The American anti-missile shield will be implemented in four steps and Romania will host standard missiles type Block 1B which will become operational starting 2015. Romania will not host radars, will not buy SM-3 missiles and will not pay for the implementation or the location, Romanian Foreign Affairs ministry informs. This is the first official declaration after the announcement made by President Traian Basescu.

Renault might open a new factory in North Africa, in Algeria where 50,000 cars will be build, French daily Le Monde reads. Renault declared that the information is pure speculation and adds that it has various projects, including Algeria. Renault has been producing Logan models in Morocco and last year Algeria was the fourth market in terms of sales for Dacia.

The European Parliament approved on Tuesday the new team of European Commissioners, lead by Portuguese Jose Manuel Barroso, which includes Romanian Dacian Ciolos, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, AFP informs. The cabinet is formed of 27 commissioners and received a favorable vote with 488 votes for and 137 against.

The American anti missile shield targets Russia, despite the official statements from Washington, Russian General Nikolai Makarov declared quoted by AFP. He underlined that the development and the implementation of the defense system are actions that threaten Russia.

Justice minister Catalin Predoiu prepares a legislative project that will fast forward trial procedures to improve the time rate for each trial, Romanian news agency Agerpres reads. The aim of the project is to simply trials and deal with the CEDO problem, he said.

Romania's commercial deficit decreased last year with 58.58% to 9.73 billion euro from 23.51 billion euro in 2008, according to Romania's National Statistics Institute date. The decrease was due mainly because of a decrease of imports in the detriment of exports.

Diplomat Marius Lazurca, proposed for Romania's Embassy to the Republic of Moldova is heard in the Romanian Parliament. In his introductory speech he put forward a project for the development of the economic relations between the two countries: setting up a Romanian - Moldovan investment bank.

South Romania is paralyzed by heavy snow and many national and local roads are closed, most newspapers read on Tuesday. In this vein, Transports minister Berceanu declares that all public money were spent on clearing roads in the winter and there will be no money left for road repairing in the summer. Elsewhere in the news, Romania's Defense ministry plans to declassify secret documents regarding the 1989 Revolution, after 20 years. Last but not least, one newspaper reveals that the government lied to impose a higher retirement age.

American company Bechtel plans to continue building Transilvania motorway if the necessary funds will be made available, Bechtel communication manager Bogdan Sgarcitu told HotNews.ro. According to him, the main impediment is the Romanian 2010 state budget, which did not insure that funds will be made available to resume the construction of the highway. For the 10 km from section 2B, between Turda and Campia Turzii, around 100 million euros will be necessary, while for the section 3C, namely 40 km between Suplacu de Barcau and Bors, the construction requires nearly 200 million euros. The works on section 2B are very likely to be carried out, but section 3C remains unaddressed. 

The European Commission (EC) proposed to the European Union Council to extend by one year (namely 2012) the deadline for Romania's endeavour to cut the budget deficit under 3% of the GDP, having in mind the unexpected effects of the recession, a communiqué of the European institution shows. At he same time, the EC appreciates that Romania has taken effective measures to correct the budget's unbalance.

Mehedinti - 14,5% (south-west), Vaslui 13,5% (east), Alba - 13,4% (central-west) are the Romanian counties with the highest unemployment rate, while Bucuresti (2,4%), Ilfov -2,6% (south) and Timis - 4,4% (west) record the lowest rate, a Romanian National Employment Agency (ANOFM) communiqué shows. 

A piece of news from an American newspaper, Des Moines Register, has attracted big interest online. The owner of a company that used to sell Chrysler found a solution to get him out of the crisis brought by the economic environment: he'll bring from Romania electric cars put together in this country - cars based on Dacia models. The news needs to be read with caution: the article talks about high selling prices, of up to 30,000 dollars, an unusual high autonomy - 400 km, and it does not mention who's the producer and where they are produced.

Romanian Finance Minister Sebastian Vladescu hopes that Romania can shift from a stand-by loan agreement to a precautionary agreement with the IMF in the near future. This would indicate that the Romanian economy has recovered, according to Romanian news agency Mediafax.

Natural gas consumption in Romania dropped 15% on a national level in 2009 in comparison with 2008: from 15.5 billion cube meters (165 million MWh) in 2008 to 13.2 billion cube meters (140 million MWh), according to a Romanian Energy National Regulation Authority (ANRE) report. The drop was consistent throughout the entire year, safe for December, when the gas consumption was 9% up against December 2008. 

Romanian President Traian Basescu's statement according to which Romania is ready to host elements of the American missile shield on its territory triggered a negative reaction from Moscow, Nezavisimaia gazeta reads. Not only makes it more difficult to discuss the cut of strategic arms, but the perspective of Russia - US cooperation to create a joint air defence system was blurred.

After heavy snowfalls and strong wind, the week in Romania starts with 16 national roads closed to traffic due to unfavourable weather conditions. The most dramatic situation occurred in Dambovita (south), Giurgiu (South), Arges (South), Ialomita (South) and Buzau (south-east) counties. The traffic towards the port-city Constanta (south-east) is completely blocked and one can only get there on side roads, but Police advises drivers not to use them. 

Romania’s become "global intelligence leader", the country of all services. Elsewhere in the news, retirement meant to cover unemployment, moving money from pensions to cover budget holes, the low retirement ages and the "shameless pensions" have thrown the system into bankruptcy. Last but not least, the Romanian LibDem Party (PDL) is a springboard for ex-Securitate members.

Romania's banking system profits for 2009 dropped to 772.3 million lei (a little less than 200 million euro( from 4.4 billion lei (1.2 billion euro) in 2008, Supervision Agency director Nicolae Cinteza declared.

