no. 17/ 4th year 2nd – 20th of december 2011 politics economics

Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom of Great B ritain and Northern Ireland ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Arundel House, 4 Palace Green London W8 4QD UK Tel. 020 7937 9666 Fax: 020 7937 8069 E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.london.mae.ro

No. 17/ 4 th Year 2nd – 20th of December 2011

Politics 1. President Basescu: The solution to the crisis is that we stay united, that we stay a European Union with

27, not 17 members 2. Romania’s strategic partnership with Turkey 3. Romanian-Bulgarian agreement on common airspace block - Danube FAB 4. PM Emil Boc: We do not believe in a two-gear Europe 5. Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi attended Foreign Affairs Council meeting 6. Labour Minister: Maintaining restrictions for Romanian workers lacks any economic justification 7. Minister Orban stresses need to maintain funding channels for non-eurozone states 8. Schengen: EU states' leaders demand swift decision on Romania and Bulgaria accession 9. Romanian ForMin welcomes Croatia's EU Accession Treaty signing 10. Romania intends to continue participation in training Afghan national security forcesThe Ambassador of

Romania visited Scotland 11. Meetings the authorities and important figures of Scotland Economics

1. Romania GDP close to 90 bln Euros in 9 months 2. Eurostat: Romania reports highest economic growth rate in EU in Q3 3. Romania to absorb 2.5mln Euros a day in EU funds for human resources projects 4. IBM inaugurates in Romania the IBM Bucharest Systems Laboratory, employing 125 specialists 5. Unilever invests EUR 50 million in expanding its local factory 6. Pound trades at 5.15 lei Culture

1. A charity evening celebrating Romanian music & art Christmas Tree Celebration 2. Launch of “Romania in Contact” magazine’s brand in London 3. Romanians in Britain: A Chronicle of Joy 4. The way the Romanians see themselves in the mirror: civilised, open- minded and loyal 5. Support to Cluj Napoca's candidacy for European Capital of Culture, in 2020 6. Victor Nicoară @ St Martin in the Fields 7. Claudiu Komartin, back in London with a new project 8. Mircea Cantor at Tate Modern Level 2 Gallery 9. Alexandra Dariescu (piano) with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Barbican Hall




• Politics

President Basescu: The solution to the crisis is th at we stay united, that we stay a European Union with 27, not 17 members

In the speech delivered at the works of the EPP Summit held in Marseille, President Traian Basescu said that Romania wants to participate in the decisions taken on the euro area because all such decisions, or the absence thereof, affect the day to day life of Romanian citizens.

'Romania strongly relies on the eurozone market in terms of exports. Many of our partners are French, German, Spanish or Italian. Romania cannot accept a European Union with two categories of countries. Romania wants to participate in the

eurozone decision-making process because any such decision, or the absence thereof, affects the day-to-day life of Romanian citizens. The solution to the crisis is that we stay united, that we stay a European Union with 27, not 17 members,' said the head of the Romanian state.

He added that lately, there has been increasing talk about the 'euro group and the others,'' but that everyone has to understand that eurozone developments ''dramatically'' affect the daily life of the citizens of non-eurozone countries.

''Europe and a great part of the world are going through a period fraught with challenges: the sovereign debt crisis, difficulties in encouraging economic growth, strengthening the internal market, managing migration and the demographic issues of the European Union, and the list can go on. We now face a strategic decision: going for individual options or speeding up integration. Europe needs a long-term strategy not just in order overcome the crisis it is currently facing, but mainly in order to secure the future,'' stressed President Basescu.

Also taking the floor at the works of the EPP Summit were president of the European People's Party, Wilfried Martens; President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso; German Chancellor Angela Merkel; France President Nicolas Sarkozy; Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban; and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Also present at the EPP top-level event in Marseille were leaders of the Democratic Liberal Party (PDL) and of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR). PDL chairman, Premier Emil Boc attended the EPP meeting, together with Chamber of Deputies' Speaker Roberta Anastase, Ministers Anca Boagiu, Sulfina Barbu, Elena Udrea and MEPs Theodor Stolojan and Elena Basescu.




Romania’s strategic partnership with Turkey President Traian Basescu and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul signed in Ankara the

declaration on the strategic partnership between Romania and Turkey. The Romanian Head of State said that that document targets all the fields of higher interest of the cooperation of the two countries.

'We signed today a strategic partnership between Romania and Turkey which settles all the fields of higher interest in the bilateral relation. We established by this partnership the cooperation in the foreign policy, in the security policy and especially in the anti-terrorist fight, we established the

consolidation of the economic cooperation, a major point, especially during this period,' said President Basescu.

'The declaration on the strategic partnership will lead us towards an actual development of our relations and cooperation,' said the Turkish President.

President Basescu met Turkish investors President Traian Basescu in Ankara thanked the Turkish investors for their contribution to

Romania's economic growth, at the same time pointing out that Romania cannot offer special facilities, but the same as those granted to investors from other countries. President Traian Basescu said the volume of economic exchanges between Romania and Turkey exceeded 3.5 billion Euros in the first 9 months of 2011. President Abdullah Gul also said the two countries aim further to reach a trade volume worth 10 billion dollars. He thanked President Basescu for the confidence he has in the Turkish investors, stressing the resumption of the Ro-Ro

transport service between Constanta and Istanbul is a beneficial thing for the development of both states' transports.

President Basescu paid a two-day official visit to Turkey on Dec. 12-13, answering the invitation extended by his counterpart Abdullah Gul.




President Traian Basescu discussed on building a mo sque in Bucharest with Abdullah Gul President Traian Basescu said that he talked to his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul about building a mosque in Bucharest, with building an Orthodox church in Istanbul also on the cards. 'We will see if this can happen,' President Traian Basescu added during the meeting he had in Ankara with the representatives of the Romanian community. Romania fully supports Turkey's EU accession, says President Basescu Romania is fully supporting Turkey's access to the European Union and considers that this

country can revitalize the traditional Europe, stated in Ankara President Traian Basescu.

