201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

NEWS OF THE DAY

Attention to our distinguished subscribers

This service is legally protected and gives the AGERPRES National News Agency access to authorize
the reproduction of the news it only conveys to its subscribers, under the obligation of the latters to
use them in the limits of the agreement, to never dist ort their contents and mandatory mentioning the
AGERPRES source. Any other utilisation of the AGERPRES news is forbidden. AGERPRES is
reserving its legal right to take the necessary measures, up until the interruption of the service, in case
the above-mentioned are not observed.

Michael T. Flynn, future National Security Advisor to Trump, appreciates Romania's

commitment and role in NATO
Bucharest, Jan 12 /Agerpres/ - Michael T. Flynn, future National Security Advisor to
President-elect Donald Trump, has shown appreciation for Romania's commitment and role in NATO
and the region in a phone call with Romanian Ambassador in Washington, George Cristian Maior, a
release remitted to AGERPRES shows.
Flynn said that NATO remains a fundamental alliance for the USA, in which all allies must
contribute for the common good. The future National Security Advisor also accepted the invitation to
visit Romania addressed by the Romanian diplomat.
During the phone call, the Romanian Ambassador congratulated Flynn for the position he is
to occupy and assured him of Romania's firm support for the new administration.
"Romania is a stable and sure ally of the United States that consistently contributes to the
actions to combat terrorism and to strengthen the common defence. Romania's commitment within the
North Atlantic Alliance is and will remain strong, being in accordance with the vision of the new
administration regarding the increase of resources for defence on the part of the European allies. This
will be confirmed through the earmarking, by our country, of 2 percent of the GDP for the defence
budget and especially through the consolidation of necessary capabilities through judicious planning,"
the Ambassador stated.
General Flynn sent his thanks and appreciation to our fortitude, to President Klaus Iohannis
and the Romanian Government for the seriousness and support shown to America, underlining the
importance of positive feelings of the Romanian people towards the United States, which he knows
full well. AGERPRES
ID: 4787965; Data: 2017-01-12 22:46:44; Redactori: pra/pra

Tennis: Monica Niculescu, in the singles' finals at Hobart (WTA); Raluca Olaru, in the
doubles' finals
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - Romanian tennis player Monica Niculescu will play in the
singles' finals of the Hobart WTA Tournament (Australia), featuring prizes worth 226,750 USD, after
Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko stepped down before Friday's semifinals, while Raluca Olaru qualified for
the doubles' finals.

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

Tsurenko, #61 in the world ranking, had been forced to withdraw for the same medical
reasons from the Brisbane Tournament last week, as well.
Monica Niculescu, # 40 WTA, sent Lesia Tsurenko her best wishes.
"I am sorry for her, but I wish she feels better at Australia Open. It would have been a
difficult match against her, but I wish her all the best. I wish her good health," said Niculescu, who
also complained of abdominal pain during the quarterfinals on T hursday, but reassured her fans she
would be ready for Saturday's finals.
"I will certainly be well. Tomorrow I will give my best," stated Niculescu.
Monica won the only match she had played so far against Tsurenko, in 2011, in the
qualifications to Indian Wells, with a score of 6-2, 6-3.
Monica Niculescu holds two titles at the Hobart tournament, both of them in doubles' events,
in 2012 (alongside Irina Begu) and in 2014 (alongsite Klara Koukalova).
In the singles' finals at Hobart, Monica will face off against Belgian player Elise Mertens.
Niculescu secured for herself a 21,400 USD check and 180 WTA points.
Monica won three WTA titles in singles' events, in 2013 in Florianopolis, in 2014 in
Guangzhou and in 2016 in Luxembourg. She lost another four f inals, in Luxembourg (2011, 2012),
Nottingham (2015) and Seoul (2016).
Raluca Olaru and Ukrainian Olga Savchuk qualified on Friday, in the doubles' finals, by 6-4,
6-2 against the team Mandy Minella (Luxemburg)/Anastasija Sevastova (Latvia). Olaru and Savchuk
will play their second, consecutive final, after the one lost at Shenzen, on Saturday.
Their adversaries in the final match will be the winners of the match between Demi Schuurs
(the Netherlands)/Renata Voracova (Czech Republic) and Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada)/Zhaoxuan
Yang (China), seeded third.
Olaru (#64 WTA in the doubles' ladder) and Savcuk (#58 WTA in the doubles' ladder)
secured a 6,400 USD check and 180 WTA points.
Olaru has reached the fifth WTA doubles' title in her career, with the previous ones being won
in Tashkent (together with Olga Savchuk) in 2008, in Acapulco in 2011 (together with Ukrainian
Mariya Koryttseva), in Nuremberg in 2013 (together with Russian Valeria Solovyeva), and in Linz in
2014 (together with Georgian-American Anna Tatishvili).
Furthermore, the Romanian player previously took part in seven WTA finals: Budapest in
2008 (with German Vanessa Henke), Katowice in 2013 (with Solovyeva), 2014 in Nurnberg and
Baku, both together with Shahar Peer (Israel), 2015 in Nurnberg (together with Spaniard Lara
Arruabarrena), in 2016 in Rabat (together with German Tatjana Maria) and in Bol (Croatia), together
with Ipek Soylu as well as in 2017 in Shenzen (with Savchuk).
AGERPRES (RO - editor: Mihai Tenea; EN - author: Simona Iacob, editor: Razvan-Adrian
Pandea). AGERPRES
ID: 4788162; Data: 2017-01-13 09:19:35; Redactori: isc/pra