Romanians Stela, aged 42 and her 17 year old daughter, Simona arrived from Aiud, West Romania to Geneva to beg - the French daily Le Monde starts an article about gypsies fleeing Romania to beg.

Bucharest Appellate Court decided on Friday that Dan Voiculescu collaborated with the Communist secret services structure, Securitate. The decision is not final and can be attacked.

Romania's National Central Bank increased its 2010 inflation estimates from 2.6% to 3.5% and estimates for 2011 a 2.7% rate as cigarette prices increase, central bank governor Mugur Isarescu declared as he presented the inflation report. He added that the central bank maintained its two year inflation target to 3.5% and 3%.

Health ministry announced on Friday that in the last 24 hours 4 new AH1N1 cases and one death were registered. The new cases were found in Bucharest (two) and Braila and Mures (one in each).

All newspapers today read about President Basescu's announcement that Romanian will enter the American anti-missile shield, find out both the advantages and the disadvantages from the press as politicians prefer to talk about the former. Elsewhere in the news, one newspaper reveals how Tourism minister's investigation file was buried in the Deputies Chamber. Last but not least, the Social Democratic Party undergoes a great stress as leaders confront each other to gain the party's leadership.

Romanian PM Emil Boc declared in an interview for HotNews.ro - RFI that inviting Romania in the missile shield programme is "a political, diplomatic, military and strategic success". PM adds that the CSAT decision, namely the approval of the invitation made by Barak Obama, needs to be ratified by the Parliament. "The costs are minimum, the benefits are maximum", Emil Boc added, stating that the Romanian state will make a location available and that other additional costs "are to be negotiated". 

"We're facing the most important national security decision in the last years. It is natural decision for the United States after they gave up having the missile shield in Poland and in the Czech republic", the Senate's speaker Mircea Geoana reacted shortly after president Traian Basescu that the Country's National Defence Council (CSAT) approved Romania's being part of the American missile shield as a consequence pf President Barack Obama's invitation.

Romanian MPE social-democrat Ioan Mircea Pascu, Ex Defence minister, declared that the Russians would probably object to Romania's nesting some missile shield components.

Romanian PM discussed online with HotNews.ro readers on the most important reformist measures in 2010, a year which from the economy perspective is considered to be just as tough as 2009. 

Romanian president Traian Basescu announced on Thursday, February 4 2010, during the Country's National Defence Council meeting, that Romania's participation in the missile shield has been approved, following American President Barak Obama's invitation. "The new shield is not aimed against Russia; I repeat, Romania does not have on its territory a shield aimed against Russia, but against other threats", the Romanian chief of state underlined. 

A gas station in Dortmund, Germany organised the Salt Party last week. In the peak of the enthusiasm, the gas station manager proclaims himself the King of German Salt because 70 trucks of salt brought from Romania were being expected. On Monday, the alarm signal was pulled in Freiburg and other German cities because on Sunday, Reutlingen ran out of the precious winter reserve. A saving convoy was expected from Romania. Germany has no more salt to melt the ice on the streets. 

Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) announced on Thursday that it was decided on February 4 to suspend diplomat Silviu Ionescu from his role during the penal investigation carried out by the Prosecutors of the Penal and Criminality Section. Ionescu, business attaché in Singapore, was suspended after accusations of involvement in a hit-and-run accident that caused the death of one man and injured two other. 

Children in Romania aged 10 to 16 will be vaccinated against swine flu in March at the earliest, Cantacuzino Institute manager Radu Iordachel. Initially, children should have started to be vaccinates in the beginning of the year, but Iordachel claims hat the vaccination campaign was delayed because it was difficult to finds subjects for tests.

Romania is planning the extradition of famous Israeli arm trafficker Shimon Naor. Elsewhere in the news, Algocalmin nation: Romanians swallowed 383 million pain killers in one year, containing a forbidden substance. Last but not least, American company Bechtel threatens to shut the Transilvania motorway construction because the Romanian state would not pay up.

Romania's rating will remain at its lowest level in the investment grade category according to the Moody's financial evaluation analyst Kenneth Orchard, quoted by Bloomberg. Moody's is one of the three biggest financial evaluation agencies and the only one to rate Romania with Baa3, recommending investments still.

The cold wave, which provoked tens of victims in Romania reached Italy as well. Among those severely affected by the extremely low temperatures are two Romanians who died in North Italy: one in Mira, nearby Venice and another in Padova. The two were living on the streets and did not have a place to live or a job. Italian authorities are trying to identify the relatives of the two Romanians. However, the number of Romanian homeless in Italy might be higher.

Romania has the potential to become a heaven for sky lovers: it has plenty of projects destined for the sky resorts and many investors and authorities are interested in the area, French daily Le Petit Journal reads.

Prosecutors started a penal investigation in the case involving Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu, Romania's business attache in Singapore. Ionescu was expatriated after his involvement in an accident which killed a person and injured another two. According to judicial sources quoted by the Romanian news agency Mediafax, Ionescu was called by prosecutors and notified about the accusations against him.

The investigation of the events that lead to the murder of Romanian handball player Marian Cozma ended, a year after his death. Hungarian authorities will publish the first information in this file Thursday, February 4, Romanian news agency Agerpress informs.

Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray might be arrested today, February 3 for manslaughter. The doctor's lawyer, quoted by the international press declared that Murray is in Los Angeles and is planning to surrender to authorities.