'I am convinced that by its size, dynamism and this nation's youth, Turkey can make an extraordinary contribution, even to the revitalization of traditional Europe', Basescu said in a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul.

The Turkish President said that his country has always been careful with economic percentages, so that to fit

the Maastricht criteria.

'Of course, the EU has made a good decision, which can further govern all its actions on medium and long run. It seems that the source of the problem was that many EU countries failed to apply the EU criteria. In terms of Turkey's debts, according to the Maastricht principles, we should have 60 percent, but our debt is in proportion of 40 percent ', said President Gul.

Romanian-Bulgarian agreement on common airspace blo ck - Danube FAB

Romania and Bulgaria signed in Brussels an agreement on the common Functional Airspace Block (FAB), under which, starting with 2013, civil and military aircraft that will enter the airspace of the two countries can choose any route that is most advantageous in terms of cost and time, to go to the destination and not based on strict air routes as up to now.

On behalf of Romania, the document was signed by Secretary of State Alexandru Nazare, and on Bulgaria's behalf by the Minister of Transport and Information Technology, Ivailo Moskovski.

The Functional Airspace Block basis between Romania and Bulgaria were laid in 2004. In 2008, feasibility studies were completed, and now a team of 70 air traffic controllers in Romania and Bulgaria and 30 pilots from France carry out a simulation of how the joint air traffic organization




will operate. By December 2012, the block will be operational and since 2013 the air traffic will be run, according to the new formula, in Romania and Bulgaria.

Danube FAB is a project initiated by the Romanian Administration of Air Traffic Services (ROMATSA) and the Air Traffic Services Authority of Bulgaria. The project, with costs estimated at about 5 million euros, is financed in a proportion of 50 percent by the European Commission, through the Trans-European Transport Network Programme, and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania was appointed coordinator of the project in relation to TEN-T Executive Agency.

Through this project, Romania and Bulgaria will harmonize their air navigation services, by maximizing flights safety and efficiency, reducing at the same time the impact of aviation on the environment. The project will continue providing air navigation services through the existing control centres in Bucharest and Sofia.

The Common FAB Board was established by the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Romania and Bulgaria on February 26, 2010. On August 10, 2010, in Bucharest, Bogdan Donciu and Diyan Dinevi, executive heads of air navigation services in Romania and Bulgaria, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of air navigation services and on establishment of a functional airspace block. The Memorandum is an essential element of the set of joint documents that guarantee the establishment of DANUBE FAB, in accordance with the deadline set by the European Parliament and the European Union Council - end of 2012.

PM Emil Boc: We do not believe in a two-gear Europe Bucharest, Dec 5/ Agerpres/ - Europe does not need a division between the euro area and the non- euro area, said Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc at Victoria Palace during a meeting with Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Denmark Prime Minister, a country to be appointed the European Union rotating presidency in the first half of 2012.

"We do not believe in a two-gear Europe," said Prime Minister Emil Boc, according to a release issued by the Government. PM Emil Boc talked about Romania's expectations for the period to come, especially about the decision to be made as soon as possible by the European Council regarding Romania joining the Schengen Area, meeting the same criteria as the other member states.

In her turn, the Head of Copenhagen Government said that the upcoming

Danish presidency of the European Union supports Romania in joining the Schengen Area, as long as the necessary conditions are met.




"You can count on Denmark regarding the cooperation of Schengen and I would like to share a little story in this respect. When we negotiated the governmental programme, we were already deep into two weeks of negotiation and it was time for Denmark to take a firm stance on Schengen and I can assure you that there is a bigger understanding of the Danish Parliament towards this Government and the previous, as we made a special agreement in this area when we negotiated the governmental programmes. I only want to reassure you that there is a parliamentary support and that we talked this in detail," said PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt.

She supported Romania's point of view that the decision in Europe on joining the Schengen Area should not be influenced by other matters except for those included in European agreements, reads the release from Victoria Palace. As regards PM Emil Boc, he voiced his hope that Denmark supports a European decision for Romania to join the Schengen Area in the first half of 2012, when the Scandinavian kingdom will get the rotation presidency of the EU.

"I hope your presidency will be successful, as there are many challenges ahead. I can assure you that you can count of Romanian support to put into practice your priorities under Danish presidency and I hope we can count on your support as well regarding our accession to the Schengen Area and we hope the decision will be made as soon as possible, during your mandate," Prime Minister Boc told the Danish PM.

PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt paid a visit to Romania in view of the seventh mandate of her country of the presidency of the European Union, in the first half of 2012.

Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi attended Foreign Affairs Council meeting Bucharest, Dec 2/ Agerpres/ Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi attended the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, which was held in Brussels.

On this occasion the Romanian chief diplomat voiced Romania's solidarity with the British diplomacy over the incidents in Teheran.

"The ministers exchanged opinions on the Iranian nuclear file as a consequence of the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency being published in early November. Joining the other foreign ministers, Minister Baconschi voiced the full solidarity of the Romanian diplomacy with the

British diplomacy over the incidents in Teheran," reads the above-mentioned release.




Another subject dealt with during the working session was the political developments in the Western Balkans, with emphasis on the developments in Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Romanian Foreign Minister underscored the need for the Western Balkan states to continue reforms in order to advance on their way to the EU. Baconschi reiterated support for Serbia's EU bid and showed that the resumption of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina on November 22 was a positive development. He also underscored the need for the international community, the EU included, to support the statehood consolidation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"As for the southern neighbourhood, the talks focused on the situation in Egypt, Syria and Yemen. The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs voiced support for the objective of the Egyptian authorities to create a civilian government that will meet the people's aspirations and manage the domestic economic challenges. He also hailed the efforts of the Arab States League to identify a solution to the ongoing crisis in Syria," informs the MAE release.

On the sidelines of the FAC, on November 30, the foreign and defence ministers of the EU member states attended a working meeting that dealt with the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union. The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs voiced openness to a better cooperation in the field with the eastern partners, especially by the involvement of the states in the Eastern Partnership.