Annual inflation rate -0.5 pe rcent at 2016 end, National Bank forecast -0.4 percent
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The annual rate of inflation was of -0.5 percent at the end of
December 2016, lower than estimates by the National Bank of Romania (BNR) that put the figure at 0.4 percent, show data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) remitted, on Friday, to
AGERPRES.
"Consumer prices, measured through the consumer price index (CPI), were lower by 0.5
percent in December 2016 than December 2015. Determined on the basis of the harmonized consumer
price index (HCPI), the annual rate of consumer prices was of -0.1 percent. In December 2016, the
share of goods and services that registered decreases in price, compared to December 2015, is of 36.3
percent, while those that had increases between 0 - 2.5 pct have a 55 percent share. Goods and

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

services the price of which rose by more than 2.5 percent hold an 8.7 percent share," the release
shows.
According to the data, the average rate of consumer prices in the past 12 months (January December 2016) as compared to the previous 12 months (January - December 2015), based through
the CPI, is of -1.5 percent, while when based on the HCPI, the average rage is of -1.1 percent.
The National Bank of Romania estimated an inflation of -0.4 percent for the end of last year.
The target of the central bank is of 2.5 percent +/- one percentage point. For the end of the first
trimester, the institution forecast a 0.8 percent inflation rate, +/- one percentage point. AGERPRES
ID: 4788209; Data: 2017-01-13 09:41:59; Redactori: pra/pra

DRPCIV: Around 300,000 second-hand vehicles, registered in Romania last year

Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - Around 300,000 second hand vehicles were registered in
Romania throughout 2016, by approximately 19 pct higher than in 2015, when the number was of
250,662 units, shows data of the Driving Licences and Car Registrations Directorate (DRP CIV),
consulted by AGERPRES.
The official statistics also reveal that only in December 2016, a number of 20,943 used
vehicles were registered, a decrease by almost 12 pct in comparison to the same month of 2015.
On a nationwide level, out of the total of 297,290 used cars registered at the DRPCIV last
year, most of them are Volkswagens (84,817 units, +18.4 pct compared to 2015).
The preference ranking continues with the following brands: Opel (47,903 units, + 10.73 pct),
Ford (33,024 units, +13.33 pct), BMW (23.860 units, +31.61 pct), Audi (23,616 units, +33.29 pct),
Skoda (14,699 units, +25.79 pct), Renault (11.962 units, +19.36 pct) and Mercedes-Benz (11,720
units, +24.31 pct).
According to the DRPCIV statistics, the new cars registration increased last year by 16.95 pct
up to 94,919 units, from 81,162 units recorded the previous year.
On the other hand, 12,598 new vehicles were registered in December 2016, up almost 8.89
pct compared to the same period of 2015, while cars recorded a 6.77-percent jump, against the same
reference period.
According to DRPCIV, in December 2016, registration applications were submitted regarding
mostly the following makes: Dacia (2,619 units, -9.53 pct as compared to December 2015),
Volkswagen (892 units, +53.53 pct), Ford (856 units, +18.95 pct), Skoda (762 units, -13.51 pct), ,
Renault (708 units, +7.76 pct). AGERPRES (RO - author: Daniel Badea, editor: Nicoleta Gherasi; EN
- author: Simona Iacob, editor: Razvan-Adrian Pandea). AGERPRES
ID: 4788263; Data: 2017-01-13 10:11:52; Redactori: isc/pra

INS revises downwards GDP advance in first nine months of 2016 to 4.8 pct
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The National Institute for Statistics (INS) has revised
downwards the data on the advance of the Romanian economy regarding the first nine months of last
year, from 4.9 percent in the last provisional data set, to 4.8 in the current, according to a press release
remitted to AGERPRES on Friday.
In the last report for the third quarter of last year, an economic growth of 4.4 pct was
envisaged, while the Friday release reduces that to 4.3 percent.
"The Gross Domestic Product estimated for the January 1 - September 30, 2016 period was of
563.38 billion lei in current prices, an increase - in real terms - by 4.8 percent compared to the January
1 - September 30, 2015 period. The GDP estimated for Q3 2016 was of 207.488 billion lei current
prices, an increase - in real terms - by 4.3 percent as compared to Q3 2015. In Q3 2016, the dynamic
of the GDP was modified in the current report, compared to the last report by -0.1 percentage points,"
the document shows.
3