A Democrat Liberal Parliamentarian wants to compel all journalists to declare their wealth. Find out how journalists react to the proposal. In politics today, the government works at a new emergency ordinance which would politicize the decentralization process even though the Constitutional Court ruled them unconstitutional in the past. Hungarians, one step to receive cultural autonomy, for now. Elsewhere in the news, energy certificates become mandatory starting this month.

The only remaining child of the Elena and Nicolae Ceausecu, ex-communist dictatorial couple, namely Valentin Ceausescu intends to ask in court for the theatre play "Ceausescu's last hours" to be forbidden. The play is staged at the initiative of the International Institute for Political Crime and its opening took place in December 2009 at Odeon Theatre in Bucharest. The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 2 2010, by Valentin Ceausescu's lawyer, quoted by AFP. 

Romania and Azerbaijan signed a cooperation memorandum in the energy sector, according to Azeri publication Trend.az. A paragraph of the memorandum addresses the cooperation in the case of the project delivering gas from Azerbaijan to Romania through Georgia. The memorandum was signed following a meeting in Baku between the Azeri minister of energy Nating Aliyev and Romanian state secretary in the Economy Ministry Tudor Serban. 

M/V Filitsa, the Greek-owned ship, carrying one Romanian sailor on board, has been freed two months and a half after it was captured, a Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) communiqué informs.

Romanian Health Ministry announced that there have been five new infections with A/H1N1 recorded over the last 24 hours. No patient infected with the pandemic virus died. 

Romanian President Traian Basescu and Moldavian PM Vlad Filat discussed and decided over the phone to open the Radauti-Lipscani Bridge in ten days, Jurnal.md reads. 

Romania's policy of close ties with the Republic of Moldova makes the British think twice. They worry that this will generate a new East European immigration wave, which could reach Great Britain and the other EU members, where they will have the right to resign and work, Express.co.uk reads.

The lift of Romania's President immunity and the introduction of the Parliamentary pass for the designations made by the chief of state - these are two proposals of Romanian ex-PM and PNL leader Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, according to Romanian news agency Mediafax. 

Literature Nobel prize award winner writer Herta Muller claims in an open letter addresses the naming of Marius Oprea as the head of the Institute for Investigations Communism Crimes and the Romanian Exile Memory (IICCMER).

Romanian LibDem party (PDL) exports First Home programme to Haiti. Elsewhere in the news, Romanian administration authority vice-president is suspect in the murder of a 26-year old woman in Dublin. Last but not least, although the Romanian Government invested six million euros from the state budget, the institutions close the doors for the young graduates who could reform the public administration.

Parliamentary parties sketched their priorities for the new Parliamentary session to start today, February 1. Democrat Liberals plan to modify the constitution, sustain a unicameral Parliament and reduce the number of Parliamentarians while the Social Democrats  will propose a new electoral code. On the other hand, Liberals plan to prioritize their own reforms to push the country out of the crisis. Hungarians still plan to lobby for a national minority law in Romania.

Saturday, in an article in the Neue Zuricher Zeitung, a Swiss journalist wonders whether in 2007 Romania was ready to join the EU. But how about Brussels? Was it ready to take up this challenge? A report of the Romanian Innovation and Development Institute reads that Romania is unique but caught in deeply rooted traditional customs.

Romania's transports infrastructure should be a priority for the government, members of the Foreign Investors Council consider, who declared that European funds should accessed for such works. Moreover, they declared that public-private deals, like the one signed for Comarnic - Brasov highway need to be continued.

Ford produced last year, in Craiova, Romania about 300 Transit Connect cars and in the four months of production few cars reached the Romanian market. Most cars were exported to Great Britain, Germany, Italy or Bulgaria, company representatives declared for HotNews.ro.

Social Democrat leader Adrian Nastase declared on Saturday, for a Romanian news television, Antena 3 that he is determined to stand for the party's President position. He added that he will make an official declaration at the National Council.

Romania was not ready to join the EU but nevertheless it was accepted just because it agreed to host two American military bases on its territory, Vladimir Voronin declared during a television show at NIT, quoted by Unimedia.

The Liberal National Party will organize an extraordinary congress on 5 to 7 March, party leader Crin Antonescu declared on Saturday. The Liberal politician announced that he will stand for another mandate as party leader. He said that no one else expressed their interest to compete for the position.

Romania's Health ministry announced that 2 new confirmed AH1N1 cases were found but no deaths. One of the cases was registered in Mures county, and the other in Suceava, North Romania. The ministry press release reads that the total number of confirmed cases until now is 6953 of which 119 deaths.

A Romanian citizen received the biggest inheritance in Romania: 63,000 acres of forest, one newspaper reads on Monday. Elsewhere in the news, Romania became the new heaven for French students wishing to study medicine but fail their exams in their home country. Last but not least, Romanian poor families receive money to allow experiments on their children with the AH1N1 vaccine. The 30 year old Romanian with adverse reactions after the AH1N1 vaccine was transferred to Hungary.

The Italian Olympic Commitee (CONI) declared on Friday, January 29, that Romanian football player Adrian Mutu, current Fiorentina and ex-Chelsea, has been tested positive twice this year. The other test was taken on January 20, after the match against Lazio in the Italian Coup, when he managed to score twice.

Almost one year after debates, the Romanian Government decided to approve the re-structuring of the energetic sector by setting up two giant companies. One of them will be called Electra and its chief is going to be Constantin Balasoiu, an individual supported by PDL, the party in power, currently running the Energy Complex in Craiova (South). The second company is Hidroenergetica. Its future chief is Mihai David, presently Hideoelectrica head and PSD member (the main opposition party).

Ex-European Commission vice-president Gunter Verheugen declared that in spite of their negative image, Romania and Bulgaria are not the most corrupt EU states, Novinite reads. Verheugen made the statements for German TV channel Phoenix TV. 