In connection with the peace process in the Middle East the Romanian chief diplomat reiterated the importance of the dialogue between parties being resumed rapidly as a vital instrument in achieving lasting peace in the region. Minister Teodor Baconschi voiced support for the international efforts, coordinated by the Quartet, meant to make the resumption of direct negotiations easier and also underscored that any agreement between the parties must lead to the advancement of the peace process and ensure regional security and stability.

Labour Minister: Maintaining restrictions for Roman ian workers lacks any economic justification Maintaining restrictions on the labour market for Romanian workers by some European Union

member states lacks any economic justification, Minister of Labour, Family and Social Protection Sulfina Barbu said at the presentation of the balance sheet of the first three months of her mandate at the Ministry.

'We still sustain the lack of any economic arguments for maintaining these restrictions [on the labour market, by some European Union member states], as the member states have political decisions on this component and not economic reasons,' Minister Sulfina Barbu said.




She added that 'we have a partial liberalization of the German labour market for certain professions, generally those that require higher education.'

The Labour Minister also said she was encouraged by 'the attitude of the European Commission and of European Commissioner Laszlo Andor, who gave guarantees, including in the EPSCO Council [Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council], that he would analyze very carefully and severely the justification of the member states that decided to maintain restrictions on the labour market, and, who also said, in the plenary meeting of the Council included, that these decisions were derogations from the Accession Treaty and proposed the member states to also consider the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice in this area. '

According to Labour Minister in the next period a number of bilateral documents on 'boosting the cooperation in the field labour market, but also in the fight against undeclared work' will be concluded with counterparts of other countries, bringing to mind in this respect the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic.

On the other hand, a few days ago, namely on December 15, the European Parliament passed and adopted a resolution asking the European Commission to establish very clear parameters in the economic evaluations of countries that maintain restrictions in the EU space. It is about exact standards for all member states that continue to maintain restrictions for Romanian and Bulgarian workers. The resolution shows that 'several member states have decided to maintain the restrictions for Romanians and Bulgarians, more because of political pressures.'

Moreover, the EC report on November 11 showed that Romanians had a rather positive role in the economies of the destination countries, in Europe the impact of workforce mobility leading to an increase of 0.3 percent of the GDP for EU-27 and of 0.4 percent for EU-15. (ActMedia, December 20, 2011)

Minister Orban stresses need to maintain funding ch annels for non-eurozone states Bucharest, Dec 6/ Agerpres/ European Affairs Minister Leonard Orban, on Dec. 5 at the European Union's General Affairs Council (GAC), said it is essential to maintain the funding channels for the non-eurozone member states and stressed the importance of the European banks' exposure to these countries.

According to a release sent by the Ministry of European Affairs (MAEur), during his address, the

Romanian minister hailed the Draft European Council Conclusions unveiled by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and underscored "the necessity of strengthening the language concerning the foreign banks' exposure, in order to implement the recommendations of the European Banking Authority."




"The continuation of funding channels is essential for the non-eurozone member states, considering the commitments pledged under the Euro Plus Pact," the release reads.

As to the stage of the talks on the EU's new Multi-annual Financial Framework for 2014-2020, the European affairs ministers of the EU states, gathered in Brussels, took note of the report of the EU Polish Presidency tackling this topic.

"Minister Leonard Orban said that Romania's core objective is to assure a proper funding level for the Cohesion Policy, meant to reduce the development differences between member states. At the same time, he evoked the importance of assuring an adequate funding for the Common Agricultural Policy, highlighting the need to reduce disparities between the direct payments granted to farmers from various EU member states," the MAEur release also says.

The agenda of the Brussels gathering also included topics such as the preparation of the Dec. 8-9 European Council, an exchange of views on the report of the Polish Chairmanship approaching the stage of negotiations on the new multi-annual financial framework, the presentation of the 2012 Annual Growth Survey unveiled by the European Commission and its working program for 2012 as well.

In addition, the ministers talked about the Draft European Council Conclusions on EU's enlargement and the stabilization and association process.

Economic aspects, mainly those regarding the promotion of growth in Europe, measures aimed at consolidating the economic convergence in the Euro Zone and the nationwide implementation of the commitments assumed by the members of the Euro Plus Pact will feature the agenda of the winter European Council meeting.

Moreover, the European Council will also analyze the progress made in the implementation of the guidelines on the energy issue, established in Feb. 2011, the quoted source says.

Schengen: EU states' leaders demand swift decision on Romania and Bulgaria accession The leaders of the European Union member states united in the European Council's winter meeting demanded a swift decision on Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen Area, acknowledging that both countries met all the necessary legal requirements. If necessary, the European Council will reopen the file on Schengen expansion during their meeting in March 2012. 'Considering their talks held in June and October 2011, the European Council acknowledges that all legal requirements were met so as a decision on Romania and Bulgaria accession should be made as quickly as possible. They demand the Justice and Home Affairs Council to adopt this decision sooner rather than later. If necessary, the European Council will approach again this matter during their meeting on March 2012,' reads the conclusions of the European Council winter meeting concluded on Friday afternoon.