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

Compared to Q2 2016, the GDP grew, in real terms, in the third quarter by 0.6 percent.
AGERPRES
ID: 4788320; Data: 2017-01-13 10:41:28; Redactori: pra/pra

INS: Turnover of market services provided mainly to companies, up by 9.5 percent in

11 months
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The turnover of the market services provided mainly to
companies, in nominal terms, grew in the first eleven months of 2016, from the similar pe riod of
2015, both as gross series and as a series adjusted by working days and seasonality, by 9.5 pct and 9.8
pct, respectively, according to data released on Friday by the National Statistics Institute (INS).
From January 1 to November 31, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, in nominal
terms, the turnover of market services rendered mainly to enterprises, as gross series, increased
overall by 9.5 percent, due to increase in information services activities and IT services (+15.2 pct), in
transports (+14.0 pct), as well as other services provided mainly to enterprises (+5.8 pct),
communications (+5.4 pct) and cinema, video and television programs production; programs
transmission and release (+1.6 pct).
In nominal terms, the turnover of market services provided mainly to enterprises, as a series
adjusted to seasonality and the number of working days, grew overall by 9.8 percent due to advances
in IT services activities and information technology (+15.5pct), transportation (+13.6 pct), other
services mainly provided to companies (+5.6 pct), communication activities (+5.2 pct) and in film,
video, TV programmes production activities; broadcasting and transmission of programs (+1.7 pct).
The turnover of market services provided mainly to enterprises, as gross series, in November
2016, as compared to the previous month, grew by 1.7 pct due to increases in IT service activities and
information technology (+16.4pct), other services provided especially to companies (+2.2 pct), film,
video, TV programmes production activities and broadcasting and transmission of programs (+2.0
pct) and communication activities (+1.4 pct). Transport activities decreased (-2.6 pct).
As a series adjusted by working days and seasonality, in November 2016 as compared to
October 2016, the turnover in nominal terms grew by 1.5 pct, due to advances in IT service activities
and information technology (+3.8 pct), film, video, TV programmes production activities;
broadcasting and transmission of programs (+3.8 pct), transportation (+1.0 pct), communication
activities (+0.1 pct). Other services mainly provided to companies registered decreases. (-0.1 pct).
"As compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, the turnover of the market
services provided to companies, in nominal terms, grew, both as gross series, by 10 pct and as
adjusted series, by working days and seasonality, by 10.9 pct," says INS. AGERPRES (RO - author:
Carmen Marinescu, editor: Oana Tilica; EN - author: Simona Iacob, editor: Razvan-Adrian Pandea).
AGERPRES
ID: 4788332; Data: 2017-01-13 10:48:26; Redactori: isc/pra

INS: Construction works volume, down 13.3 in November

Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The volume of construction works in Romania as a gross
series dropped by 13.3 pct in November 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015, and as a series
adjusted for working days and seasonality, was down 9.9 pct, according to data with the National
Institute of Statistics (INS) released on Friday.
Decreases were recorded for all structure elements: capital repair works - by 43.5 pct, current
repairs and maintenance - by 15.8 pct and new construction works by 2.3 pct.
By construction objects, the construction works volume for engineering constructions went
down by 37.4 pct. Residential buildings went up by 78.2 pct, and non-residential buildings by 17.9pct.

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

When adjusted for working days and seasonality, the volume of construction works dropped
by 9.9 pct. Decreases were recorded for all structural elements: capital repair works down by 48.0 pct,
current repairs and maintenance down by 7.0 pct and new construction works by 3.5 pct.
By construction objects, the construction works volume for engineering constructions went
down by 32.3 pct. Residential buildings went up by 60.0 pct, and non-residential buildings by 14.8
pct.
INS data show that construction works volume decreases in November 2016 as compared to
the previous month, as gross series, by 2.3 pct, a decrease clear for capital repair works by 22.3 pct
and current repairs and maintenance by 14.2 pct. Works on new constructions went up by 9.3 pct.
By construction objects, the construction works volume for engineering constructions went
down by 13.4 pct. The volume of construction works for non-residential buildings grew by 12.2 pct.
and for residential buildings by 8.1 pct.
The overall volume of construction works, as adjusted series by working days and seasonality
dropped by 4.0 pct, a decrease by the following structure elements: capital repair works by 28.8 pct,
current repairs and maintenance by 12.9 pct. Works on new constructions went up by 0.9 pct.
By construction objects, the construction works volume for engineering constructions went
down by 17.4 pct. The volume of construction works for non-residential buildings grew by 4.5 pct.
and for residential buildings by 2.3 pct.
The overall volume of construction works, as gross series, decreased by 0.9 pct in the first 11
months of 2016, compared to the same period of 2015. By structure elements, there have been
decreases in the capital repair works by 6.7 pct and new construction works by 2.4 pct. Capital repair
works dropped by 16.4 pct.
By construction objects, the construction works volume grew as follows: residential buildings
by 8.3 pct., By construction objects, engineering constructions by 1.7 pct and non-residential
buildings by 1.4 pct. AGERPRES (RO - author: George Banciulea, editor: Nicoleta Gherasi; EN author: Simona Iacob, editor: Razvan-Adrian Pandea). AGERPRES
ID: 4788414; Data: 2017-01-13 11:22:42; Redactori: isc/pra

