Radio România Internațional

Tag: child benefits

  • Social measures starting January 1

    Social measures starting January 1

    The Romanian Government on
    Wednesday passed bills stipulating the increase of pensions and child benefits.
    Without them, the budget for next year couldn’t have included the increases PSD,
    PNL and UDRM pledged to implement in the governing program. Starting January 1,
    five million pensioners will receive an additional 10% to their pensions. The
    pension point will go up to some 320 Euro. Child benefits will also get an
    increase. Children up to 2 years old and those with disabilities will receive 120
    Euro, while children up to 18 years of age will receive 50 Euro. According to
    the bills adopted on Wednesday, the government will also introduce the 13th
    allowance for people with disabilities.

    Social-Democrat Labor Minister Marius Budăi
    admitted the measures will also trigger an increase in the purchasing power,
    but says it will offer protection considering the latest price hikes. The
    increase in the price for natural gas and electricity and other utilities and
    products has boosted the inflation rate to nearly 8%. Analysts don’t rule out
    the possibility the inflation might exceed 9% next year. The Government is also
    considering a third emergency decree for granting a special allowance to people
    with low pensions starting next month. The measure will address two and a half
    million pensioners who will see their pensions increased to 440 Euro. Overall,
    the impact of the measures will be tantamount to 3.2 billion Euro. It is a
    considerable strain on the 2022 budget, so there won’t be enough funds for
    other salary increases in the public system.

    According to the emergency decree
    published by the Ministry of Finance, base salaries, military pays, allowances
    and bonuses awarded to public sector employees will not be increased net year
    so as to avoid putting additional strain on public spending. The highly
    controversial special pensions will also be frozen, while special pensions
    awarded to mayors will be awarded starting 2023. PSD leader, Marcel Ciolacu,
    says the decision was taken at the level of the ruling coalition. Ciolacu told
    a television station that the state has accrued considerable debt, equal to 50%
    of GDP. In turn, PNL leader, Florin Cîțu, warned that the budget deficit should be kept
    below 5.84% of the GDP, while investments should be maintained at 7%, in
    compliance with the governing program. (VP)

  • Romanians, European citizens

    Romanians, European citizens

    Romania is one of these countries, which is actually seeing an indexation of 0.484 — a coefficient which represents the difference of prices between the two countries, calculated according to a European-level index. In more concrete terms, the benefits in question are to be halved. This benefit indexation does not reflect the principle of equality and non-discrimination, common values the European Union was founded on, neither does it reflect the “united in diversity” principle, the European project was consolidated upon, Natalia-Elena Intotero, the Minister for the Romanians Abroad said in Bucharest.



    The Ministry has announced that the situation of the Romanians affected by this law, which is also impacting citizens from other EU countries and has to be approached at European level, has become its priority. From Bucharest’s point of view, as long as the Romanians have the same obligations as the local workers, paying taxes like them, they deserve to enjoy the same rights. The latest child benefit indexation for non-resident workers in Austria is a clear case of discrimination and the government is considering the idea of referring the issue to the EU Court of Justice, the Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu has said.



    The Minister of Labour and Social Justice, Marius Budai, said in an interview on Radio Romania that: “Romania’s clear stand on this issue is that all European workers must benefit from equal treatment in the EU countries they are working in. Their right to free movement is one of the fundamental rights of the EU and of the single market. Romania is thus opposing any initiative that might infringe upon the workers’ rights to free movement and the rights derived from paying the same taxes as their local counterparts and will take action to solve this issue. We have also held talks with the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marianne Thyssen, who agreed with Romania’s stand on the issue.”



    The European Commission has announced it will have a closer look at the Austrian law from the viewpoint of its compatibility with European legislation. Meanwhile, a Commission spokeswoman has recalled Brussels’ well-known stand — the indexation of family benefits isn’t in line with EU laws. The Austrian Minister for Family has initially rejected Bucharest’s criticism, adding that Romania, as holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, must have a neutral position. According to professor Iulian Chifu, this is true, but Romania, as any other member state is entitled to its own viewpoint on the issue. Professor Chifu has also recalled that the social benefit issue was debated upon in Britain during the campaign on the Brexit referendum.