Romanian National Anti-corruption Authority (DNA), also called General Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, has decided to levy distrait on ex-PM Adrian Nastase (PSD) house in Muzeul Zambaccian St, sources inside DNA declared, quoted by news TV channels.

Tested positive for sibutramina, Romanian football player Adrian Mutu, present Fiorentina and ex-Chelsea, Mutu risks to be suspended for a maximum of four years. This would practically mean the end of his career. "I haven't done anything illegal", were the first words of Fiorentina's striker after the new doping scandal around him. 

UDMR senator Gyorgy Frunda criticised the Romanian Government policy in granting citizenship to Moldavians to a large scale. The MP said in an interview for RFI that offering citizenship en masse doesn't solve anything. On the contrary, it encourages Russian extremists. 

A great talent in football, wasted with inconsistency outside the play field by a lifestyle that scandals, dubious relationships and criminal VIPs. On Thursday afternoon, he received the news: tested positive for the second time in his career, risking four years of suspension. This could be the end of an illusion that marked the last 10 years of the Romanian football: Adrian Mutu.

Romania can only borrow three billion euros in 2010. Elsewhwere in the news, Romanian IMF representative claims that ex-IMF chief Kenneth Rogoff rushed to judge when saying that Romania risks to be unable to pay back. Last but not least, Romanian Work Ministry proposed that the retirement age should be 65 for both men and women in order to save the pension fund. 

"The reason why we have a military presence in Afghanistan is because Afghanistan and his neighbour Pakistan, and the border areas between them, are the most dangerous place for development of terrorist training, planning, that can threaten this country", UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband says in an answer to questions by HotNews.ro readers.
Read the full answers of David Miliband and Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ivan Lewis for HotNews.ro readers.

Romanian authorities are compelled, according to EU standards, to liberalize internal gas prices starting this year. Currently, gas prices for Romanian consumers are the cheapest in Europe, at 50% of the EU average. Due to social pressures, the Romanian government ignores EU pressures regarding the liberalization and urged the National Authority Regulating the Energy Sector to freeze prices.

The short Romanian movie, Music in the blood, directed by Alexandru Mavrodineanu will be submitted Friday in the Clermont Ferrand Festival. Lele a 11 year old boy, a new music star will appear next to Andi Vasluianu and Dorotheea Petre in the movie, Strada Film informs.

Famous Romanian football player Adrian Mutu's anti doping control turned out positive with sibutramina - an energizing substance. The test was conducted after a match with Bari, according to Italian journalists.

EU integration presumes costs and sacrifices that the political class needs to assume just like the population, President Basescu told Moldovan students about EU integration. The President admitted that Romania cannot succeed in including Moldova in the Western Balkans and it will be considered when Moldova will evolve enough. Romania is willing to help Moldova prepare for the EU.

Documents, calculus and analysis concluded by the Finance ministry reveals that this year, unemployment rates will decrease. Vladescu said that he is optimistic as Romania will register economic growth.

Currently, both Eastern and Western Europe passed the toughest periods and even though the crisis is not over yet, trust is slowly regained among banks, companies and people, Romania representative to the IMF declared in a seminar. He added that the crisis in Romania lead to the conclusion that the reform of the fiscal-budgetary system is necessary. He added that Romania will not be able to move forward without it. Follow Tanasescu's main declarations.

Ramnicu Valcea Mayor, Democrat Liberal Mircia Gutau was arrested on Wednesday to Thursday night after he was condemned by a court to three years of prison for bribe taking. Vice Deputy in the same city hall, Nicolae Dicu was detained in the same file.

Three patients infected with AH1N1 died in the last 24 hours. The total number of deaths registered in Romania increased to 118. Plus, 16 new confirmed cases were discovered in the same period, a Health ministry press release informed.

Chiefs of institutions can lay off their personnel and cut salaries, a government's decision reads. Elsewhere in the news, President Basescu announced several new projects with the Republic of Moldova, during his visit to Moldova.  Last but not least, discrimination in Italy pushed a 13 year old Romanian girl to attempt to kill herself, for smelling like a Romanian.

The opening of a third Romanian consulate in the Republic of Moldova, the interconnection of electricity and gas networks between the two countries, non-refundable funds to develop the Moldavian educational infrastructure, the opening of a citizen-awarding agency to speed up this process and recognising diplomas - these are all measures that Romania will take or is willing to take, according to the statements made by Romanian president Traian Basescu in Chisinau today, January 27, 2010.

Romania will pay its share to the European Union's budget, namely 38.99 billion lei for the period 2007 - 2013 and it has to receive 153.66 billion lei or 38.2 billion euros, the Romanian Public Finance Ministry announced on Wednesday. The ministry's reaction comes after Ziarul Financiar published an article entitled "Millions of euros pass us by. We poured into the Union's budget twice more money than we received" (Miliardele de euro trec pe langa noi. Am varsat la bugetul Uniunii de doua ori mai multi bani decat am incasat).

The unemployment will continue to increase in the first semester and it is likely to reach one million jobless people, IMF mission chief Jeffrey Franks declared on Wednesday in an interview for Romanian TV channel Pro TV, at the end of the one week evaluation of the stand-by agreement.

The number of people left unemployed worldwide due to the financial crisis exploded in 2009, reaching 6.6% at a global scale, namely 212 million people, according to an International Labour Organisation report. The institution warns that the recovery of the economy does not mean a drop in the number of the jobless.

Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu was driving the car involved in the accident that killed a 30-year old man on the night of December 15 2009. This is the conclusion of the Singapore Police investigation, according to StraitsTimes.com. Romanian Embassy's charge d'affaires in Singapore returned to Romania shortly after the accident and presented his own version: the Romanian Embassy's car, involved in the accident, was allegedly stolen right before that night; therefore he could not have been driving the car. 

Seven new swine flu patients and one death were recorded in Romanian over the last 24 hours, the Romanian Health Ministry informs, quoted by national press agency Mediafax.

Romania will receive the second and third instalments for the loan taken from the international financing institutions. "I'm convinced that the IMF will authorise the instalments after noting the progress recorded in Romania. Half f the money will be used to support the budget. The other half will go to the Romanian National Bank (BNR) for the payments balance", the IMF chief of mission Jeffrey Franks announced on Wednesday morning, January 27, 2010. The European Commission representatives announced that their next instalment for Romania will be delivered in March.

Romanian President Traian Basescu landed in Republic of Moldova's capital Chisinau on Wednesday morning, January 27, 2010. The Romanian delegation was received with military honours, and the traditional bread and salt. Moldavian temporary president Mihai Ghimpu greeted Basescu at his plane stairs, stireazilei.md reads.

As soon as the state salaries are restructured, more money are saved for investments and co-financing. The way this money is managed is essential, Romanian representative with the IMF Mihai Tanasescu declared for The Money Channel.

The Romanian Government strikes a deal with the IMF. Elsewhere in the news, the Salary Law cuts budgets and incomes. Last but not least, Bulgarians ask Germans to stop comparing them with Romanians.

The World Health Organization was the target of severe critics during hearings at the Council of Europe where it was force to take a defensive attitude facing accusations that it gave up to pressures from pharmaceutic companies to declare pandemic state of emergency for H1N1 virus, AFP informs.

President Basescu's first visit abroad in his first mandate, to Chisinau starts on Wednesday, January 27. The event is long awaited in Moldova and closely followed from Moscow. The visit of the Romanian President triggered a lot of fuss with traffic blockages in Chisinau, road works at minus 20 degrees Celsius. The only local political who does not approve the visit is former President Vladimir Voronin.

The IMF increased on Tuesday its world economic growth estimates for 2010 at 3.9% compared to the previous 3.1% estimate in October but warned that there are many risks like the increase of the state's debt, AFP informs.

Timisioara is the city in which a week of protests lead to the dismantle of the Communist regime. 20 years later, this city proves that urban Romania is more than a collection of buildings, British daily The Guardian reads.

Over 100 non governmental organizations, unions and labor organizations send a public letter addressed to the PM in which they warn that Romania risks to lose about 30 billion euro from EU funds because the government is inefficient and public authorities who manage the funds lack personnel and confront bureaucracy issues. Three employees to 1,400 projects, 10 months on the waiting lists to sign contracts - these are just some problems signaled by businessmen in the letter.

A debate on the way inflation is calculated started at the National Central Bank headquarters, together with the President of the National Statistics Institute, chief economists and other guests. Debates were open by Mugur Isarescu who explained why such debates are necessary. Follow live the most important declarations.

The Social Democratic Party is due to re-elect its leaders on February 20, at the new Congress, one newspaper reads. Elsewhere in the news, the North Pole dropped to Eastern Europe with temperatures way below 0 degrees Celsius. One newspaper marks the first Romanian accusing problems after injecting the anti- A/H1N1 virus.

British singer Rod Stewart will perform in Romania on the Iolanda Balas-Soter stadium in June 29, Romanian news agency Mediafax informs. Tickets will be sold starting with January 26.

Romanian President will be accompanied in his visit to the Republic of Moldavia by a team of six ministers, plus other four officials, the news portal Unimedia informs. The Interior minister, the Regional Development minister, Justice minister and the Economy minister are part of the Romanian official group. 

Vodafone Romania announced on Monday that come February 1 2010, its media account is going to be managed by OMD agency, as a result of the global agreement sealed by Vodafone group with the OMD network last year. According to a company's communiqué, Vodafone Romania will carry on working together with McCann Erickson agency on advertising creative services. 

"Transnistrian Refugees Movement" representatives announced that they will organise protest in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, during the visit of Romanian president Traian Basescu scheduled for this week, January 27 and 28, Jurnal de Chisinau informs. According to the Movement's president Anatol Bazgu, the cause of the protests is the authorities not enforcing the legal courts' decisions and the CEDO decisions. 

The Romanian Foreign Affairs minister Teodor Baconschi launched in Brussels the European action of the Republic of Moldova or, in other words,  
the Republic of Moldova friends group. This took place during a working breakfast of the EU members Foreign Affairs ministers, the Foreign Affairs  
Council and the Informal support group, a Romanian Foreign Office communiqué (MAE) informs. Initially, Baconschi said he was relaying on the support of France and Spain in particular. The French support materialised with Pierre Lellouche, France's state secretary for European Affairs, co-presided the event. 

Sunday to Monday night was the coldest night of the year in Romania so far. In Covasna (central) the thermometers recorded -34 degrees Celsius and -31.3 in Miercurea Ciuc (Harghita county). At 6 am, here were -29 degrees Celsius in Brasov (central), Sfantu Gheorghe (Covasna) and Miercurea Ciuc. There were -28 degrees in Botosani (N-E), -24 in Vaslui (east), -23 in Sibiu (central) and Bacau (N-E).

"Cartel Alfa" union confederation members start their five-day protest in Bucharest. They will rally every day in front of the Finance Ministry, between 10 am to 12 pm. One hundred people are expected to take part daily in the protest: members of the federations affiliated to the confederation, from sectors like public services, metallurgy, ferrous metallurgy, transports, car constructors, mining, light industry and chemistry.