Pres. Spokesperson: President Iohannis called General Coldea to Cotroceni Presidential

Palace; there was a discussion
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The President's spokesperson, Madalina Dobrovolschi, said,
on Friday that the head of state called General Florian Coldea to the Cotroceni Presidential Palace and
that there was a discussion between the two.
Dobrovolschi mentioned that she does not have information regarding the content of this
discussion.
Director of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) Eduard Hellvig decided on Thursday to
create a special committee following the information which appeared in public referring to General
Florian Coldea and until the checks are complete Coldea is placed at the SRI's Director disposal, a
release of the institution informs.
According to the quoted source, General Coldea's duties were taken over by Eduard Hellvig.
General Florian Coldea was the target of allegations made during a recording broadcast at
private broadcaster Romania TV in which former deputy Sebastian Ghita, currently missing, said that
General Coldea had blackmailed former Prime Minister Victor Ponta to determine the latter to
propose National Anticoruption Directorate (DNA) head Laura Codruta Kovesi to her current
position. AGERPRES
ID: 4788534; Data: 2017-01-13 12:25:38; Redactori: pra/pra

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

Sugar, feta cheese and pork prices went up in December, plum brandy and beer
cheapened
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - Sugar, fruit, sheep and feta cheese, pork and fresh fruit are
among the products that advanced in price the most in December 2016, comparing with the similar
month of the previous year, according to data released on Friday by the National Institute for Statistics
(INS).
Sugar registered the biggest price growth, of 10.15 pct, fruit prices grew on average by 2.12
pct, in this category including also citric fruits that cost more by 3.37 pct, followed by feta cheese
(+2.09 pct), sheep cottage cheese (+2.05 pct), pork (+1.95 pct) and fresh fish (+1.29 pct).
Maize prices increased by 1.11 pct, footwear by 1.98 pct, books by 2.14 pct, fuel by 1.91 pct
and tobacco by 1.82 pct.
As for services, a significant raise was recorded by postal services, by 29,05 pct while tariffs
for medical care services increased by 1.68 pct, hygiene and cosmetics services grew by 1.32 pct and
accommodation payment in hotels went up by 1.29 pct.
As regards price declines, they were recorded in the vegetables and canned vegetables
category (-2.55 pct), potatoes by 1.81 pct. Alcoholic drinks also registered price reductions by 1.44
pct, the biggest drop was recorded in the case of plum brandy and brandies (-2.13 pct), whereas beer
also registered a slight decrease of 1.22 pct.
The price of detergents decreased by 2.12 pct, cars and spare parts registered decreases of
prices by 1.02 pct, and hygiene and cosmetics products cheapened by 1.19 pct.
Prices of electricity, gas and heating recorded decreases by 6.48 pct in December 2016 as
compared to December 2015 and also train tickets at Romania's National Rail Company, down by
3.19 pct and airfares down by 2.96 pct.
Comparing with November, in December, egg price grew by 6.89 pct, vegetables and cans by
1.83 pct, potatoes by 1.56 pct, fresh fruit by 1.12 pct, butter by 1.11 pct and fuel by 1.63 pct.
Significant drops of prices were registered in the fruit and canned fruit category (-2.15 pct), citric fruit
and other southern fruits, by 6.11 pct. AGERPRES (RO - author: Florin Barbuta, editor: Oana Tilica;
EN - author: Simona Iacob, editor: Razvan-Adrian Pandea). AGERPRES
ID: 4788574; Data: 2017-01-13 12:55:24; Redactori: isc/pra