    Iulian Chifu: “At that time, it was the UK Independence Party, UKIP, with Nigel Farage, who brought up such issues. Some of the conservatives, like Boris Johnson, London’s Mayor at that time, embraced the idea and backed this aberration. However, debates at that time were carried out at the level of the European Commission and Britain learnt – what other countries, including Austria, had already known – that all these social or support benefits as well as taxes or duties, cannot be imposed discriminately based only on the worker’s country of origin or the differences between residents and European citizens. In fact, these things are relatively clear and quite simple. Anytime a law that runs counter to EU principles is issued, an infringement procedure comes into effect. Unless the state, which issued the law wants to amend it in due time, the European Commission — which also serves as a watchdog when it comes to implementing EU agreements and treaties — initiates legal proceedings against that state at the European Court of Justice.”



    Professor Chifu believes that since this issue was discussed four years ago, procedures are to be quick and sanctions to be seen shortly in the case of this law, which is clearly discriminatory at European level, being completely anti-European. By and large, the Court is expected to issue a ruling in several months, a year and a half at the latest. The state which issued the law will have to comply and bring amendments to its own legislation so that it may adjust to European rules, rules that it assumed when it joined the bloc.

  • Reactions on child benefits decision

    Reactions on child benefits decision

    The European Commission
    has reacted following Austria’s decision to slash the benefits for children
    currently not residing in Austria and whose parents are working in this
    country, depending on the average living costs in their country of origin. The
    Commission claims the measure is in breach of community legislation and said it
    would closely analyze the law passed by the Austrian Parliament. The European
    Commission says that, in principle, adjusting child benefits is not allowed and
    could be seen as discriminatory for people who actually contribute to national
    security schemes and expect to receive the same benefits, irrespective of
    nationality or where their children are at present. Statistics show some 14
    thousand Romanian children will be affected by the new law which will slash
    their benefits to half. Bucharest authorities have also argued against the
    measure which they deem discriminatory. Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu said
    the Government is considering the possibility of referring the matter to the
    European Court of Justice, claiming the law violates the EU Treaty. In turn,
    Labor Minister Marius Budai told Radio Romania that foreign workers should
    receive equal treatment in any member state where they are conducting their
    activity, their right to free movement being one of the fundamental principles
    underlying the Union and the single market. Marius Budai:

    We believe that equal
    contributions should bring equal benefits. Romanians working in Austria pay the
    same contributions as Austrians. We will discuss the matter at the level of the
    European Commission and consider the measures and actions that need taking.
    Since the law was passed on October 25, 2018 we have addressed a letter to the
    Austrian Parliament expressing our disapproval and held talks with Commissioner
    Marianne Thyssen to see the measures we will be taking over the coming period.
    It’s clear to me we need to defend the rights of Romanians living in Austria
    whose children are currently in Romania.


    The Ministry for
    Romanians Worldwide has in turn announced it has given special priority to this
    issue, highlighting the fact that the law does not affect Romanian citizens
    alone, but the EU as a whole. To this end, as part of the meetings the Ministry
    will be organizing as part of Romania’s Presidency of the Council of the
    European Union, the agenda for talks will also include the Austrian
    Parliament’s decision to slash child benefits.

  • January 6, 2018 UPDATE

    January 6, 2018 UPDATE

    FEAST DAY – Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians in Romania on
    Sunday celebrated the Baptism of the Christ, the feast day commemorating the
    baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The feast day marks
    the end of the Christmas celebration period. Roman-Catholic Christians in
    Romania celebrated the Epiphany, the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus
    Christ. Christian Churches observing the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on
    January 7. The Patriarchy of Constantinople decided in early 20th
    century to switch from the old Julian Calendar to a revised Gregorian calendar,
    which provides for a 13-day gap between the two. Many citizens from the
    Republic of Moldova chose to spend Christmas in the Old Julian Calendar in
    Romania.




