presidential elections scheduled on May 25, modernizing and consolidating the Parliament in institutional terms, and consolidating the protection of human rights, including those of ethnic minorities' members.

'Our country has a special interest for the last topic, from the perspective of the presence of a large Romanian minority in Ukraine. Romania thus reaffirms its solidarity with Ukraine and its people, as they face extraordinary challenges; our country also maintains its full support needed by its partners in Kiev, within the framework of other international cooperation formats and of the bilateral dialogue. Romania also continues to be an active partner of the Council of Europe, contributing to the promotion of the organization's values, home and in the region, to ensure the stability of Europe and the promotion of democracy, human rights, and rule of law on the continent,' the document states.

The announced contribution includes Romania in a group of member countries of the Council, next to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Luxembourg, Estonia, Finland, and Japan (the latest having an observer status at the Strasbourg-based organization). These countries 'have assumed a prompt response to a special situation, through an initiative meant to contribute to the settlement of the crisis in Ukraine from the perspective of the fundamental values of the Council of Europe, based on democracy and on the rule of law,' the release mentions.

15. Romania can have 5 percent economic growth on medium term (Lothe, BRD)

Romania might reach an economic growth of 5 percent on medium term, BRD - Groupe Societe Generale Bank (BRD-GSG) CEO Philippe Lhotte told Agerpres on Wednesday.

'A 2.5 to 3 percent growth is possible in 2014. I think that when it comes to Romania's medium and long-term potential, it would not be unrealistic to hope reaching a 5 percent growth. Not this year, by all means, nor in 2015, but on medium term Romania needs an ever higher economic growth,' Lhotte said.

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______

The European Commission has improved again on May 5 its forecasts on Romania's economic growth in 2014 and 2015; the figures now are 2.5 percent and 2.6 percent respectively, up from 2.3 and 2.5 percent in EC's February forecast. It is the second time the European executive raises its estimates, as the winter figures were already adjusted upwards from the autumn prognosis of 2.1 percent growth in 2014, and 2.4 percent in 2015.

The World Bank also estimated a 2.5 to 3 percent growth of Romania's economy in 2014, possibly higher if the agriculture has a good year, as World Bank's Country Representative for Romania Elisabeta Campanelly said in an interview to AGERPRES.

On April 14, Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced a Q1 growth of more than 3 percent.

In 2013, Romania's economy topped the expectations, with a 3.5 percent growth due to a robust industrial production and to great crops fuelling the exports.

16. Trade balance deficit, down 26.8 mln lei in March 2014 from March 2013

The trade balance deficit (FOB/CIF) was 2.478 billion lei (551.4 million euros) in March 2014, down by 26.8 million lei (18.8 million euros) from March 2013, announced the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on Monday.

According to preliminary estimates, FOB exports amounted to 20.121 billion lei (4.478 billion euros) and CIF imports totaled 22.600 billion lei (5.030 billion euros).

Compared to March 2013, exports increased by 14.5% in values denominated in lei (11.8% in values denominated in euros) and imports went up by 12.5% in values denominated in lei (9.9% in values denominated in euros).

Compared to February 2014, the exports in March 2014 increased by 3% in lei values (3.2% in euro values) and imports rose by 7.9% in lei values (8.1% in euro values).

In Q1, FOB exports stood at 57.406 billion lei (12.753 billion euros) and CIF imports totaled 62.431 billion lei (13.871 billion euros).

Compared to Q1 2013, exports upped by 12.9% in lei values (10.1% in euro values) and imports increased by 12.3% in lei values (9.6 % in euro values).

17. Piraeus Bank: We expect that the evolution of the GDP in Romania present the highest growth

The week 12-16 May is rich in announcements of the macroeconomic indicators in the whole world, being programmed and some important speeches culminating that of the head of FED Janet Yellen. In the CEE region there will be published the GDP indicators for Q1 2014 in Romania, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. In the middle of the timid economic relaunh both at regional and global level,the expectations are that the GDP in Romania will have the highest growth, surpassing that of the countries in the region, a report issued by Piraeus Bank on Monday said.

On Monday, the National Institute for Statistics published the inflation for April. The monthly inflation was 0.27% at the annual level with a growth of the prices of 1,21%. The average inflation for the last 12 months is 2.5% annually, while in harmonised terms 2,1%.