ANAF - 200 billion lei total revenues in 2016, above 2015 but below revised programme
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The National Agency for Tax Administration (ANAF)
collected in 2016, total budgetary revenues worth 199.4 billion lei, by 2.6 billion lei above the level
achieved in 2015, while revenues to the state budget were at 137.43 billion lei, a slight decrease from
137.46 billion lei the previous year, according to provisional data centralised by ANAF.
But in both cases, the revenues' attainment degree is below the revised programme of
November 2016, of respectively 99.8 pct in the case of total revenues and of 99.4 of budgetary
revenues.
"According to provisional data centralized to the present, ANAF collected in 2016 cumulated
budgetary revenues amounting to 199.4 billion lei, by 2.6 billion lei more than in 2015 and by 3.52
billion lei (1.8 pct) mote than in the programme provided for in January 2016 by budgetary laws,
while the updated programme of the November 2016 revision was fulfilled in a 99.8 pct proportion.
Thus, up to the present, 137.43 billion lei were collected to the state budget, as compared to 137.46
billion lei in 2015, by 3.3 pct less than the initial programme, the attainment level of the updated
programme being thus, of 99.4 pct," mentions a press release sent by ANAF to AGERPRES on
Friday.
According to the document, from profit taxes were collected 15.38 billion lei, by 7.3 pct more
than the initial programme and 0.5 pct more than the revised programme, and from revenue taxes 27.3

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

billion lei were collected, by 5.8 pct more as compared to the initial programme and to the revised
collection programme.
"The collected Value-Added-Tax (VAT) was of 51.66 billion lei, by 0.7 pct (353 billion lei)
less as compared to the initial programme and by 2 pct (1.06 billion lei) less than the revised
programme. Although the standard VAT quota was reduced by 16.6 pct as to 2015, VAT collected by
ANAF in 2016 is only 9.6 pct (5.46 billion) lower as to 2015, only 7 percentage points being
retrieved. The standard quota was reduced from 24 pct to 20 pct starting with January 1st 2016, with a
fiscal influence reflected from February, and the 9 pct reduced quota for foodstuff was applied for the
entire 2016, while in 2015 this quota was applied starting with June 1st," specifies the cited release.
On the other hand, for the period under analysis, ANAF reimbursed 15 billion lei worth of
VAT, by 3 billion lei less than in 2015, as a direct effect of the reduction of VAT imposition quotas
and the enforcement of legal requirements in fiscal group matter, underscores the institution.
As far as excises are concerned, their collection (including the vice tax) amounted to 26.84
billion lei, by 929.4 million lei more than in 2015, a 97.8 pct achievement level of the revised
programme.
For the social security benefits budgets, in 2016, 61.97 billion lei were collected, by 4.43 pct
more as compared to 2015, the programme provided for by the revised annual budgetary laws being
achieved in a 100.7 pct share.
At the same time, ANAF reminds contributors that January 25, 2017 is the deadline for
submitting fiscal declarations and fiscal obligations' payment due for December 2016 and the fourth
semester of 2016. AGERPRES (RO -author: Ana-Maria Vasile, editor:Nicoleta Gherasi; EN - author:
Simona Iacob, editor: Razvan-Adrian Pandea). AGERPRES
ID: 4788673; Data: 2017-01-13 13:35:51; Redactori: isc/pra

Euro trades at 4.4920 lei

Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The exchange rate of the national leu currency resulting from
the quotations announced on Friday by the banks authorized to operate on the currency market is as
follows:
CURRENCY
SYMBOL
RON
1 Euro
EUR
4.4920
1 US dollar
USD
4.2204
1 Swiss franc
CHF
4.1858
1 British pound
GBP
5.1537
100 Japanese yen
JPY
3.6815
1 Moldovan leu
MDL
0.2091
1 Russian rouble
RUB
0.0709
1 new Turkish lira
TRY
1.1093
1 Chinese renminbi
CNY
0.6117
1 gram of gold
XAU
162.5395
1 SDR
XDR
5.6990
The exchange rates of the currencies included in the list are based on the quotations of the
banking companies authorized to carry out operations on the currency market. This list does not make
it compulsory to use the exchange rates of currencies and gold in actual transactions of currency
exchange and book entries. AGERPRES
ID: 4788679; Data: 2017-01-13 13:37:41; Redactori: isc/pra

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

Pres. Spokesperson: President Iohannis to hold speech at Parliame ntary Assembly of

Council of Europe
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - President Klaus Iohannis will be present, on January 24 and
25, in Strasbourg, where he will hold a speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe and will have meetings with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, as well as other
officials, said, on Friday, the President's Spokesperson, Madalina Dobrovolschi.
"In the January 24-25 period, the President of Romania will be present in Strasbourg, at the
Council of Europe. The central element of this trip is a speech that he will hold at the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe. It is a practice for this forum to invite high-level personalities,
heads of state, of government, heads of international institutions, to hold such speeches in the plenum
of the annual sessions," Dobrovolschi mentioned in a press conference at the Cotroceni Presidential
Palace.
According to her, the head of state will have meetings with the Secretary General of the
Council of Europe, with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the
President of the Venice Commission and the President of the ECHR.
The spokesperson also said that Klaus Iohannis will have a meeting with the Roman ian
employees of the Council of Europe, as well as with the representatives of the Romanian community
in the Alsace region. AGERPRES
ID: 4788700; Data: 2017-01-13 13:45:51; Redactori: pra/pra