    CONCERTS – The Romanian
    Symphony Orchestra is on a tour to the United States until January 16. During
    this period it will hold seven concerts, in Florida, Palm Beach, Miami, Fort
    Myers, Detroit and New Jersey. The final concert will be at Lincoln Center in
    New York, with famous trumpet player Wynton Marsalis as special guest. The
    Romanian Symphony Orchestra is made up of valuable former members of the National
    Youth Orchestra. The tour organizers are the Tinerimea Romana National Art
    Center and the Romanian Cultural Institute.




    BENEFITS – The Romanian Foreign Ministry expressed concern
    regarding Austria’s decision to slash the benefits for children of EU citizens
    working in Austria, adding that the measure goes against principles underlying
    community legislation. The benefits were cut starting January 1 to the
    corresponding amount in the countries of origin, in the case the children
    remained at home. The measure does not apply to any children currently residing
    in Austria. Bucharest claims EU membership compels all states to ensure fair,
    balanced and unbiased treatment for all European citizens. Several ministries
    in Romania have criticized the move, and the Minister for Romanians Worldwide
    said Romania would approach the topic as president of the Council of the
    European Union.




    PRESIDENCY – The rector of the School of Political Sciences in
    Bucharest, former Education Minister Remus Pricopie said Romania’s presidency
    of the EU Council will not freeze domestic politics for six months. The theory
    saying Governments don’t change during the EU Council Presidency is false,
    Pricopie said in a social media post. Since 1958 14 governments were changed
    during their term at the helm of the Council of the EU for various reasons,
    elections, no-confidence motions or early elections, Remus Pricopie went on to
    say.






    UKRAINIAN CHURCH – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of
    Constantinople on Sunday handed the decree granting independence to the
    Ukrainian Orthodox Church to its leader, Metropolitan Yepifaniy. The
    decree opens the way for Ukraine’s Orthodox Church to be recognized by other
    branches of orthodoxy and other churches. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
    on December 15 announced the setup of the independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church
    after a historic decision of the Reunification Council of Orthodox Bishops in
    Kiev. Earlier in 2018 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople
    recognized an independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine, revoking a 332-year-old
    decree placing the Ukrainian Church under the authority of the Patriarchy of
    Moscow. In turn, the Russian Orthodox Church announced the severance of ties
    with the Patriarchy of Constantinople. News agencies note the escalating religious
    tension marks a new episode in the political, cultural and social rupture
    between Kiev and Moscow following the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula
    by the Russian Federation and the armed conflict between the Ukrainian forces
    and pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine.




    TENNIS – Romanian-born Canadian player Bianca Andreescu was ousted
    2-6, 7-5, 6-1 by Julia Goerges of Germany on Sunday in the final match of the
    Auckland tennis tournament in New Zealand, totaling 250 thousand dollars in
    prize money. Andreescu, WTA no. 152, had an exceptional run at Auckland,
    knocking out Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Venus Williams of the US.
    Following this performance, Andreescu climbed 40 spots in WTA standings. We
    recall Simona Halep ended 2018 in top position in WTA standings. Another five
    Romanians are currently ranked in the Top 100: Mihaela Buzarnescu (24), Irina
    Begu (67), Ana Bogdan (76), Sorana Cirstea (84) and Monica Niculescu (99).




    SPORTS – CS Magura Cisnadie on Sunday lost 18-41 to Team Esbjerg of
    Denmark in the first fixture of Group A in the EHF Cup. The next fixture will
    be against SG BBM Bietigheim of Germany at home. Also in the EHF Cup, the title
    holders SCM Craiova defeated 18-12 another team from Denmark, Nykobing Falster
    Handbold, in its first Group D fixture. Craiova will next play Spain’s Super
    Amara Bera Bera on January 12 away from home. On Saturday, Romania’s national
    volley team lost 2-3 to Spain in Group F of the European Championship
    preliminaries. The final match will be played on Wednesday against Bosnia.
    Romania needs to win a minimum of two sets of advance to the final tournament
    to be hosted by Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Turkey over August 23 – September
    8.