The price of food dropped in April by 0.06% against the previous month and with 2.29% agasnt April 2013, the prices of non-food increased by 0.67% monthly and 3.04% while the prices of the services went down by 0.05% monthly, going up to 3.91%. The highest growth of prices 22

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were recorded in fuel and tobacco, growth which was partially balanced by significant losses of the prices of some food and drops in the prices of electricity and natural gas.

The industrial production in March increased by 1.1% monthly, by diminishing the rhythm of growth from 1.3% in the previous month, growing by 11.6% in terms adjusted by season. In Q1 of 2014, the industrial production increased by 10.1% in non-adjusted season terms and by 10.7% in adjusted season terms.

The commercial deficit of Q1 2014 increased by 3.8% per year at euro 1,12 billion, being the result of some exports FOB of euro 12,75 billion, + 10.1% per year and some CIF imports of euro 13,87billion , +9.6% per year.

18. Gov't approves curbing some defence industry companies' budget arrears

The Romanian Government in an urgent order on Tuesday approved a range of measures aimed to curb the arrears to the budget incurred by several defence industry companies and regulate other fiscal-budgetary measures, the executive announced in a release.

According to the act adopted by the Government, a range of measures are being taken to re-start the activity of the fully state-owned economic operators, among which a move to exempt them from the payment of the obligations due on the date of the enforcement of the current act as well as converting the budget claims into securities in accordance with the law, with the express written agreement of the creditor that is to receive the issued securities.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced at the beginning of the Government meeting on Tuesday that his executive will adopt measures to support the defence industry, including by writing off some arrears the companies operating in this sector have amassed.

'By taking measures allowed by the European Union, I want us to support the Romanian defence industry, which has been a neglected sector unfortunately, over the past few years, no one was interested in taking care of it. I want us not only to save jobs, become competitive once again, but, by observing the EU law, to write off the arrears they will never be able to pay anyway, to revive this sector essential to the Romanian economy,' Ponta said.

19. Romania is a politically stable country: We may win investors thanks to geopolitical crisis

Specialists in the capital market present at the Stock Market Forum are convinced that Romania is a politically stable country, even if investors see a political risk. Moreover risks concerning the geopolitical situation in Ukraine might bring more benefits to the local exchange, as a result of the institutional investors’ withdrawal from Russia. “Most of funds which withdrew from Russia or Ukraine are looking to a new market. Unfortunately Romania cannot benefit too much from these withdrawals but some of them could stop here too. Emerging markets from Turkey and Poland benefit most,” said Adrian Cighi, vice-president and investment analyst at Franklin Templeton, Bucharest branch, on the occasion of the Stock market forum, a conference organized by WALL-STREET.RO in partnership with Bucharest Stock Market, EY Romania, SIF Muntenia and SAI Muntenia Invest.

At the same time Cighi mentioned that political instability is an important factor for Property Fund investors, but older shareholders are used to that risk. Only new investors are interested in politics. “It is a factor that matters, but when we compare to the main competitors Romania is not in a worse position.”

According to a EY Romania study, presented by Mioara Budiana, the manager of the transaction assistance department at EY Romania, investors fear political instability and the fact that

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______

Romania is at the border with Ukraine. However, at global level, confidence in economy maintains at high level of 60% but there is also a tendency of return to stable and mature markets.

20. EBRD improves Romania 2014 economic growth estimate to 2.6 pct

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) improved its 2014 economic growth estimate for Romania to 2.6 percent from the 2.4 percent announced in January this year, with exports and a pick-up in domestic demand seen as the drivers of GDP growth.

For next year, EBRD expects Romania's GDP to advance 2.8 percent.

'Economic activity in Romania has improved in 2013 above market expectations. GDP rose by 3.5 percent mainly on account of a strong export performance and an exceptional harvest. Inflation returned to the central bank's target range of 2-4 percent and has recently dropped below the lower band. Fiscal performance has also been good and the country exited the European Union's excessive deficit procedure in 2013. However, the high level of non- performing loans (over 20 percent of total loans), continuing cross-border deleveraging and increased uncertainties in neighboring Ukraine, may weigh on growth prospects in the near term,' reads the EBRD report.

Since the beginning of its operations, the EBRD has invested about 6.2 billion euros in over 330 projects in Romania, mobilizing for this purpose more than 12 billion euros from other sources of financing.