Curre nt account deficit reaches EUR 3,441 million, three times higher than Jan-Nov
2015
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The balance-of-payments current account registered in the
interval January - November 2016 a a deficit of EUR 3,441 million, up from EUR 2,920 million in the
first ten months, and almost three times higher that the one registered in the same period of last year,
namely EUR 1,237 million reported in the same interval last year, reveal the data the National Bank
of Romania (BNR) released on Friday.
In the assessed period, the goods balance and primary income balance recorded higher
deficits, by EUR 1,590 million and EUR 936 million respectively, the surplus on secondary income
narrowed by EUR 309 million, while that on services widened by EUR 631 million.
Long-term external debt at end-November 2016 stood at EUR 69,758 million (75.4 percent of
total external debt), down 1.1 percent from the level reported at end-2015.
Short-term external debt at end-November 2016 amounted to EUR 22,740 million (24.6
percent of total external debt), up 14.4 percent against end-2015.
In the period under review, total external debt increased by EUR 2,064 million, of which the
public debt rose by EUR 983 million and the non-publicly guaranteed debt by EUR 1,381 million,
while the monetary authority's debt declined by EUR 300 million.
Long-term external debt service ratio ran at 25.2 percent in January-November 2016 against
38.5 percent in 2015. At end-November 2016, goods and services import cover stood at 6.4 months,
flat from end-2015.
At end-November 2016, the ratio of the National Bank of Romania's foreign exchange
reserves to short-term external debt by remaining maturity came in at 92.3 percent, against 97.9
percent at end-2015. AGERPRES
ID: 4788897; Data: 2017-01-13 14:57:58; Redactori: paa/paa

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

Foreign direct investment, up 36pct, to EUR 3,928 million, in first 11 months of 2016
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - Foreign direct investment totalled EUR 3,928 million in the
first 11 months of last year, increasing over 36 percent compared to the level registered in the same
period of 2015, according to the data the National Bank of Romania (BNR) released on Friday.
"Non-residents' direct investment in Romania (estimates) totalled EUR 3,928 million, of
which equity (including estimated net reinvestment of earnings) amounted to EUR 3,089 million and
intercompany lending recorded a net value of EUR 839 million," the data show.
Compared to the first ten months of the year, foreign direct investment increased EUR 192
million, from EUR 3,736 million, to EUR 3,928 million. AGERPRES
ID: 4788919; Data: 2017-01-13 15:04:15; Redactori: paa/paa

Belgium Ambassador in Bucharest: Social infrastructure in Romania has poor

performances compared to Belgium one
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - Ambassador of Belgium to Romania Thomas Baekelandt
stated on Friday, on the occasion of a visit paid to the "Omenia" Mutual Aid House Association
(CARP) in Bucharest that the social infrastructure in Romania has poor performances compared to the
one in Belgium.
"Once again we see in Romania a lack of social infrastructure, caused by the communist past
and state structures which were established after the Revolution. (...) Social structure in Romania,
compared to my country Belgium has poor performances and we would like (...) to help building a
greater capacity of social structures in Romania. It is a long-term investment from our part and from
NGOs in Belgium to help, based on the mutual support between Romanians and the solidarity within
the Romanian community," Thomas Baekelandt said.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Romania expressed his appreciation for the
"Omenia" CARP in Bucharest.
"The solidarity among people makes you stronger and such a community motivates the
volunteer contribution, one being proud to work in this system. This is not yet a general rule in
Romania, but with your work and example you can make yourselves known to others. You can be an
example for other communities," the Ambassador stated.
He mentioned that he was very impressed that the association's personnel and volunteers are
committing to the noble task of helping retirees in their daily lives. The official remarked that the
pensioners of the "Omenia" CARP in Bucharest can benefit from basic health care, on an affordable
price.
President of the "Omenia" National Federation CARP in Romania Gheorghe Chioaru and
Director of the Open Network for Community Development Jozef Goebels have signed a
collaboration protocol.
Thomas Baekelandt mentioned that the Open Network for Community Development is
among the NGOs which benefit from the support of the Belgium Embassy.
According to Goebels, the protocol stipulates that the signatory parts to collaborate in order to
improve the lives of pensioners.
President of the "Omenia " CARP Association in Bucharest Gheorghe Chioaru
mentioned that the document stipulates collaboration activities in order to enhance the number of
social services and the number of people who handle the social assistance for pensioners on a national
level.
Moreover, he informed that he sent sponsorship requests in order to build a social canteen and
an almshouse for old people on a land situated on the Amurgului Street No.40, which is owned by the
"Omenia" CARP in Bucharest. AGERPRES
ID: 4788959; Data: 2017-01-13 15:12:46; Redactori: rod/paa

