The European Commission has concluded that Romania's €250 million (RON 1.25 billion) recapitalisation of the majority state-owned Exim Banca Romaneasca does not constitute State aid within the meaning of EU State aid rules. In September 2024, Romania informed the Commission of its intention to recapitalise Exim Banca Romaneasca. The primary goals were to increase lending volumes, develop synergies between retail and corporate activities, optimise internal processes, and improve the structure of financing sources. Romania submitted a business plan covering the period 2025–2032 and a report on the 'private investor test' conducted in connection with the planned capital increase. The Commission evaluated these documents. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules and found that Romania's recapitalisation of Exim Banca Romaneasca does not constitute State aid. EU State aid rules specify that if a Member State acts as a private investor would and is compensated for the risk in a way acceptable to a prudent private investor, the intervention does not constitute State aid. The Commission's assessment of Romania's business plan for Exim Banca Romaneasca showed that the €250 million capital injection would provide returns consistent with market conditions for the Romanian State, which is Exim Banca Romaneasca's majority shareholder. The business plan forecasts an increased market share in lending and deposits, improved efficiency, and robust capital levels. The non-confidential version of this decision will be made available under the case number SA.115897 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
The agency plans to expand its team and reach a turnover of EUR 450,000 by year-end. June Communications (JUNE), a business-to-business PR and integrated communications agency, has appointed Bianca Caragea as its new Operations Manager. The step strengthens the agency’s management team as it enters a new stage of growth after seven years of sustained […]
The Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca (UBB) has established an endowment fund, which the institution described as a "strategic" financial mechanism aimed at supporting academic excellence and ensuring the long-term sustainability of university projects. The initiative is a first of its kind in the local academia, UBB said. The endowment fund involves attracting donations/financial resources and […]
Romanian authorities are reportedly considering imposing an access fee for the Transfăgărășan mountain road. The funds would be used for setting up decent parking areas, selecting merchants, and similar initiatives. The beautiful, winding road is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. Local authorities say the funds from an eventual toll would […]
Colombian reggaeton superstar J Balvin will perform in Dubai for the first time this November, headlining Untold, the globally recognized festival born in Romania. The event will take place from November 6 to 9 at Dubai Parks and Resorts, featuring more than 100 international acts across five stages. The festival is staged in partnership with […]
More than 17% of Romania’s population faced severe material and social deprivation last year, which was one of the highest shares in the EU, according to the statistical bureau of the European Union - Eurostat. In 2024, 6.4% of people in the European Union faced severe material and social deprivation, a slight decrease compared to […]
The Freedom and Respect for Every Earthling association will hold the March for Animal Rights in Bucharest on October 4, to mark International Animal Day. The march will start at 11 AM at the National Theater Park, and will go on to Piața Victoriei. Organizers say they aim to bring to the forefront the suffering […]