The Dutch Government is the only one to block the expansion of the Schengen Area after Finland decided in November to take into account the possibility of Romania and Bulgaria joining in two stages (firstly with air and sea borders by late March 2012 and then with land borders after July 2012). The Netherlands explain their position by the meagre results provided by Bucharest and Sofia in their fight with corruption and organised crime. The decision to expand the Schengen Area must be made unanimously by the ministers of Home Affairs of the member states (the Justice and Home Affairs Council). During the decisional process, the European Parliament (EP) has only a consultative role, the approval in this respect lying with the EP plenum in June, by adopting the report made by MEP Carlos Coelho. (ActMedia, December 12, 2011) Romanian ForMin welcomes Croatia's EU Accession Tre aty signing The Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a press release, welcomes the signing of Croatia's Accession Treaty with the European Union in a solemn ceremony held in Brussels on the sidelines of the European Council winter meeting. The event marks a significant time both for Croatia and for the European Union, which confirms that, in spite of the economic difficulties facing the European bloc, the enlargement process maintains its credibility and transforming force, the release stresses. The ministry congratulates the Croatian authorities on the Treaty signing and believes the prospect of Croatia's joining the EU on July 1, 2013 sends an unequivocal signal of the EU commitment to integrate the countries of the Western Balkans, as they make the required steps to get closer to the European standards and values. The foreign ministry also reiterates support for the ‘open doors' policy in favour of the states which have the political will and capability to meet the criteria entailed by the EU enlargement. Therefore, it encourages a continued reform process in the countries that are either candidates or aspire to join the bloc, as a means to accelerate their getting closer to the EU and to advance on their European route, the release said. Croatia filed its official candidacy to join the EU on Feb. 23, 2003, with the European Council confirming Croatia's candidate status in June 2004. The entry talks ended on the occasion of the Inter-governmental Conference held in Brussels on this June 30. Croatia is to become the 28th member of the European Union, after all the signatory states ratify its Accession Treaty and after the document takes effect. (ActMedia, December 12, 2011)

Romania intends to continue participation in traini ng Afghan national security forces

Bucharest, Dec 5/ Agerpres/ State Secretary Doru Costea underlined, in a speech given in Bonn, Romania's efforts, along with those made by the allies and ISAF partner countries, to stabilize the security situation in Afghanistan.




The Secretary of State, head of the Romanian delegation taking part, in the former West German Capital, in the conference: "Afghanistan and the International Community: From Transition to the Transformation Decade", highlighted Romania's determination to maintain the personnel deployed in ISAF and EUPOL Afghanistan until the two missions will achieve their planned goals.

He also announced Romania's intention to continue its participation in training of the Afghan national security forces, even after the expected date of transition completion.

In the same context, the Romanian official said that Romania pays a special attention to the political dimension of the transformation process of Afghanistan into a stable and democratic country and is interested in developing bilateral relations. "A proof of our determination to deepen the political dialogue with Afghanistan is the opening, later this year, of Romania's diplomatic mission in Kabul", State Secretary Doru Costea also said.

At the end of the conference, participants agreed on the general objectives, which the international community will promote in Afghanistan, both in the context of carrying out the transition process, scheduled to be completed in 2014, and after completing this process. The event had a wide participation, about 85 countries and 15 international organizations coming up with messages of continuation of their assumed commitments in Afghanistan, particularly directed to the strengthening of the governing capacity of the Afghan authorities.

In the past decade, the international community has made specific efforts to identify and implement some viable solutions, designed to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan and to strengthen the capacity of Afghan institutions to take responsibility for ensuring good governance, MAE reminds in its release.

The International Conference of December 5 is the main political event in 2011 as regards the "Afghanistan issues". The event has a symbolic significance, marking a decade since the political framework was established on the involvement of the international community in this country.

The agenda of the meeting included civil aspects of the transition process until 2014, the long-term commitment of the international community in Afghanistan and in the region (especially for the period 2015-2024), the political process designed to help the inter-Afghan reconciliation, the country's stabilization and strengthening of the regional cooperation.

Participants in the conference were states contributing to the ISAF mission and the international organizations that run programs in Afghanistan, as the UN, OSCE, EU, NATO, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, Collective Security Treaty Organization, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, OIC/Organization for Islamic Cooperation, International Committee of the Red Cross.




The Ambassador of Romania visited Scotland Between 4-5 December 2011, the Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom, Dr. Ion

Jinga, paid a visit to Scotland.

This is the Ambassador’s sixth visit to Scotland since he was appointed in March 2008, the previous five being dedicated to the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Romania in Aberdeen and to a better understanding of the needs of the Romanians living in the region (December 2008, February 2009); meetings with high Scottish officials from Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow meant to intensify the Embassy’s economic, cultural and social dialogue with the Scottish authorities (June 2010); opening, in

Edinburgh, of the Consular Office of the Embassy of Romania (February 2011); and the participation, in Edinburgh, at the invitation of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of the Scottish Government, at The Scottish Low Carbon Investment - Resource use and energy efficiency Conference together with the representative the Romanian Government, Mr Karoly Borbely, State Secretary with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and the Business Environment (September 2011).

The visit had as main objectives the events dedicated to the National Day of Romania, meetings with the Romanian community and with representatives of the local authorities and important figures of Scotland.

The National Day of Romania and the meetings with t he Romanian community Edinburgh The Ambassador participated at the cultural event “The Beautiful Romania. Welcome to the Carpathian Garden” dedicated to Romania’s National Day which benefited the presence of over 200 guests, representatives of the Scottish Government and Parliament, local authorities in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Scottish Royal Academy, Church of Scotland, and other faiths, members of the Consular corps in Edinburgh, personalities of the scientific and cultural world, members of the Romanian community, as well as a delegation of Arges County (South Romania) present in Scotland to develop the cooperation la local level with




authorities from Inverness and Highlands.

The event opened with interventions made by Bailie Steve Cardownie, personal representative of the Lord Mayor of Edinburgh and Ken Thomson, Director General for Strategy and External Affairs, representing the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs.

Addressing the guests, the Ambassador of Romanian talked about the significance of the National Day of Romania, the excellent relations between Romanian and the United Kingdom, underlying the importance of 2011 in our bilateral relation due to several official reciprocal visits, and, in June, to the visit of the President of Romania, Mr Traian Basescu, to London, as guest of the British Government.

The Ambassador referred in his speech to the Romanian workers and specialists who are bringing their contribution to the local investments and social-educational objectives.

In Scotland there is an important number of Romanian students, this being one of the reasons for which the Embassy accepted the offer extended by the University of Edinburgh to host, in October 2012, the 5th Edition of the Romanian Students, Professors and Researchers Conference, an initiative launched by the Ambassador of Romania in 2008.