    (Translated by V. Palcu)

  • January 6, 2018 UPDATE

    January 6, 2018 UPDATE

    FEAST DAY – Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians in Romania on
    Sunday celebrated the Baptism of the Christ, the feast day commemorating the
    baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The feast day marks
    the end of the Christmas celebration period. Roman-Catholic Christians in
    Romania celebrated the Epiphany, the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus
    Christ. Christian Churches observing the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on
    January 7. The Patriarchy of Constantinople decided in early 20th
    century to switch from the old Julian Calendar to a revised Gregorian calendar,
    which provides for a 13-day gap between the two. Many citizens from the
    Republic of Moldova chose to spend Christmas in the Old Julian Calendar in
    Romania.




    CONCERTS – The Romanian
    Symphony Orchestra is on a tour to the United States until January 16. During
    this period it will hold seven concerts, in Florida, Palm Beach, Miami, Fort
    Myers, Detroit and New Jersey. The final concert will be at Lincoln Center in
    New York, with famous trumpet player Wynton Marsalis as special guest. The
    Romanian Symphony Orchestra is made up of valuable former members of the National
    Youth Orchestra. The tour organizers are the Tinerimea Romana National Art
    Center and the Romanian Cultural Institute.




    BENEFITS – The Romanian Foreign Ministry expressed concern
    regarding Austria’s decision to slash the benefits for children of EU citizens
    working in Austria, adding that the measure goes against principles underlying
    community legislation. The benefits were cut starting January 1 to the
    corresponding amount in the countries of origin, in the case the children
    remained at home. The measure does not apply to any children currently residing
    in Austria. Bucharest claims EU membership compels all states to ensure fair,
    balanced and unbiased treatment for all European citizens. Several ministries
    in Romania have criticized the move, and the Minister for Romanians Worldwide
    said Romania would approach the topic as president of the Council of the
    European Union.




    PRESIDENCY – The rector of the School of Political Sciences in
    Bucharest, former Education Minister Remus Pricopie said Romania’s presidency
    of the EU Council will not freeze domestic politics for six months. The theory
    saying Governments don’t change during the EU Council Presidency is false,
    Pricopie said in a social media post. Since 1958 14 governments were changed
    during their term at the helm of the Council of the EU for various reasons,
    elections, no-confidence motions or early elections, Remus Pricopie went on to
    say.






    UKRAINIAN CHURCH – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of
    Constantinople on Sunday handed the decree granting independence to the
    Ukrainian Orthodox Church to its leader, Metropolitan Yepifaniy. The
    decree opens the way for Ukraine’s Orthodox Church to be recognized by other
    branches of orthodoxy and other churches. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
    on December 15 announced the setup of the independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church
    after a historic decision of the Reunification Council of Orthodox Bishops in
    Kiev. Earlier in 2018 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople
    recognized an independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine, revoking a 332-year-old
    decree placing the Ukrainian Church under the authority of the Patriarchy of
    Moscow. In turn, the Russian Orthodox Church announced the severance of ties
    with the Patriarchy of Constantinople. News agencies note the escalating religious
    tension marks a new episode in the political, cultural and social rupture
    between Kiev and Moscow following the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula
    by the Russian Federation and the armed conflict between the Ukrainian forces
    and pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine.




    TENNIS – Romanian-born Canadian player Bianca Andreescu was ousted
    2-6, 7-5, 6-1 by Julia Goerges of Germany on Sunday in the final match of the
    Auckland tennis tournament in New Zealand, totaling 250 thousand dollars in
    prize money. Andreescu, WTA no. 152, had an exceptional run at Auckland,
    knocking out Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Venus Williams of the US.
    Following this performance, Andreescu climbed 40 spots in WTA standings. We
    recall Simona Halep ended 2018 in top position in WTA standings. Another five
    Romanians are currently ranked in the Top 100: Mihaela Buzarnescu (24), Irina
    Begu (67), Ana Bogdan (76), Sorana Cirstea (84) and Monica Niculescu (99).