The European Commission (EC) wants a parallel count in the state system. Elsewhere in the news, a new fiscal anomaly: Romanians owning a house abroad will be taxed twice for their wealth overseas. Last but not least, the Romanian Government, the World Bank and the other financing institutions will decide the fate of the unique salary scheme.

Romania's Foreign Affairs minister Teodor Baconschi and American Ambassador Mark Gitenstein had a meeting on Friday to discuss aspects related to the strategic partnership between the two countries, a Foreign Affairs ministry press release reads. This is the first meeting of Baconschi as Foreign Affairs minister . Gitenstein thanked Baconschi for the decision of Romanians to supplement its troops by 600 soldiers.

The government will adopt in February an emergency ordinance through which local authorities will be able to take up bank loans with governmental guarantees to co-finance European projects, PM Emil Boc declared. He added that the sum necessary for guarantees will be set after IMF negotiations will end.

Romania's Foreign Affairs minister, Teodor Baconschi announced that Romania's Ambassador to Vatican, Marius Lazurca was proposed as Ambassador to Moldova, Romanian news agency Mediafax informs.

Slayer will perform in Romania on June 25 during the Sonisphere Festival: la Katarg, the band's website reads. The four great names - Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax will perform this year in Romania.

Romania's National Federation of Administration Unions announced that public servants are planning a warning strike on February 2 which will be followed by a general strike on February 12, Romanian news agency Mediafax informs.

Romanian immigrants in Spain manage to avoid the effects of the economic crisis, Spanish magazine Cinco Dias reads. In 2009, the number of foreigners who contributed to social insurances dropped by 5% but Romanians were the ones to adapt faster to the recession.

IMF evaluation mission chief Jeffrey Franks declared on Thursday that there will be modifications in the agreement. One newspaper reads that only 9 Parliamentarians were present in all meetings of the Legislative in September - December 2009. Another newspaper notes that two Jewish brothers obtained 360,000 lei for all they endured during the Romanian Holocaust. Last but not least, Fly Taxi lost the monopoly over the International Airport Otopeni: 13 taxi companies and 57 private taxis won the new tender.

The barbed wire on Republic of Moldova's border with Romania will be melted and the metal will be used to build a bridge between the two countries, the Moldavian Transport and Road Infrastructure minister Anatol Salaru declared, Jurnal.md reads.

The foreign finance agreement will be carried out, even if the inflation target went slightly over the target fixed last year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief of mission to Romania Jeffrey Franks declared, quoted by Romanian press agency NewsIn. "We have reasons to believe that the programme will continue. The inflation target was missed by a very narrow margin. If we look at the IMF intention letter, there's a 1% strip around the inflation target", Franks said after finalising discussions with the Romanian National Bank (BNR) representatives.

Romanian Country's Supreme Defence Council (CSAT) approved on Thursday an additional 600 soldiers for the Afghan operation theatre. The maximum number can get to 1,798 troops, a Presidency report informs. 

Romanian Public Finance minister Sebastian Vladescu and European Investment Bank vice-president Matthias Kollatz-Ahnen signed the Agreement on guaranty on Thursday, January 21 2010, worth of 320 million euros that the Government will grant on top of the 400 million euros loan Ford got from EIB. Ford will use the funds to expand and equip the production facilities from Craiova (South).

To introduce the Wealth Tax would not bring consistent benefits to the Romanian state due to very high administration costs, PriewaterhouseCoopers Mihaela Mitroi declared during a seminar of fiscal issues. According to her, the costs for following and collecting the tax would be too high in comparisons with the revenues. 

IMF mission chief to Romania Jeffrey Franks began his visit to Romania's Central Bank (BNR), a day after the Romanian representative to the OMF Mihai Tanasescu discussed with the BNR leadership. According to BNR sources, discussions will include budget issues, budget enforcement and Romania's economic growth prediction for this year. 

Romanian tennis player Victor Hanescu was eliminated in the second round in Australian Open, after a tough match against world's no. 1 Roger Federer. With an often "mellow" and predictable tennis, Victor lost in three sets, score 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Federer met a convenient opponent and qualified in the third tour. 

In a post on his blog quoted by Forbes, Nouriel Roubini indicates that political risks in Romania might persist. Nicknamed Dr. Doom, economist Nouriel Roubini, the man who predicted a global financial crisis one year before it happened, analysed the economic circumstances from Island, Latvia, Ukraine and Romania, countries with high economic vulnerabilities.

Romania's debt will reach 43 billion euros by the end of the year. Elsewhere in the news, Romanian President Traian Basescu summarised his foreign policies. Last but not least, roads and ports are closed and trains delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. 

Reader's Digest named Romanian Iana Matei, President of the organization Reaching Out, the 2010 European citizen. The magazine reads that it wants to uphold organizations that counter human trafficking and women exploitation.

All banking accounts of Realitatea Media, one of the biggest media outlets in Romania are blocked for debts of over 5 million lei, sources within the financial institution ANAF declared for HotNews.ro

Sources within the Democrat Liberals declared for HotNews.ro that if the party will not organize internal elections this spring, PM Emil Boc will lose his position as President of the party. Quoted sources declared that the National Convention will be organized by June as internal rules require.

IMF has an ambitious agenda of reforms and programs for this year in Romania, whose implementation will prepare the economy to relaunch after it will exit the crisis, IMF delegation chief Jeffrey Franks declared at Vienna, quoted by the Romanian news agency Mediafax.

