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08. 02. 12. - 13:00

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08. 02. 12. - 13:00

EC report on Justice is positive, minister says

Romanian Times

Romanian Justice Minister Catalin Predoiu currently acting prime minister until the new government is voted in by the parliament, said today (Weds) that the European Commission's interim report on progress in justice is, overall, "positive".

The European Commission's interim report on progress in justice, published today, says that Romania accelerated the trial of high-level corruption cases and there was progress in parliament with draft legislation on extended confiscation.

Catalin Predoiu said the "difficulty of the reform process was transferred to the Magistrates' Superior Council", adding other anti-corruption bodies - like the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) and the National Integrity Agency (ANI) - were positively presented in the report.

The report reads that Romania must "ensure a more transparent, and efficient judicial process notably by enhancing the capacity and accountability of the Superior Council of Magistracy. Report and monitor the impact of the new civil and penal procedure codes."

The report also reads that the new civil code coming into force in October 2011 and the civil procedure code is foreseen to follow in June 2012. Romania accelerated the trial of high-level corruption cases and there was progress in parliament with draft legislation on extended confiscation.

The National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) and the National Integrity Agency (ANI) have continued to carry forward a series of important cases, including a significant number of senior politicians and officials, the report reads.

Romania had imposed, at its accession to the European Union, back in 2007, the European Commission's assistance in reforming the juridical system. The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) regularly verifies progress in the reform of the judicial system and the fight against corruption.

The full report is scheduled to be published in July.

Health minister considers taxing fast food and beer
The new Health Minister Vasile Cepoi said today (Thurs) that the next Health Care Law might include a new tax on fast food and beer, local press informs.

Romania wont ratify ACTA
Romania will not ratify the highly controversial (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement)ACTA until the agreement won't be altered as to comply with demands recently formulated by the European Court of Justice, the minister of Communication Dan Nica told a press conference today (Thurs).

Romania wont ratify ACTA
Romania will not ratify the highly controversial (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement)ACTA until the agreement won't be altered as to comply with demands recently formulated by the European Court of Justice, the minister of Communication Dan Nica told a press conference today (Thurs).

Government to introduce ‘Robin Hood’ tax on oil companies
Minister of Economy Daniel Chitoiu announced today (Weds) that the government is working on a piece of legislation on introducing a supplementary tax on the exceptional incomes of the oil companies that should be passed by the year end and implemented as of 2013.

Education Minister stepps down amid plagiarism accusations
Ioan Mang, the education minister appointed only two weeks ago together with the new cabinet of Social Liberal Union (USL) leader Victor Ponta, resigned Tuesday (yesterday) night.

Brancusi’s son doesn’t want his father remains to be moved to Romania
John Moore, the only child of sculpture Constantin Brancusi, reacted to Romania’s intention to repatriate the remains of his father, saying his last will was to be buried in Paris at Montparnasse, Libertatea newspaper informs today (Weds).

Romania back in recession, growth to resume in H2
Romania officially entered recession today, following the figures published by the National Statistics Institute (NSI) that show a decrease of the GDP for two consecutive quarters (Q).

Police head sacked over underground boss runaway row
The head of the Romanian Police Liviu Popa (picture) was sacked today (Tues) by Home Affairs Minister Ioan Rus, the ministry informs.

UK Ambassador Harris says new Cabinet took right decisions so far
The UK Ambassaodr in Romania, Martin Harris says Victor Ponta’s new government got off on the right foot by making clear that its economic policy will continue to be framed within the programme agreed between Romania and the EU, World Bank, and IMF.

Carmen Sylvas x-rayed hand to be auctioned
A x-ray of the left hand of Romanian Queen Elisabeta will be auctioned in Bucharest by Artmark auction house, Libertatea newspaper informs today (Tue).