Stories from Romania

The Aura Party has submitted a project requesting the removal of a 25 lei tax on packages from China valued under 150 euros. This tax measure originally went into effect in January of this year. Meanwhile, European-level discussions are occurring regarding a potential 'valmal' tax intended to protect local merchants from competition with large Chinese platforms. Online retailers are reportedly involved in these discussions. In January 2026, the first month the tax was in effect, 1.95 million packages were taxed. The state collected nearly 10 million euros from companies outside the European Union during that period. Projections suggest the state could collect at least 120 million euros in 2026 from funds not yet collected. Consumers may see price increases as a result.

Ten employees received merit bonuses of 32,500 lei gross each, exceeding established ceilings. Additionally, 2.2 million lei were paid to individuals who already held pensioner status. Directors of the companies also received various allowances.

European Parliament members noted that the trade pact signed in mid-January could increase imports of cheap food, including beef, poultry, and sugar. The Romanian Ministry of Agriculture stated that Romanian pork could face serious competition from South American imports.

The Solis Hyperion, a 100% electric vehicle powered exclusively by solar energy, was showcased at an educational fair in Bistrita. Team representative Bogdan Jugastra stated the organization focuses on the development of solar-powered vehicles.

The Lumen European Solar Challenge 2026 is scheduled to take place in September. The event features the Solis Hyperion, a vehicle that is 100% electric and powered solely by solar energy. The car was recently showcased at an educational fair in Bistrita.

Authorities ordered the closure of a private medical clinic in Bucharest following the death of a patient who entered a coma after an aesthetic procedure. Sanitary inspectors identified major deficiencies in the sterilization process of medical instruments at a Bucharest clinic. The inspection revealed violations of hygiene norms, disinfection protocols, and functional circuit requirements. These findings follow the death of a 45-year-old woman who fell ill during a facial lifting procedure and died several days later in a hospital. The patient reportedly felt unwell shortly after the procedure began and was subsequently hospitalized. She remained in a coma for several days before passing away. A representative for Digi 24 stated that patients are correct in their grievances regarding the shortage. Authorities indicated that funds will be supplemented next week to address the issue.

Gymnast Iana Maria Borbosu is facing a proposed two-year suspension for violating anti-doping regulations. The regulations require elite athletes to report their daily location via a digital application within a 60-minute window to facilitate anti-doping tests.

Olga Mukhina won the gold medal in the under 57 kilogram category at a Grand Slam tournament in Bucharest. She defeated an opponent from Mongolia to secure the top prize. Other Russian medalists in the tournament included Natalia Elkina, German Kobitsa, and Yagabu Ladze. She defeated a Mongolian opponent in the final. The victory follows a successful run for Russian judokas at the Grand Slam in Dushanbe. The source noted that Russian athletes will likely maintain neutral status at the upcoming European Championships in August. This decision regarding symbols is expected to remain in place until September 1. This decision impacts the lead-up to the Paris games. A request for the return of national symbols has been deferred until September 1, the end of the current summer season.

Health inspectors closed a medical clinic and revoked its sanitary operating license following the discovery of major regulatory violations. Authorities applied fines totaling 70,000 lei. Total fines applied amount to 70,000 lei.

Tarom announced that passengers at Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni) can no longer pay certain fees with cash. Fees for excess baggage and other services at check-in counters or boarding gates must be paid electronically via card or contactless methods.