The automotive sector represented at the national level by the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACAROM) declares itself shocked by the new fiscal budget measures aimed at the Rabla and Rabla Plus (scrappage) schemes, announced in the draft Emergency Ordinance published by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday."After the adoption of some fiscal measures that were not previously discussed with the business environment, which directly impact the automotive sector (taxation with 1% of turnover, tax on micro-enterprises, etc.), we've learned with astonishment that the Ministry of Finance (the Government of Romania) is proposing new measures the enforcement of which will seriously impact the automotive sector in Romania. Thus, the change in a completely unforeseen and unbalanced way of the amount of vouchers offered under the Rabla scheme (to half of the current value) and the Rabla Plus scheme (to 1/5 of the current value) will lead to a collapse of the new vehicle market, combined with an exponential increase in the import of used vehicles. In 2023, we expect the new car market to reach 145,000 units, with the major contribution of the Rabla and Rabla Plus schemes," claim ACAROM representatives, in a press release sent on Thursday.According to the source, under the conditions of the announced measures, these schemes lose their attractiveness and thus the forecast for 2024 is disastrous, i.e. a market of new vehicles of a maximum of 80,000 units, with a direct negative impact on jobs in the sector and the turnover of Romanian companies from the automotive field."At the same time, we emphasize that the decrease in the values of the vouchers granted through the 2 scrappage schemes will affect the possibility of Romanian citizens to purchase new, less polluting vehicles. Thus, the beneficial effect of the running of the schemes in previous years is canceled: the increase in the share of hybrid, electrified and electric vehicles, having as a direct consequence, the increase in imports of second-hand, more polluting and unsafe vehicles," the professional association mentions.
“Garden of Memories,” a civic initiative meant to commemorate the 1989 Revolution that led to the fall of communism in Romania, is set to take place between December 19-20 around the Memorial of Rebirth, in Bucharest’s Revolution Square. Organized by the Streets for People Association, together with the Bucharest City Hall and the Museum of […]
Runware, a startup founded by two Romanian entrepreneurs, announced last week that it has secured a USD 50 million Series A funding round led by Dawn Capital, one of the largest European investors in B2B software companies. The round also included Comcast Ventures, Speedinvest, Insight Partners, and a16z Speedrun. The company founded by Flaviu Rădulescu and […]
The body of Romanian former justice minister Rodica Stănoiu was exhumed on Monday, December 15, after prosecutors opened an in rem case regarding her suspicious death, Digi24 reported. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the former minister may have been killed through negligence. ...
Authorities in Romania have begun imposing fines for owners of bicycles and electric scooters who do not take out mandatory motor third-party liability insurance (RCA). The new rules have been applicable since November 13, but the Romanian Parliament granted a 30-day grace period until the application of sanctions, according to...
Art Safari will relocate to Amzei Square in central Bucharest in 2026, where it will operate under a new format titled Art Safari New Museum, following more than a decade of pop-up exhibitions hosted in historic buildings across the capital. After 12 years, 17 editions, and more than 1 million visitors, the exhibition platform will […]
In Romania, Christmas is more than holiday markets, decorated trees, and wrapped gifts. It's a season filled with old customs, lively rituals, and dishes that bring families together. One of the most popular Christmas traditions is caroling. Although traditions vary depending on the area, the ritual of going from house to house and singing carols […]