SOCIAL

1. SE Europe's first master's programme in musical theatre launched by Lower Danube University

The representatives of the Lower Danube University in Galati (eastern Romania) and those of the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing opened a studio to be arranged for a musical theatre master's programme, the first in south-eastern Europe.

The new master's programme will include an intensive Chinese language training course held by a permanent visiting professor at the Confucius Institute in China.

In the first semester of the second year, students will be learning in Beijing for four months at the Faculty of Musical Theatre of the Central Academy of Drama.

The students following the Chinese language module will be granted a certificate of linguistic competence. As far as the Chinese students are concerned, the University of Galati provides education in Romanian, after a preparatory year.

Students will have the chance to study the art of acting for musical theatre, choreographic art in musical theatre, vocal expression techniques, advanced techniques of movements on the stage, aesthetic theories in the history of universal theatre, the history of the lyric-dramatic show, the Chinese language, culture and civilization.

In 2012, a delegation led by the Rector of the Lower Danube University, Professor Iulian Barsan, PhD signed in Beijing a partnership agreement with the Central Academy of Drama, to jointly organize a master's programme unique in Romania and in south-eastern Europe, dedicated to musical theatre, this being the first Romanian-Chinese partnership in higher education 24

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2. EC proposes 3.6 million euros to help 1 000 redundant workers in Romanian steel industry

The European Commission has proposed to provide Romania with 3.6 million euros from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 1 000 former workers of the steel products manufacturer SC Mechel Campia Turzii SA and the downstream producer SC Mechel Reparatii Targoviste SRL to find new jobs.

The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for approval.

Romania applied for support from the EGF following the dismissal of more than 1 500 workers in Mechel Campia Turzii and in Mechel Reparatii Targoviste in the Cluj region of Romania. The dismissals were the result of increased competition from steel products manufacturers elsewhere in the world.

The measures co-financed by the EGF would help 1 000 workers in finding new jobs by providing them with career guidance and skills assessment, training, support to entrepreneurship and a variety of allowances.

The total estimated cost of the package is 7.14 million euros, of which the EGF would provide half.

'The manufacture of finished and semi-finished steel products in the EU has been seriously disrupted due to intensified competition from countries outside the EU, particularly China. Today's proposal would help to prepare some 1 000 former steelworkers from the Cluj region in Romania for new job opportunities or to set up their own businesses,' says EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor.

The EU has recorded a substantial increase of imports of finished and semi-finished steel products in recent years, as well as a relative decline of exports of such products, all of which has put the competiveness of the EU steel industry under pressure at international level and jobs have been lost due to restructuring in the steel sector in Europe.

According to a press release of the European Commission issued on Wednesday, both affected companies belonged to Mechel, a Russian steelmaking group. At the end of 2011, Mechel's operations in Romania started to experience financial difficulties due to losses incurred because of unfavourable prices in European steel markets, linked to rising ferrous scrap prices and weak demand for finished products.

3. EC publishes European map of regulated professions; Romania has 109

European Commission on Thursday published the European map of regulated professions - those professions to which access is conditional upon the possession of specific qualifications or for which the use of a specific title is protected. Romania numbers 109 such regulated professions, more than 50 per cent of them in the healthcare and social services field.

According to the map of regulated professions published by the EC from Brussels, 53.1 per cent of the regulated professions in Romania are in the healthcare and social services sectors, 20.8 per cent in the business services, 12.5 per cent in the transport field, 6.3 per cent in public services and education and 1 per cent in the real estate field, manufacturing and wholesale and retail sales. Moreover, 4.2 per cent of the regulated professions in Romania are in such sectors as showbiz, tourism, agriculture and mining.

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______

This interactive map gathers together the most important information on how professions are regulated in the different Member States, such as the number of regulated professions and their breakdown by sector of the economy, the trend in the number of recognition decisions since 2005, and details of the national contact points responsible for informing professionals about the procedures and formalities to be completed in order to obtain recognition of professional qualifications.

The map is a graphic depiction of the information which has just been updated by the Member States in the database of regulated professions in Europe.

Practically, the European map of regulated professions can be used by higher education graduates from Romania to discover, in case they want to work on another EU member state's territory, in which countries their profession is regulated and, implicitly, their diploma recognized.