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

Bogdan Nicolae Stan replaces Dragos Doros at ANAF's leadership

Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - Bogdan Nicolae Stan is the new Chairman of the National
Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF), according to a decision of Prime Minister Sorin
Grindeanu, published on Friday in the Official Journal of Romania.
"Starting with the date when the decision comes into force, Bogdan Nicolae Stan is appointed
as Chairman, acting as State Secretary of the National Agency for Fiscal Administration," the quoted
decision mentions.
Bogdan Nicolae Stan takes the office of Dragos Doros, who was replaced from office on
demand. The decision of removing him from office was also published in the Official Journal of
Romania. AGERPRES
ID: 4788991; Data: 2017-01-13 15:20:06; Redactori: rod/paa

IPP requests Parliame nt to exercise its legal role regarding SRI's organization and
functioning
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The Institute for Public Policies (IPP) requests Parliament to
responsibly exercise its legal role regarding the organization and functioning of the Romanian
Intelligence Service (SRI), as well as to adopt a new law of the SRI.
"Following the serious irregularities discovered within the main intelligence service in
Romania, the IPP is requesting the two Chambers of Parliament to responsibly exercise their legal
role stipulated by the Law No.14/1992 regarding the organization and functioning of the SRI.
According to the Article 1 from the Law No.14/1992, in order to exercise concrete and permanent
control, a joint committee of the two Chambers is to be constituted. In regards to the current
irregularities known in the public space, the checks of the SRI's operative chief Florian Coldea cannot
be carried out by the current subordinates, like it was previously announced. This control must be
carried out according to the law and common sense not by the subordinates, but by the superiors," a
release issued by Deputy Director of the IPP Adrian Moraru sent to AGERPRES on Friday reveals.
According to the quoted source, the IPP requests Parliament to adopt a new law of the SRI, so
that the events, like the one in the past days in which Deputy Director of the SRI Florian Coldea
placed at SRI's Chief disposal after the charges of corruption/ suspicion of having relations with
investigated persons, not to happen again.
"The parties should treat more responsibly the appointment of their representatives in
parliamentary control committees, the reconfirmation of some members and presidents who had these
positions in the period 2004 - 2006 going to be reconsidered, taking into account the "parliamentary
control" carried out so far. In the beginning of a new Parliament tenure, the legislature forum has the
chance to prove that it is truly exercising its role to verify institutions, such as the SRI, especially
during this special moments to its credibility, like the one in the present, which involves the SRI's
Deputy. The new Parliament can use its authority or can waste this moment, affecting both the
credibility of the service, as well as Parliament's credibility," Moraru underlines. AGERPRES
ID: 4789184; Data: 2017-01-13 16:53:49; Redactori: rod/paa

Stefan Ionita, possible new CNAIR director (sources)

Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The new director of the National Company of Road
Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR) could be Stefan Ionita, company sources told AGERPRES on
Friday.
He is to replace Catalin Homor, revoked from office two days ago because of deficiencies
found in the management of the company's activity lately.

10

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

"Discussions are being conducted in the [CNAIR] Board. He is a young engineer, from the
company, he has been technic and quality director, he is familiar with the projects," the sources said.
The CNAIR Board members decided in the meeting on Tuesday to revoke from office
CNAIR director general Catalin Homor, on the grounds of having found deficiencies in the
management of the company's activity lately, the Transport Ministry announced Wednesday.
AGERPRES
ID: 4789195; Data: 2017-01-13 17:00:27; Redactori: paa/paa

Senate President: Investigation objectives in Coldea case - very ambigous

Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu says the objectives
of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) investigation in the Florian Coldea case are "extremely"
ambigous, and the Romanian public opinion is expecting to see to what extent the SRI has
contributed, through its action or its passiveness, to turning Romania into a corrupt state.
"We took note of the official release of the SRI, which informed us the temporary suspension
from office of the SRI first deputy director, lieutenant-general Florian Coldea, and the initiation of an
internal investigation through 'the establishment of a special verification committee on possible
violations of the law or professional deontology.' In the past almost three years, in spite of the risks
and pressures to which I have been submitted and in spite of the fact that I have been almost alone on
this front, I have consistently militated for the observance and resumption to the principles of
democracy and rule of law, premeditatedly abandoned by Romania's former president in his tenures,"
Tariceanu said in a release sent to AGERPRES on Friday.
In his opinion, "over the past 12 years, Romania has become, as even Traian Basescu admits,
a corrupt state, in which some law enforcement institutions and some components of the judicial
power have been turned in political instruments and for covering up some serious illegalities,
committed at the highest level and in its entourage."
According to the Senate President, the goal of the investigation initiated by the SRI director,
Eduard Helvig, should refer to Romania's transformation into a corrupt state.
He adds that the new Parliament will contribute to this objective and he hopes that Romania's
President will do, too. AGERPRES
ID: 4789371; Data: 2017-01-13 18:49:16; Redactori: paa/paa