Glasgow On December 4, 2011, the Ambassador of Romania celebrated the National Day together with the Romanian Orthodox community at the Romanian Orthodox Parish of the Presentation of our Lord.

Over a hundred Romanians and their children were present at the religious service and Te Deum officiated by Father Marcel Oprişan and Father Eugeniu Nicolae Matei from Câmpulung Muscel, Argeş County (South Romania).

The Ambassador Ion Jinga’s message of national unity encouraged those present to respect and preserve the Romanian traditions.

Father Adah Younger of the Church of Scotland expressed his satisfaction about the opening of the Romanian Orthodox community which led to “a delightful diversity and nearness between the Romanian and Scottish congregations”. Father Marcel Oprişan from Glasgow, Father Eugeniu Nicolae Matei from Câmpulung Muscel and




the Head of the Consular Office of Edinburgh, dr. Mihai Delcea, had brief interventions as well.

The event concluded with a Christmas Carols, poems and songs dedicated to the National Day, instrumental music and chorals program performed, in Romanian and English, by the members of the Romanian Orthodox Parish of the Presentation of our Lord and of the Scottish church “Old Shettleston”.

Meetings the authorities and important figures of S cotland The Ambassador of Romania to London had a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Edinburgh, Rt

Hon George Grubb, with whom talked about intensifying the cultural cooperation and enhancing the Romanian participation at the international festivals organised in Edinburgh; the cooperation at local level in urban regeneration projects and developing the cooperation in metropolitan areas; identifying common European projects; finalising the “Romanian Church in Edinburgh” project.

During the talks with Richard Demarco, curator renowned in Europe and world wide, founder of Demarco European Art Foundation, it was discussed the cultural cooperation and

presence of Romanian artists at exhibitions and festivals organised in Edinburgh; selecting Romanian Arts students to take part in training programmes organised in Edinburgh; the creation of a Romanian space to include an exhibition room and the installation of a Maramures traditional church in the space which is going to be offered to the foundation by the Scottish government in order to promote communication through arts at European level.

At St Giles Cathedral, in the historic The Signet Library of Parliament Square, together with representatives of the Scottish Government and Parliament, of the Edinburgh City Council, universities and some professional and academic prestigious Scottish societies, the Ambassador Ion Jinga took part at the meeting which preceded the Ceremonies of “St Andrew Festival”.

The events dedicated to National Day of Romania in Edinburgh and Glasgow were organised with the support of the Embassy of Romania, “Romanian Orthodox Church” Foundation and some members of the Romanian community.

• Economics

Romania GDP close to 90 bln Euros in 9 months The Romanian gross domestic product (GDP) totalled roughly 89.9 billion Euros (38.651 billion lei) in current prices over Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, 2011, up by 2.7 percent in real terms from the nine months of 2010, reveal estimates published by the National Institute of Statistics. (1 euro=4.35 lei)




Such growth was significantly prompted by the increase in the activity volume and consequently in the gross added value in agriculture, hunting and forestry, fishing and fisheries (+16.4pct) and industry (+6.8pct).

According to the Institute, relatively lower rises in the activity volume were recorded in construction (+1.8pct) and trade, repair of vehicles and home appliances; hotels and restaurants; transport and telecommunications (+1.1pct).

The cut in the public administrations' end-consumption spending (-3.7pct) was offset by the increase in the households' end-consumption spending (+1pct) so that the overall final consumption kept unchanged Jan. to Sept. as compared to the same period in the prior year. The gross formation of fixed capital posted a 4.4 percent rise.

The international institutions' anticipation of the Romanian economic growth this year ranges from 1.5 percent (the International Monetary Fund's projection) to 1.7 percent (the European Commission's autumn predictions). Romania's National Commission for Projection (NCP) maintained its 1.5 percent forecast of this year's GDP growth.

As for 2012, the economic growth of Romania was revised downwards to 2 percent from 3.5 percent, given the country, according to the IMF, will feel the problems facing the European economy.

Furthermore, the NCP revised downwards its 2012 economic growth projection from 4 percent anticipated in spring to some 1.8 - 2.3 percent as per the autumn version of the 2011-2015 medium-term prognoses.

The Romanian Government drew up the 2012 draft budget starting from a deficit of 1.9 percent of GDP and economic growth at 2.1 percent.

The Romanian economy dipped into recession two years ago, after having shrunk for two consecutive quarters - in the last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 respectively. The Romanian economy contracted 1.3 percent last year. (ActMedia, December 7, 2011)

Eurostat: Romania reports highest economic growth r ate in EU in Q3

Romania reported the highest quarterly economic growth rate among the EU member states in the third quarter of 2011 compared with the second quarter, according to reviewed estimates released by the Eurostat official statistical office of the EU.

Whereas the EU posted an economic growth of 0.3 percent in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the previous quarter, Romania's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) soared by 1.8 percent, a reviewed figure compared to initial estimates of 1.9 percent.

Compared with the same quarter of 2010, Romania ranks 4th in EU with a GDP advance of 4.4 percent, reviewed figures compared to initial estimates of 4.5 percent.




According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), Romania's GDP stood at nearly 89.9 billion Euros (388.651 billion lei), current prices, on Jan. 1 - Sept. 302, 1011, up 2.7 percent in real terms compared with the same period of 2010. (ActMedia, December 7, 2011)

Romania to absorb 2.5mln Euros a day in EU funds fo r human resources projects The absorption rate of the European Union funds for the projects financed by the European

Social Fund via the Operational Sectoral Programme on the Human Resources Development will stand at 2.5 million Euros a day in 2012, Labour Minister Sulfina Barbu has recently said.

However, in order to reach such a goal, Romania will have to strengthen the capability of the Management Authority and of the Intermediate Bodies, to make compatible two information technology systems that currently do not communicate with each other - the one within the Management Authority and the other belonging to the Authority for the Structural Instruments Coordination - and to streamline the support granted the beneficiaries, where it is possible to access the EU funds for technical assistance, Barbu stressed.