    SPORTS – CS Magura Cisnadie on Sunday lost 18-41 to Team Esbjerg of
    Denmark in the first fixture of Group A in the EHF Cup. The next fixture will
    be against SG BBM Bietigheim of Germany at home. Also in the EHF Cup, the title
    holders SCM Craiova defeated 18-12 another team from Denmark, Nykobing Falster
    Handbold, in its first Group D fixture. Craiova will next play Spain’s Super
    Amara Bera Bera on January 12 away from home. On Saturday, Romania’s national
    volley team lost 2-3 to Spain in Group F of the European Championship
    preliminaries. The final match will be played on Wednesday against Bosnia.
    Romania needs to win a minimum of two sets of advance to the final tournament
    to be hosted by Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Turkey over August 23 – September
    8.




    (Translated by V. Palcu)

  • January 6, 2018

    January 6, 2018

    FEAST DAY – Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians in Romania on
    Sunday celebrated the Baptism of the Christ, the feast day commemorating the
    baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The feast day marks
    the end of the Christmas celebration period. Roman-Catholic Christians in
    Romania celebrated the Epiphany, the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus
    Christ. Christian Churches observing the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on
    January 7. The Patriarchy of Constantinople decided in early 20th
    century to switch from the old Julian Calendar to a revised Gregorian calendar,
    which provides for a 13-day gap between the two. Many citizens from the
    Republic of Moldova chose to spend Christmas in the Old Julian Calendar in
    Romania.




    CONCERTS – The Romanian
    Symphony Orchestra is on a tour to the United States until January 16. During
    this period it will hold seven concerts, in Florida, Palm Beach, Miami, Fort
    Myers, Detroit and New Jersey. The final concert will be at Lincoln Center in
    New York, with famous trumpet player Wynton Marsalis as special guest. The
    Romanian Symphony Orchestra is made up of valuable former members of the National
    Youth Orchestra. The tour organizers are the Tinerimea Romana National Art
    Center and the Romanian Cultural Institute.




    BENEFITS – The Romanian Foreign Ministry expressed concern
    regarding Austria’s decision to slash the benefits for children of EU citizens
    working in Austria, adding that the measure goes against principles underlying
    community legislation. The benefits were cut starting January 1 to the
    corresponding amount in the countries of origin, in the case the children
    remained at home. The measure does not apply to any children currently residing
    in Austria. Bucharest claims EU membership compels all states to ensure fair,
    balanced and unbiased treatment for all European citizens. Several ministries
    in Romania have criticized the move, and the Minister for Romanians Worldwide
    said Romania would approach the topic as president of the Council of the
    European Union.




    UKRAINIAN CHURCH – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of
    Constantinople on Sunday handed the decree granting independence to the Ukrainian
    Orthodox Church to its leader, Metropolitan Yepifaniy. The decree opens
    the way for Ukraine’s Orthodox Church to be recognized by other branches of
    orthodoxy and other churches. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on December
    15 announced the setup of the independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church after a
    historic decision of the Reunification Council of Orthodox Bishops in Kiev.
    Earlier in 2018 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople recognized
    an independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine, revoking a 332-year-old decree
    placing the Ukrainian Church under the authority of the Patriarchy of Moscow.
    In turn, the Russian Orthodox Church announced the severance of ties with the
    Patriarchy of Constantinople. News agencies note the escalating religious tension
    marks a new episode in the political, cultural and social rupture between Kiev
    and Moscow following the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by the
    Russian Federation and the armed conflict between the Ukrainian forces and
    pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine.