Form 088 for on registering companies for VAT purposes to be removed starting 1
February 2017
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The 088 form, regarding the companies' registration for VAT
purposes will disappear starting 1 February 2017, a release of the National Agency for Fiscal
Administration (ANAF) sent to AGERPRES on Friday informs.
"According to the governance programme, one of the Government's objectives is to reduce
taxpayers' excessive administrative tasks, therefore the ANAF analyzed the opportunity of removing
the 088 form "The statutory declaration for assessing the intention and capacity to carry out economic
activities which involve operations with VAT" and decided to remove it. (...) In order to avoid
blocking the activity of taxpayers registration for VAT purposes and ensuring their further economic
activity, the repealing order regarding the 088 form enters into force on 1 February 2017, until this
date the new procedure is to be updated, as well as computer applications," the quoted source
mentions. AGERPRES
ID: 4789385; Data: 2017-01-13 18:55:18; Redactori: rod/paa

11

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

Public Consultation Minister: MCPDS and SGG will ensure Gov't meetings'
transpare ncy
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The Public Consultation and Social Dialogue Ministry
(MCPDS) and the Government Secretariat General (SGG) will ensure the transparency of the
Government meetings, says Public Consultation and Social Dialogue Minister Gabriel Petrea.
The Public Consultation and Social Dialogue Ministry and the Government Secretariat
General have released on Friday the summary of the results of the Government activity in the first two
meetings of the Grindeanu Cabinet.
"Thus all decisions approved in the Government meetings or other useful information for the
creation of an institutional memory of the Cabinet are further available for the interested citizens,"
reads an MCPDS release sent to AGERPRES on Friday.
Minister Gabriel Petrea says the demarche will continue to present the wide public the
information within the Government meetings debates.
"For the continuation of the transparency steps in respect to the Government meetings, the
Public Consultation and Social Dialogue Ministry and the Government Secretariat General put at your
disposal the summaries of the two meetings of the Sorin Grindeanu Cabinet of 4 and 6 January 2017.
Together with the colleagues of the SGG we will continue this demarche, of making the Government
meetings transparent, in order to present the wide public the information within the debates of the
Government meetings, as well as to ensure the institutional memory," he points out.
The summaries can be consulted on the MCPDS website (dialogsoc ial.gov.ro).
The Government meetings' summaries release is a demarche initiated in April 2016.
AGERPRES
ID: 4789431; Data: 2017-01-13 19:25:25; Redactori: paa/paa

Englis h Service Team, January 13, 2017

Editor-in-chief Razvan-Adrian Pandea (pra)
Editors
Simona Iacob (isc)
Rodica Ionita (rod)
Adina Panaitescu (paa)
Secretary
Atena Alexe Timocicu (ate)
AGERPRES
ID: 4789436; Data: 2017-01-13 20:00:18; Redactori: paa/paa

Justice Minister to future magistrates:Justice's future depends on people who chose to

put the mselves in service of righteousness
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - The future of Justice in Romania depends most on the people
who chose to put themselves in the service of righteousness, Justice Minister Florin Iordache wrote on
Friday, on a Facebook post.
He says that his attendance to the opening of the academic year at the National Institute of
Magistracy represented an occasion to say a few words to the future magistrates, underlining that "on
their shoulders and on those coming after them lies a huge responsibility and it is very important for
them to understand the role they will have in the Romanian society."
"The future of Justice in Romania depends mostly on the people who chose to put themselves
in the service of righteousness. I wished them good luck and also to be close not just to the letter, but
to the spirit of laws!," the Justice Minister wrote. AGERPRES
ID: 4789451; Data: 2017-01-13 19:37:36; Redactori: rod/paa
12

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605

201701-13

Piaa Presei Libere nr. 1,

Sector
1,
Bucureti,
Romnia
Tel +4 021 207 61 10
www.agerpres.ro

Stefan Ionita appointed interim Director at National Company of Road Infrastructure

Administration
Bucharest, Jan 13 /Agerpres/ - Stefan Ionita was appointed the new Director of the National
Company of Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR), the Ministry of Transport announced on
Friday.
Ionita will take over the office until the procedure of leadership selection will complete,
which is stipulated by the Government Ordinance No. 109/2011.
Stefan Ionita is 38 years old and led, from 2014 until now, the CNAIR's Technical and
Quality Directorate. Between 2004 and 2014 he had several positions within the Technical Road
Studies and Computers Center (CESTRIN). He graduated the Technical Constructions University in
Bucharest - the Railways, Roads and Bridges Faculty and has a masters in "Machines and Production
Systems" within the Polytechnic University in Bucharest.
Former Director of the CNAIR Catalin Homor was revoked from office two days ago,
because deficiencies were found in managing the company's activities in the last period. AGERPRES
ID: 4789481; Data: 2017-01-13 19:53:40; Redactori: rod/paa

13

NEWS OF THE DAY, ISSN 1222-8605