The measure plan aimed at increasing the absorption rate was communicated the European Commission, which approved 96 percent of it, she added.

The Labour Ministry is drawing up a code of conduct relating the absorption of the funds, a move coordinated by the European Affairs Ministry.

'We are working on the code of conduct relating the European funds so as to clarify the incompatibilities in this area; the code will most likely be approved early next year', the minister said.

Minister Barbu underscored that the salary system must be the same for all those working with the EU funds so that everybody may benefit from the 75 percent salary bonus, with the Romanian legislation being currently reviewed in view of a unified approach.

'I issued a Minister's Order by which all the staff with the Management Authority and the Authority for the Structural Instruments Coordination must file a declaration of incompatibilities on their own responsibility', Minister Barbu announced. She said those 'who fail to submit such declaration will be dismissed'. (ActMedia, December 20, 2011)

IBM inaugurates in Romania the IBM Bucharest System s Laboratory, employing 125 specialists IBM announced the inauguration of the IBM Bucharest Systems Laboratory, the first location in Europe dedicated to developing and testing IBM hardware and software equipment. “IBM Bucharest Systems Laboratory represents an example of excellent capabilities to develop the products, combining unique abilities with last-generation technologies, instruments and processes,” said Andrew Currier, Director of IBM Bucharest Systems Laboratory.




IBM Bucharest Systems Laboratory, that joins a network of IBM centres at a global level, will benefit from the acquisition of Blade Network Technologies, made by the company in 2010. The centre will become the first laboratory in Romania for developing and testing hardware and software systems for switches, being part of the brand IBM System Networking. The 100 sqm laboratory will be base for 125 highly trained specialists to develop software products such as IBM Networking Operation System and VMready. IBM will improve the capabilities of virtualization, administration and optimization of data networks. The IBM laboratory is located in Bucharest Corporate Centre, and it joins the IBM Business Analytics laboratory already existent, which was created after IBM acquired Clarity Systems in 2010. Both laboratories will collaborate to offer optimized solutions to manage the explosive growth of the data volume. “We are confident that the new laboratory IBM Bucharest System Laboratory will help clients to develop their operations more rapidly and become more competitive,” said Bogdan Balaci, Country General Manager, IBM Romania. (ActMedia, December 17, 2011) Unilever invests EUR 50 million in expanding its lo cal factory FMCG producer Unilever has invested EUR 50 million in the past two years in expanding the production capacity of its detergents factory in Ploiesti by 30 percent, the company has announced today. The investment has also allowed the company to reduce electricity consumption said Marc Desefans, president of Unilever South Central Europe.

The FMCG producer has announced a global sustainability program which will also impact its local business. The program’s main objectives will be to halve the environmental footprint of its products by 2020 and source all its agricultural raw materials sustainably. Unilever representatives said that worldwide consumers are increasingly demanding environmental friendly and sustainable products and the trend is expected to grow in Romania also.

Unilever employs 600 people in Romania, 335 of which work in its factory in Ploiesti where it produces detergents and other FMCG products such as mustard, instant soups and seasonings. Unilever is present in Romania with brands like Dero, Omo, Coccolino, Cif, Domestos, Dove, Rexona, Axe, Clear, Signal, Delma, Rama, Becel, Delikat, Knorr, Hellmann’s and Lipton. Its turnover in Romania last year was around EUR 173 million with a loss of approximately EUR 1 million.

Headquartered in Bucharest, Unilever South Central Europe coordinates the company’s business in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia and Republic of Moldova. (ActMedia, December 7, 2011)

Pound trades at 5.15 lei The exchange rate of the national leu currency resulting from the quotations announced on December 20, 2011, by the banks authorized to operate on the currency market is as follows: CURRENCY SYMBOL RON

1 British pound GBP 5.1499

1 euro EUR 4.3125

1 US dollar USD 3.2953

1 Swiss franc CHF 3.5419




• Culture

Christmas Tree Celebration Sunday, December 18th, 2011, the Embassy of Romania in London and the Romanian Cultural

Institute-London, organised the “Christmas Tree Celebration”, a winter holiday event for the Romanian community living in United Kingdom.

The event took place in the presence of HE Dr Ion Jinga, Ambassador of Romania in London. It began with a play for children based on Gellu Naum’s book, “Apolodor”, interpreted by Monooka, puppeteer and singer, and Anca Doczi, actress. The celebration continued with Romanian Christmas carols and greetings performed by the

Romanian Culture and Tradition School’s Children Choir in London.

About 70 children gathered around the Christmas tree and received gifts from Santa Claus.

On this occasion, the Ambassador of Romania addressed those present: “Welcome everybody in Romania’s house. This is the fourth consecutive year we await for Santa Claus together. It has been an eventful year for all of us, but I know that we tried our best to do our duty towards the community. I wish you all happy and peaceful holidays and a better New Year with the fulfilment of all your expectations. Happy Christmas!”

The event was organised with the following sponsors: RoExport, Lebara Mobile, Levenes Solicitors and

Patisserie Romana.

Launch of “Romania in Contact” magazine’s brand in London




On 17th December 2011 was launched “Romania in Contact” magazine’s brand in United Kingdom. The event was organized by “Romania in Contact” Association and hosted by the Embassy of Romania in London.

The aim of this event was to facilitate the contact between different Romanian social and cultural categories from UK and to consolidate the collaboration between members of diaspora.

The event began with a debate on how to better promote the image of Romania. It was moderated by Daniela Viţelaru, president of “Romania in Contact” Association and co-owner of the magazine. Panelists were: Ramona Mitrică, director of the Romanian Cultural Centre in London and owner of ProFusion publishers, Dana Denis-Smith, journalist and member of the Romanian Business Club in the City, Georgiana Turculeţ,

PR specialist at the Delegation of the European Commission in London, Ramona Tinei, writer and screenwriter, co-owner of the magazine “Romania in Contact”, and Andrei Voica, journalist at “Romania in Contact” and painter.