CULTURE

1. Romania, Germany presidents to sponsor Transylvania fortified churches

The Presidents of Romania and Germany, Traian Basescu and Joachim Gauck respectively will take up as sponsors of the Fortified Churches Foundation of the C.A. Evangelical Church of Romania, according to a release sent by the Evangelical Church.

The C.A. Evangelical Church took the decision of setting up the foundation out of the need to have its own body, with a NGO's status that should deal with the conservation and promotion of the cultural landscape of more than 200 churches and fortified churches currently held in the church patrimony.

The fortified churches and compounds represent a unique European cultural patrimony thanks to the diversity and density of these architectural objects which, in their vast majority have kept their medieval form unaltered. Built by the ethnic Germans who came to Transylvania (central Romania) in the 12th-14th and 18th centuries, the fortified churches represent a symbol of the multiculturalism specific of the region.

Six of the Saxon churches in Romania are rated UNESCO monuments. The UNESCO heritage includes the fortified Transylvanian churches of Calnic, Valea Viilor, Biertan, Saschiz, Darjiu, Viscri and Prejmer.

2. Book written by the Ambassador of Romania in the UK, included in the European Parliament collection “100 Books on Europe to remember”

The European Parliament has created a new web space freely available to the public which presents, in at least one official EU language, a selection of works named “100 Books on Europe to remember”. The colection includes books considered by the European Parliament representative for the European idea during a period of almost a century.

The purpose of the project is explained by the current president of the European Parliament, Martin Schultz, in the foreword to the colection: “The European Parliament has attempted to make a comprehensive selection of academic, intellectual and political works on the European idea and the development of the European integration process, taking into account the vast geographical, linguistic and intellectual spectrum of ideas. The history of European integration is based on post-war reconciliation and has shown that it is possible to work together beyond borders, beyond cultural or linguistic, economic or political boundaries, to create a better future 26

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

for all Europeans. I hope that the contribution of these 100 Books on the project can help inspire solutions for the current challenges facing the EU.”

Among the authors included in the collection are outstanding personalities of the European recent history: Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet, Paul-Henri Spaak, Konrad Adenauer, Charles de Gaulle, Helmuth Kohl, Altiero Spinelli, Aristide Briand, Willy Brandt, Vaclav Havel, Jacques Delors, Lady Margaret Thatcher, Sir Leon Brittan, Chris Patten, Romano Prodi.

One of the “100 books on Europe to remember” is signed by ambassador of Romanian to the UK, Dr Ion Jinga. The work The European Union looking for future. European studies (Uniunea Europeană în căutarea viitorului. Studii europene) was published in 2008.

Written from the standpoint of an expert directly involved in the European integration process, this work provides an overview of the most important moments and decisions in European policy making over the period 2003-2007, which led to the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. The author expresses the hope that the amazing European adventure, which began in 1950 with the Schuman Declaration and continues today, will lead to a European Union united in diversity and mutually supportive, able to promote the common values cherished by its peoples and to fulfill its role as an effective global player on the international scene.

A short presentation of the book in German, English, French and Romanian and the full text of the work in Romanian can be found at:

3. Biomass, Biogas & Cogeneration Romania 2014 – National Conference

GOVNET Conferences continues the series of events dedicated to industries with high development potential and economic impact, this time bringing to the fore a new niche in the renewable energy market: biomass, biogas as green energy sources and cogeneration systems.

”Biomass, Biogas & Cogeneration Romania 2014”, the first national conference focused on energy produced using biomass or energy generated by Combined Heat and Power stations, will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2014, from 9 a.m, at InterContinental Hotel in Bucharest.

Amid the upsurge in wind and solar projects (at the end of the last year the total power installed in wind farms was approximately 2,500 MW, while PV projects totaled 1150 MW), balancing power capacities are necessary. Biomass is a solution in this regard, being not only renewable, but also accessible, its vast untapped potential mainly coming from the agricultural land available in Romania.

Following an increase of about 140 percent in 2013 in terms of installed power capacities, projects using biomass and its derivatives, such as biogas (including cogeneration projects) came to 65 MW in total, remaining the only ones unaffected by the recent changes in the green certificates (GCs) subventions scheme. Hence, the electricity generated by biomass power facilities receives 2 GCs/MWh for a 15-year period. Additionally, there is an extra GC, provided biomass derives from energy crops (i.e. rape, soya plants, sunflower, even corn), as well as if the electricity is produced in high-efficiency biomass power plants.

