Latest News from Romania
Schengen Entry to Boost Bulgarian and Romanian Tourism, Experts Say
The entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area by air and sea is anticipated to have a significant impact on tourism, with experts predicting a substantial increase in visitor numbers. According to international publication "Euronews," experts estimate that tourism in both countries could surge by 15 to 25 percent following their integration into the Schengen zone.
Bulgaria-Romania Flight Marks Historic Schengen Entry
The inaugural flight between Bulgaria and Romania post their Schengen accession took off from Sofia on schedule at 12:40 p.m.
Passport checks for air travelers lifted as Bulgaria and Romania join EU’s Schengen
Airports in Sofia and Bucharest on Sunday removed passport check points for those departing to or arriving from most European Union member states as Bulgaria and Romania partially joined the Schengen open-travel zone.
Bulgaria in Air and Sea Schengen: Questions and Answers
Bulgaria has joined the Schengen area for free travel, but initially only by air and sea routes. This entails the elimination of border controls for air travel among member countries of the agreement. Here are some key questions and answers for travelers regarding this development:
What is Schengen?
Bulgaria and Romania Enter Air and Sea Schengen Today!
Bulgaria and Romania are poised to become partial members of the Schengen area starting March 31. The European Commission announced that the Schengen rules will apply in both countries, signaling the elimination of border controls at internal air and sea borders.
Bulgaria and Romania Set to Join Schengen Area by Air and Sea: EC President Hails Historic Moment
In a significant milestone for Bulgaria and Romania, the two countries are poised to become part of the Schengen area by air and sea, marking a momentous occasion in European integration. The move, scheduled for Sunday, will streamline travel procedures and eliminate border checks at airports and seaports, facilitating seamless movement for travelers within the Schengen zone.
Bulgaria, Romania take first steps into Europe's vast visa-free zone
After 13 years of waiting, Bulgaria and Romania are to partially join the Europe's vast Schengen area of free movement on Sunday, opening up travel by air and sea without border checks.
But land border controls will remain in place due to Austria's opposition to the eastern European countries becoming full members of the Schengen zone for fear of an influx of asylum seekers.
Bulgaria Marks 20 Years in NATO with Celebration and Reflection
Bulgaria commemorates a significant milestone today as it celebrates 20 years of NATO membership. On March 29, 2004, Bulgaria, alongside several other nations including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, officially became a member of the NATO alliance.
Explosion Rocks Romania's Largest Refinery - Petromidia
An explosion shook the largest Romanian refinery, Petromidia, located in Constanta County on the Black Sea coast, this morning, as reported by Radio Romania. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that there were no casualties resulting from the incident, although measures are underway to assess the extent of air pollution caused by the explosion.
Russian Drone Strikes Ravage Ukraine
Russian forces have launched a devastating drone attack across the entirety of Ukraine, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties in its wake. The assault, which struck residential areas in cities like Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv, has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting urgent responses from international leaders and organizations.
EU Grants Rheinmetall Over 130 Million Euros for Ammunition Production Expansion
German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has secured a substantial financial boost from the European Union, receiving over 130 million euros to enhance its ammunition production capabilities. The funding is earmarked for the production of 155 mm ammunition and gunpowder, with projects set to take place in Germany, Hungary, Romania, and Spain.
Bulgaria Reports Lowest Hourly Labour Costs in EU for 2023: Eurostat
Eurostat's recent publication on Wednesday showed insights into hourly labour costs across the European Union (EU) in 2023, indicating a notable rise compared to the previous year. The average hourly labour costs for the entire economy were estimated at EUR 31.8 in the EU and EUR 35.6 in the euro area, marking an increase from EUR 30.2 and EUR 34.0, respectively, in 2022.
Bulgaria's E-commerce Set to Contribute 2.11% of GDP in 2023
On a briefing held at the National Press Club of BTA, Nikola Ilchev, the creator and organizer of the Balkan eCommerce Summit, showed projections indicating a significant rise in Bulgaria's e-commerce sector. Citing data from three studies, Ilchev disclosed that e-commerce is anticipated to account for 2.11% of Bulgaria's GDP in 2023, up from 1.92% in 2022.
Serbia on Edge: Race to Find Missing Toddler Near Bulgarian Border Intensifies
A race against time unfolds in Serbia as emergency services mobilize to locate two-year-old Danka Ilić, who vanished from Banjsko Polje near Bor. The activation of the "Find Me" system, akin to an Amber Alert, marks a first for Serbia, underlining the urgency of the situation.
European prices with Balkan purchasing power
Despite the increase in the minimum wage in 2023, Greece's gross domestic product (GDP) per capita expressed in purchasing power standards is 67% of the European average, according to Eurostat.
This puts Greece in 26th place among the 27 member-states, with Bulgaria in last, where GDP per capita in purchasing power units was 64% of the European average.