The representative of the Embassy of Romania, Carmen Podgorean, addressed the audience: “The launch of the brand “Romania in Contact” is one of the events organized by Romanian associations that are hosted by the Embassy. We strongly believe that Romanians build our country’s image. We are glad that Daniela Viţelaru, this magazine and all of you, who are present here this evening, are really interested in contributing to this image”. At the end of the debate, Daniela Viţelaru concluded: “I am very glad that I met optimists like me. Together we will try to improve Romania’s image. “Romania in Contact” means staying in touch and building a better image of our country abroad”. The debate was followed by a recital performed by Letiţia Viţelaru, soprano at Scala di Milano, and a reception offered by the Association “Romania in Contact”. Over 100 guests attended the event. Romanians in Britain: A Chronicle of Joy

On December 9, 2011, in the presence of the Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom, Dr Ion Jinga, took place the launch of “Romanians in Britain: A Chronicle of Joy” photo exhibition by Inno Brezeanu, the webmaster of the Romanian virtual community www.romani.co.uk.

For almost ten years, Inno Brezeanu, tireless chronicler of the Romanian Diaspora developed his passion to




capture the life of the community away from home in thousands of snapshots, documenting unforgettable events celebrated together by the Romanians living in the United Kingdom.

The exhibition ‘Romanians in Britain: A Chronicle of Joy’ presents a selection from this archive (51,400 snapshots), a visual history of the vibrant life of the community, with its day-to-day genuine emotions and projects.

Opening the event, the Ambassador of Romania insisted on the importance of projects meant to promote the interests of the Romanians and to achieve a clear perception of the Romanian community by the British society.

“It is a real pleasure to inaugurate today this impressive exhibition made by Inno Brezeanu, a young Romanian who chose, beside his professional career in the City of London, to dedicate his spare time to the Romanian community. More than a year ago, in the same place, we were celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Romanian website www.romani.co.uk. I was saying at the time that the website’s motto: “Together is easier” reflects, the Embassy’s approach towards the

Romanian communities living in the United Kingdom, as well, and that we would very much like this motto to become a state of mind for all Romanians where ever they tend to grow as an important presence.

I would like to reiterate once more the Embassy’s support for the events organised by the Romanian community and to remind those present the importance of each member of the Romanian community and their role in creating our country’s image in the United Kingdom, individual success contributing to the perception of the




whole community”.

At his turn, the author of the exhibition addressed the guests:

“My photographs aim to show that Romanians are not as archaic as some may think. I used my lens in the past 10 years just as a writer uses his words. My chronicle in pictures follows the destiny of thousands of Romanians I had the honour to meet in all this time.

Therefore I consider, firstly, that it is my duty to thank all those who form the community of the Romanians in the United Kingdom, these extraordinary and beautiful people who, despite all issues encountered far away from home, family and loved ones, away from everything that they know, found the inner power to smile. I wish to thank also to all those who bring their contribution to the continuity and development of the Romanian community in the United Kingdom, to all those brave people who raise the Romanian flag above the door of their business, those : “Romanians not keeping away from Romanians”.

The exhibition is part of the ICR London's “At Home in Belgrave Square” programme, under the patronage of HE Dr Ion Jinga, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James’s, and is open to the public until January 27, 2012.

The programme “At Home in Belgrave Square” aims to protect and preserve the cultural identity of Romanians living in the UK.

The reception was organised with the generous support of Mrs Lili Dinescu (Casa Romaneasca), Mr Iosefin Florea (ROEXPORT) and Mr Ovidiu Şarpe (Patisserie Romana).

The way the Romanians see themselves in the mirror: civilised, open- minded and loyal When they speak about themselves, the Romanians characterise themselves as being mainly civilised people, open to learn and loyal, according to a research made by the consultancy company and training Result Development. The study Cultural characteristics with the Romanians made by Result Development was made in the period of March-October on 1,132 participants from the country. They evaluated 80 cultural characteristics on a scale of 1 to 7. Thus the study reveals that the Romanians consider themselves as people who behave in a civilised way, (86.6%), open to learning (83.7%) and loyal ( 80%). Among the characteristics presented there is discipline (77.7%) future oriented (74.6%) and high personal standards (74.4%) as well as cooperation, competence, integrity, perseverence and perfectionism. « These characteristics as they are not shared by the others are only projections and aspirations, we can control » Dorin Bodea, senior consultant Result Development said. Thus, when they speak about the others, the Romanians characterise them as being people with tendency to gossip, scenarios and political games ( 81.3%), who manifest the desire to be heads and take over power (81.1%), as well as the tendency to consider themselves smarter than the others. ( 75.1%).




At the same time, the Romanians think about the others that they want to be praised ( 72.4%) they look for scapegoats (72.5%) are arrogant and proud (71.8%) as well as lazy and indolent ( 71.2%). « Most Romanians want power to influence those around them. Leadership is correlated to pride most of the times » Bodea added. At the intersection between self-perception and perception of those around the, there is the family spirit ( 77.2%), hospitality ( 73%) desire for change ( 72.7%), liberty, intelligence, independence, competitivity, daring, courage, creativity and innovation. Here, the interviewees enumerated spontaneity, cynicism and issue-focusing. Those over 1,000 participants in the study have higher education – 90% of them, are employed (80%) and come from all the regions of the country. (ActMedia, December 9, 2011)

Support to Cluj Napoca's candidacy for European Cap ital of Culture, in 2020

French Cultural Centre (CCF) Cluj-Napoca (420 km north-west of Bucharest) backs up the Municipality's candidature for the European Capital of Culture, in 2020 and will facilitate the intercultural communication and exchanges with cities like Lille, that enjoyed the status in 2004, and Marseille which has been intensely preparing to become a centre for the events to be organized under the logo, in 2013. The Annual General Assembly of the Cluj Napoca 2020 European Capital of Culture Association took place at Cluj City-Hall on December 14.