The event organized by GOVNET Conferences is meant to support the development of this sector, becoming a meeting platform for all stakeholders: regulatory authorities – the Department of Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture, ANRE; local authorities – Romanian Municipalities Association; biomass producers and traders, developers and operators of biomass, biogas or cogeneration power stations, equipment manufacturers, professionals providing technology solutions, energy traders, financial and legal experts, large farm owners, as well as companies operating landfills – biogas is generated by anaerobic fermentation of waste.

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______

The conference proposes a distinct approach, creating the proper environment for exchanging views on this subject, for direct networking, meetings, interactive debates concentrated on the opportunities arisen in this niche in the green energy market, its challenges and present issues, therefore supporting the progress in the industry – the only 65 MW installed can be considered as substantial growth premises, especially given the expected announcement of the feed-in tariff by the Romania’s Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE).

The Conference Partners are: B-Team Energy and Environment, Generali, Noerr and Transenergo.

4. First European Regions Festival - tradition and multiculturalism

The first edition of the European Regions Festival - tradition and multiculturalism will be hosted in Brasov (central Romania) on May 9 and 10, in the Reduta (the Redoubt) Cultural Center and on the Council's Square, Brasov Municipal Councillor Christian Macedonschi, representing the German Democrat Forum announced in a press conference he held on Monday, as one of the organizers.

The festival is to start Friday at 9 a.m. at the Reduta Cultural Center, with the conference 'Modern local and regional administration'; Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) Chairman Franz Schausberger, the Austrian ambassador to Romania Michael Schwarzinger, Austrian Chamber of Commerce Deputy Trade Commissioner Arnulf Gressel, MEPs Renate Weber and Iuliu Winkler, and Brasov Metropolitan Agency Director Dragos David will join the attending local authorities.The conference is also the launching event of the National College Unirea pupils' book 'Letters to Europe.'

Starting from 2 p.m., pupils of several secondary schools in Brasov will talk with the conference guests in the 'Cafe D' Europe' event.

The regional conference 'Right to the Center - Restarting together the engine of regional development using structural funds' will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday; it will host presentations of the best projects that won European funding during the 2007-2013 budget term. The Head of European Commission Representation in Bucharest Angela Filote and representatives of the Romanian Region 7 - Center will attend the event. The theme of the second half of the event is 'What have we learned and which experiences mark the beginning of the 2014-2020 path.'

The 'Romanian Traditions and Customs in European Context' Festival opens in Council's Square at 2 p.m.; it stages shows of bands from different regions of Romania, a parade of folk clothing, and a presentation of folk crafts. A tasting of traditional foods specific to the regions represented at the festival is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Sunday; tourist packages and attractions of Romania will be presented to foreign guests.

'The purpose of the festival is to inform on the European Union and on the European cultural traditions in an unusual, easily understandable way for the public of all ages and social categories. We very much wish to bring Europe close to the people. Brasov locals and tourists should learn more about Europe at the festival, feel more about Europe - these are our goals,' Christian Macedonschi said.

5. Two European awards for fresco restoration projects at Dragomirna Church

The restoration project of 17th century frescos of Dragomirna Church in Suceava County (northeastern Romania) got one of the six Grand Prix heritage conservation awards of Europa Nostra movement and the Public Choice Award on Monday night in Vienna, with more than 10,000 public votes.

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The award ceremony was held under the patronage of the President of Austria, Heinz Fischer, Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, and tenor Placido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra.Three projects got the honours of the 'Conservation' section; one of them went to the one dedicated to the church of Dragomirna.

The jury was impressed by the high professionalism proven in the complex restoration and conservation project of this huge masterpiece with a wall surface of approximately 900 square meters. The works were carried out on site, over a remarkably short period. The conservation team included 50 professionals and students from several countries, led by a Romanian expert. The restoration workers observed and followed the original techniques, using natural traditional reversible materials; the original patina and the state of mind communicated by these unique 17th century frescoes were preserved, a European Commission release mentions. The project also won the Public Choice Award after an online poll on Europa Nostra's website, where it got more than 10,000 votes.

6. Over 40 films from 25 countries to be screened at European Film Festival, May 9 to 18

Over 40 films (dramas, comedies, biographical films, documentaries and animation films) from 25 countries will be screened at the 18th edition of the European Film Festival, to be held May 9 to 18, in Bucharest and Targu Mures.