Mihai Viteazul, the famous movie directed by Romanian Sergiu Nicolaescu that appeared in 1970 occupies the third position in a rank made by Internet Movie Data Base, Romanian newspaper Ziarul de Iasi reads. The movie was Romania's proposal for the 1972 Oscar at the "Best foreign movie" category.

The European Union needs to take a clear stand in the Transnistrian conflict, Romanian President Traian Basescu declared on Wednesday, at the annual meeting with all accredited diplomatic corps in Bucharest. He added that Romanian will actively manifest within the EU to include Moldova where it belongs.

The third installment of the IMF loan might be unlocked on February 21, the latest, Romania's representative to the IMF, Mihai Tanasescu declared for Radio RFI. He added that the 2010 priority is to restructure public spending and avoid an introduction of new taxes.

Paranormal activities during the presidential campaign such as the use of malicious energy attacks are still on top of the political agenda as newspapers try to figure out who is the man in charge with such attacks. Elsewhere in the news, IMF warns that this installment will be the last to reach the budget. Another scandal is about to break concerning copyright contracts: Labour ministry plans to compel employees with such contracts to pay their social contributions. Last but not least, Dacia will launch a new model, Duster.

Deutsche Bank, the biggest German bank, will launch in the second half the year a local project in Romania. At this point, the mother-branch is giving final approvals, Deutsche Bank operations head in Romania Radu Zaciu told HotNews.ro. Most probably, Deutsche Bank will offer local services for companies in Romania. A related announcement was also made by Juergen Fitschen, Deutsche Bank Board Management member. 

"I haven't spoken about anything of that sort. I said that I have remarked a person who seemed to me that it's place was not there [electoral campaign confrontations]. That's all. I don't believe in these issues and I don't want to comment these issues. I believe my words have been distorted", the social-democratic leader Mircea Geoana said on Tuesday, quoted by Romanian news agency Mediafax, addressing the publicity enjoyed by his and his wife's declarations regarding the alleged "energetic attacks" in the campaign. 

The Romanian Historic Studies Society (SSIR) initiated a petition, signed by important names from the Romanian civil society to reduced the pensions of the high rank ex-communist activists and people occupying decision position in the former oppressive apparatus of the Securitate, the Romanian communist intelligence. The list of signatures remains open and submission can be sent to asociatiassir@yahoo.com.

Romanian citizens can now travel freely to Turkey for tourism, Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) informs. The legal residence period in the absence of a visa is 90 days. 

Moody's estimate that Romania's economy will increase this year by 2.3%. The financial evaluation agency improved Romania's prediction from October 2009, when it estimated a 1.2% progress of the GDP, according to Romanian news agency NewsIn. At the same time, the agency expects a 6.3% of the GDP budget deficit, slightly below the previous prognosis (6.4%). 

Another 123 cases of infection with the A/H1N1 virus and one death have been recorded in Romania in the last 24 hours. The total number of patients recorded on a national scale since the outbreak of the flu reached 6,733, out of which 108 died, according to the Romanian Health Ministry on Wednesday.

Victor Hanescu qualified in the second round in Australian Open, after defeating Argentinean Juan Ignacio Chela. The match was over in two hours and 17 minutes, score 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (2) for the Romanian. Victor Hanescu will meet Roger Federer, no. 1 worldwide, in the second round of the year's first Grand Slem competition. 

The economy credit market is still in his early Romanian days. There have been threee banks, another one has announced its intentions, but in he end the Romanian market entered the new year with two major players: BCR Banca pentru Locuinte (Bank for Homes) and Raiffeisen BpL. CEC postponed a similar project, while HVB and Raiffeisen joined on the economising-crediting segment. Both banks for residences are supported by a strong Austrian bank. Additionally, the ex-Raiffeisen BpL went over to BCR BpL. In his new role, Alexandru Ciobanu, BCR BpL president spoke with HotNews.ro about the real estate market evolution, the 2010 perspectives and how the First Home project affected the BpL market.

Union members take to the streets: 200,000 state employees are made redundant. A Eurostat study published yesterday confirmed the difficult situation in Romania: second rank in the EU regarding poverty. Elsewhere in the news, union requested the political class to consider making banks pay for the economic crisis' effects. Further in the news, after one year and a half of financial restrictions, people in Romania can now get credits from banks. Last but not least, Romania tops 25 countries exporting prostitutes. 

Paranormal activities during the presidential campaign such as the use of malicious energy attacks have been blamed by a top Romanian politician and his wife for his losing the presidential poll against Traian Basescu last year. The allegations, made by Social Democratic Party - PSD leader Mircea Geoana and his wife Mihaela Geoana on a TV station last weekend, have sparked mockery in Romanian media and intensified attacks on him as the party is engulfed in a power struggle following the election last year.

Corruption is a sensitive problem in Romania and it affects all sectors, despite instruments offered to businessman to change the system. The pressure of the EU does not seem to have any effect in this country, French daily La Croix reads.

Hungary does not need the financial support of the IMF, Hungarian Finance minister declared for the Financial Times. He added that the efforts of the government to control public spending has paid off.

British government will introduce, starting February 15, new visa procedures for non EU citizens, British Embassy to Romania informs. The visa will be obtained in maximum 15 days since documents have been submitted and fingerprints collected.

Herman van Rompuy - European Union President will arrive on Monday, in Bucharest in a first visit in Romania since he took over the position. Van Rompuy is scheduled to meet with President Basescu.

US Embassy to Bucharest is closed on Monday to celebrate Martin Luther King's Day. All Embassy services will be resumed on Tuesday, January 19, a press release of the institution reads.