The Cluj Napoca 2020 European Capital of Culture Association was set up in 2010 and has made important steps to outline far-reaching projects meant to support the city's candidacy.

Each of the Association's seven commissions namely for Education and Research; Heritage, Visual Arts Design, and digital Culture; The Arts of Performance and Music, Literature and Publishing, Architecture and Cultural Intervention in the public space: Cultural Diversity, is coordinated by famous academic, cultural and research personalities such as the President of the Romanian Academy Ionel Haiduc, the rector of the Technical University Professor Radu Munteanu, Prefect Florin Stamatian - a well known physician, the prestigious historian Ioan Piso, stage directors Mihai Manutiu and Tompa Gabor - directors of the two Cluj-based theaters, the director of the Cluj branch of the Union of Writers Irina Petras and the ex-director of the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania Simona Munteanu.




The Association's leadership decided that Romania's ex Chief Negotiator with the European Union Professor Vasile Puscas should promote the Cluj-Napoca 2020 European Capital of Culture project, both at home and in the EU countries.

Likewise, it has been decided that the project should be presented during meetings with the officials of the EU institutions, in Brussels, in 2012. The Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF) and Musical Autumn of Cluj are among the international events supporting the Cluj Napoca's candidature for the European Capital of Culture.

The Transylvania Cultural Centre will be built to host most of the events to be organized in 2020, already has a project drawn up by VAAL Architecture Company and the tender is to start these days. The Centre will have generous spaces for the Philharmonics a large concert hall numbering 1,500 seats, congress halls, underground parking and an elegant hotel. (ActMedia, December 15, 2011)

Cultural events to be organised by or with the supp ort of the ROMANIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE in London : Victor Nicoar ă @ St Martin in the Fields

27/12/2011 @ St Martin in the Fields, London Victor Nicoară is the fourth young Romanian musician to appear in the popular New Music Series. Pianist and composer, Victor has distinguished himself as a versatile and accomplished performer through appearances in Europe and beyond the continent.

Born in 1984 in Bucharest, Romania, Victor Nicoar ă began his studies at the

"George Enescu" music school then moving on to complete his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in piano and

composition at the Royal College of Music in London. He has appeared both as soloist and in chamber ensembles in Bucharest (including the Romanian Atheneum), London (including St. Martin-in-the-Fields), Paris, Berlin, Luxembourg, Brussels (Salle Flagey) and Abu-Dhabi. His works have been performed in London (including St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Steinway Hall), Bucharest (Romanian Atheneum), Germany, France and Belgium. Among the distinguished musicians he has collaborated with: Yoel Gamzou (conductor), Lionel Wartelle (clarinet), Emanuel Graf (cello), Lucy Hall (violin), Manuel Schattel (double-bass), Eliana Pretorian (soprano), Leontina Vaduva (soprano). Victor has had a piece premiered by the contemporary




music ensemble Trio-Alto, led by the outstanding French saxophonist Daniel Kientzy; in 2010-2011 he wrote and performed the music for a setting of Tolstoy's "Kreutzer Sonata" for one actor and one musician as well as for a dramatization/reworking of Mircea Eliade's "Nunta in Cer" - both made by actor/director Ionut Chiriac. When: Tuesday, 27th December, 1pm Where: St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London

This lunchtime concert is free and no ticket is required. Claudiu Komartin, back in London with a new project 06/12/2011 - 05/02/2012 @ Institutul Cultural Român Londra, 1 Belgrave Square Award-winning poet, literary critic and translator Claudiu Komartin takes up residency at RCI London c/o the Attic Arts programme. Claudiu will work on a poetry translation project to be published next year. Claudiu Komartin (b. 1983) is a poet, literary

critic and translator. He has written three poetry collections to date, including Domestic Circus (2005) which won the prominent Romanian Academy Poetry Prize. Claudiu is also editor-in-chief of “Poesis International” and has translated poetry and prose from French, English and Italian. Appearing in several international anthologies, his poems are renowned for making ‘a synthesis, both sarcastic and full of hope, of the Romanian contemporary society”.

When: 6 December 2011 - 5 February 2012

Where: Romanian Cultural Institute London.

More info about The Romanian Cultural Institute in London’s events, please find at: www.icr-london.co.uk Cultural events to be organised by or with the supp ort of the Romanian Cultural Centre/ Ratiu Foundation: Mircea Cantor at Tate Modern Level 2 Gallery During Dec 2011 I decided not to save the world Exhibition open until 8 January 2012




Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Tel. 020 7887 8888 Free entry. Open every day from 10.00 – 18.00 and until 22.00 on Friday and Saturday. The title of the exhibition is taken from Mircea Cantor’s 2011 video of the same name in which a single take of a child saying ‘I decided not to save the world’ is shown on a continuous loop. The work is emblematic of the complexity that underlies the simplest of statements and is typical of the way Cantor responds to contemporary concerns using simple and direct gestures. Curious acts and seemingly small gestures unite the works in this exhibition. Artists Mounira Al Solh, Yto Barrada, Mircea Cantor and the collective Slavs and Tatars devise playful interventions into their everyday environment, combining social comment and investigation with humour or irony to throw off our habits of thinking. Emerging from the specific contexts in which they are working, the light-hearted approach of these works belies the artists’ acute socio-political insights.

More details on www.tate.org.uk/modern

Alexandra Dariescu (piano) with the Royal Philharmo nic Orchestra at Barbican Hall Thursday 29 Dec 2011 19:30, Barbican Hall, Level G, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Box office 020 7638 8891 Tickets: £22.50 / 30 / 41.50 / 46.50 / 52 (available online) An unmissable all-Beethoven concert. Details on www.barbican.org.uk To learn more about Romanian cultural events taking place in London, please visit the page of the Romanian Cultural Centre/ Ratiu Foundation :

http://www.romanianculturalcentre.org.uk/cultural-diary/

no. 17/ 4th year 2nd – 20th of december 2011 politics economics

Documents