The event is organized by the Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) together with the European Commission's Representation Office in Romania, under the EUNIC aegis, with the support of embassies and cultural centres of the European countries.

Liviu Jicman, the ICR Vice President, on Tuesday voiced hope that this partnership would continue also in the future editions.

He reminded the Romanian productions present in the event, such as a selection of the latest short films by director Adrian Sitaru, a section of short films made by U.N.A.T.C. students, as well as two Romanian documentaries: 'Bucharest, where are you?,' directed by Vlad Petri (included in the competitions of the Rotterdam Film Festival and the TIFF, 2014) and 'Songs for a museum,' directed by Eliza Zdru (screened at the Astra and Visions du Reel documentary film festivals).

Moreover, the ICR vice president reminded the opening concert in the colours and spirit of Greece, late on May 8, in the ICR garden, organized together with the Greek Cultural Foundation.

Liviu Jicman added that the European Film Festival also includes a series of related events: on May 10, WASP Studios: at 07:00 pm- Room 0001/Dream factory - a dance, electronic and videographic music show, performed by Simona Deaconescu; at 07:45 pm - 'Silent Places' - a film by Simona Deaconescu, cinematographer Oleg Mutu; on May 10, ICR: 07:30 pm - special screening 'Roxanne' (directed by Valentin Hotea / Romania / 2013); 09:00 pm - 'Memories of Childhood - 1983, autumn' (a discussion between friends and colleagues: Ada Solomon, Anca Marina, Valentin Hotea and their guests); May 11, ICR: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Anim'est - children's animation workshop, under the guidance of Vasi Alboiu; 05:00 pm to 10:30 pm - Anim'est Pick - animation films marathon from this year's edition.

Angela Filote, the European Commission's representative in Romania, welcomed the tradition of organising the festival in our country, underscoring that the event highlights both the diversity of the European Union and that 'red thread' that connects the peoples of the United Europe.

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Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ______

This year's edition of the European Film Festival will start on Friday, May 9, on Europe Day. Screened in the opening gala will be the film 'Miss Violence' / Greece, 2013.

In the programme of this year's edition there are numerous award-winning productions at major festivals, such as those in Cannes, Venice, Rotterdam, Sundance and Karlovy Vary. Among these, there are: 'Boys and Guillaume to the table!' (France, 2013 - directed by Guillaume Gallienne); 'He was the son' (Italy, 2012 - directed by Daniele Cipri); 'To the lower limit of the sky' (Moldova/Romania, 2013 - directed by Igor Cobileanski); 'The Doll' (Poland, 2013 - directed by Joanna Kos, Krzysztof Krauze); 'Call Girl' (Sweden, 2012 - directed by Mikael Marcimain); 'Journey' (Slovenia, 2011 - directed by Nejc Gazvoda); 'A blonde's eccentricities' (Portugal/ Spain/France, 2009 - directed by Manoel de Oliveira).

The screenings in Bucharest will take place at the Studio and Elvire Popesco cinemas (May 9 to 15), and those in Targu Mures at the Arta cinema (May 16 to 18).

As every year, the awards will include the Audience Award, a honorary one and the popularity one to be presented by the EFF to the film with the most votes recorded on the website www.ffe.ro.

7. Thirty-three museums and cultural organizations are open in Bucharest on Night of Museums

Thirty-three institutions (18 museums and 15 cultural or educational institutions in Bucharest) are waiting for their visitors till late at night with exhibitions, concerts, shows, film screenings, performances and interactive workshops for unforgettable experiences, says Alina Patru, who works with the National Network of Museums in Romania (RNMR).

Dragos Neamu, RNMR president, informed that the network this year too coordinated the event nationwide and organized trips to museums in Bucharest, Timisoara (western Romania) and Cluj-Napoca (central Romania) as part of the project titled 'Night of Museums 2014: The Same Night, Different Scenarios,' which is financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund.

He added that this year Timisoara would have a scenario similar to the one in Bucharest, occasioned by the candidacy of the city on the Bega for the title of European capital. 'We want to make this event quite permanent in Timisoara, it depends on the results of the Night,' said Neamu, who added that, in Romania, RNMR did not interfere in the organization made by every museum.

More than 150 museums and cultural and educational organizations from 48 places in Romania organize free visits and special events on the night from May 17 to 18, as part of the 10th event titled 'Night of Museums.'

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