Liberal Radu Stroe will represent Bucharest College 1 in the Deputies Chamber. According to the latest results issued by the Electoral Office after counting the 25 voting sections, Stroe received the mandate with 70.17% of the votes to his countercandidate, 23 old rich businessman Prigoana with 29.83%. The position remained vacant after Bogdan Olteanu left to occupy a position at the National Central Bank. Turnout was 27.11%.

Liberal Radu Stroe secures win against 23 old rich business man Prigoana Jr with 70.07% of the votes for a Parliamentarian mandate. Elsewhere in the news, find out how the investment government plans to use the money in a time of crisis. Last but not least, the first public-private partnership was forged for a 4.7 billion euro project for 55km of highway linking Comarnic to Brasov, cutting across Valea Prahovei, famous for its mountain resorts.

UN chief in Haiti, Tunisian Hedi Annabi, lost his life during the Tuesday's earthquake from the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, UN president Ban Ki-Moon conformed on Sunday, quoted by AFP. The UN chief of mission's death was announced first on Wednesday evening, but the UN did not confirm it before his body was found. 

Red Cross Romania joined the efforts of Red Cross International Federation and red Half Moon and launches "Aid for Haiti" appeal. The campaign aims to raise funds, directly and online, and to make family connections service available for people to be able to get in contact with relatives in Haiti.

Hungarian Democrats are getting their pay for supporting Democrat Liberals in forming a majority in the Parliament, find out how much they get. Elsewhere in the news, PM Emil Boc declared in the Parliament that Romania will not register an economic growth in the first two quarters of 2010. Last but not least, Romania's National Integrity Agency pays 3 million euro to archive wealth declarations.

Sir Elton John will perform in Romania on June 5, 2010 in the Constitutiei Square, in Bucharest, the capital city, metalhead.ro informs. Tickets will be available shortly. 

After two concerts in Romania in 1999 and 2008, Metallica will come to Bucharest next year as part of the Sonisphere festival, scheduled for 25 to 27 June, 2010, sonispherefestivals.com reads. The first show will be held at Warsaw, in Poland.

The first euro coins to be produced in Romania might come from Metrom Brasov (Central) next year, Brasov senator Titus Corlatean told HotNews.ro. To warm up, Metrom will first produce Romanian coins (lei). The first tests have already been designed and wait to be "authorised" by the Central Bank (BNR). 

Last year was the first when the Romanian market hasn't been the main selling space for Dacia. Romania, the car's country of birth, ranked third, after Germany and France. Dacia sold 85,000 cars in Germany in 2009, owning 2.1% of the German car market. In Romania, sales were under 45,000 units, half the figure compared with 2008. But the low in Romania was compensated by countries like France and Italy, where Dacia ales went over 60,000 and 20,000 units, respectively.

Labor minister Mihai Seitan confirmed for HotNews.ro that the government intends to compel employers to pay social contributions for copyright contracts as well. This is one of the solutions proposed for the pensions law project, which will be sent to the Parliament in the next 2-3 weeks, Seitan declared for HotNews.ro

In 2010, taxes will remain the same, Finance minister Sebastian Vladescu declared before debates in the specialized Parliamentary committees on budget and finance started. He added that 2010 will be a tough year, but hope will revive since it is not as dramatic as people expect it to be.

The European Commission authorised American group Kraft Foods to buy British company Cadbury. On one condition: the new entity must give up Cadbury chocolate producing operations in Romania and Poland, Romanian news agency Mediafax informs. 

Ex-Romanian Defence minister Ioan Mircea Pascu, currently social-democratic MEP, mocks on his personal blog the proposal of taxing fast food, fizzy drinks and sweets. 

The Government decided to create or to reactivate at least three Councils with the mission to support the PM in his fight with fiscal fraud, in the state's attempt to absorb European funds and in managing public spending. "We decided to set-up the inter-ministerial Council addressing the absorption of European Funds. This council is under the Prime Minister's direct coordination and targets bringing the European money here, home. Secondly, we've set up the inter-ministerial Council to combat fiscal fraud", Emil Boc declared. 

Specialty commission from the Romanian Parliament start debates on the 2010 state budget today, Tuesday, December 5. The budget should be voted by January 20, when International Monetary Fund, European Commission and World Bank missions are expected to return to Bucharest.

UPDATE Romanian President Traian Basescu talked on Tuesday evening on Romanian TV channel OTV about the decision of cutting jobs in the education department. He said that locum tenants and teachers that have already retired will leave the system and that a possible curriculum reform would generate other redundancies. Unions said the ordinance constitutes an abuse and will take matter to court.

The Government in Chisinau will vote in the months to come a regulation that will force cinema operators from the Republic of Moldova to run films with Romanian subtitles. The announcement was made by Moldovan Culture minister Boris Focsa during an intervention at the ProTV Chisinau channel, according to Unimedia. 

The inauguration ceremony, marking the Spanish takeover of the EU Presidency  from Sweden who ended its mandate. Spanish PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will attend a reunion at the Moncloa Palace where he will receive European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and the EC President Jose Manuel Barroso.

Romania continues to be the last listed EU member in a top addressing economic trust (Economic Sentiment Indicator - ESI) put together by the European Commission. Still, the way people and company perceive the economy increased slightly in December against November, fro 64 points to 62.1 points, Mediafax informs. 

A deputy from the governing party in France, namely Lionnel Luca, whose father was of Romanian origin, refused to receive the "Doctor Honoris Causa" title awarded by the University in Nyssa, saying that the ex-Romanian communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu received this title, L'Expess publication informs. The former dictator received the distinction in 1975, when he was considered to have a rebel attitude towards the Soviet Union.