    TALKS – US President Donald Trump announced new discussions on
    Sunday aimed at putting an end to the dispute that has blocked the US
    Government for two weeks now. A meeting between White House officials and
    members of the Democratic Party on Saturday ended without any positive results.
    News agencies recall President Trump has conditioned the signing of legislation
    that could unblock the government’s activity on the building of the wall on the
    Mexican border. Trump says the wall is the best way to stop the flow of drugs
    and crime from Central and Southern America. The Democrats disagree and are now
    using their majoirty in the House of Representatives to block the funding of
    the wall, pending the Federal Government resuming its activity.




    (Translated by V. Palcu)

  • January 6, 2018

    January 6, 2018

    FEAST DAY – Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians in Romania on
    Sunday celebrated the Baptism of the Christ, the feast day commemorating the
    baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The feast day marks
    the end of the Christmas celebration period. Roman-Catholic Christians in
    Romania celebrated the Epiphany, the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus
    Christ. Christian Churches observing the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on
    January 7. The Patriarchy of Constantinople decided in early 20th
    century to switch from the old Julian Calendar to a revised Gregorian calendar,
    which provides for a 13-day gap between the two. Many citizens from the
    Republic of Moldova chose to spend Christmas in the Old Julian Calendar in
    Romania.




    CONCERTS – The Romanian
    Symphony Orchestra is on a tour to the United States until January 16. During
    this period it will hold seven concerts, in Florida, Palm Beach, Miami, Fort
    Myers, Detroit and New Jersey. The final concert will be at Lincoln Center in
    New York, with famous trumpet player Wynton Marsalis as special guest. The
    Romanian Symphony Orchestra is made up of valuable former members of the National
    Youth Orchestra. The tour organizers are the Tinerimea Romana National Art
    Center and the Romanian Cultural Institute.




    BENEFITS – The Romanian Foreign Ministry expressed concern
    regarding Austria’s decision to slash the benefits for children of EU citizens
    working in Austria, adding that the measure goes against principles underlying
    community legislation. The benefits were cut starting January 1 to the
    corresponding amount in the countries of origin, in the case the children
    remained at home. The measure does not apply to any children currently residing
    in Austria. Bucharest claims EU membership compels all states to ensure fair,
    balanced and unbiased treatment for all European citizens. Several ministries
    in Romania have criticized the move, and the Minister for Romanians Worldwide
    said Romania would approach the topic as president of the Council of the
    European Union.




    UKRAINIAN CHURCH – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of
    Constantinople on Sunday handed the decree granting independence to the Ukrainian
    Orthodox Church to its leader, Metropolitan Yepifaniy. The decree opens
    the way for Ukraine’s Orthodox Church to be recognized by other branches of
    orthodoxy and other churches. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on December
    15 announced the setup of the independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church after a
    historic decision of the Reunification Council of Orthodox Bishops in Kiev.
    Earlier in 2018 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople recognized
    an independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine, revoking a 332-year-old decree
    placing the Ukrainian Church under the authority of the Patriarchy of Moscow.
    In turn, the Russian Orthodox Church announced the severance of ties with the
    Patriarchy of Constantinople. News agencies note the escalating religious tension
    marks a new episode in the political, cultural and social rupture between Kiev
    and Moscow following the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by the
    Russian Federation and the armed conflict between the Ukrainian forces and
    pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine.




    TALKS – US President Donald Trump announced new discussions on
    Sunday aimed at putting an end to the dispute that has blocked the US
    Government for two weeks now. A meeting between White House officials and
    members of the Democratic Party on Saturday ended without any positive results.
    News agencies recall President Trump has conditioned the signing of legislation
    that could unblock the government’s activity on the building of the wall on the
    Mexican border. Trump says the wall is the best way to stop the flow of drugs
    and crime from Central and Southern America. The Democrats disagree and are now
    using their majoirty in the House of Representatives to block the funding of
    the wall, pending the Federal Government resuming its activity.




    (Translated by V. Palcu)