Girodivite: Seenews: news report of 21.05.2009

Seenews: news report of 21.05.2009

Updated news from Balkans powered by www.seenews.com
Thursday 21 May 2009, by Emanuele G. - 841 letture

Countries:

* Albania *

Balkan Executives Battle Crisis Over Internet May 21, 2009, 18:20 CET | Story | BalkanInsight.com Increasing number of executives from the Balkans are taking advantage of the new social networking sites especially adjusted to their needs in order to tackle the current economic crisis that has struck their region. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/balkanexecutivesbattlecrisisoverinternet-182047897

SEE Contributes 33% of Raiffeisen International’s ’08 Pre-tax Profit May 21, 2009, 14:41 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - The region of South Eastern Europe (SEE) contributed 33% of last year’s pre-tax profit of banking group Raiffeisen International, the group said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/seeregioncontributes33_ofraiffeisenintl___08pre-taxprofit-125038

SEE Macroeconomic Indicators - Jobless Rate May 21, 2009, 13:28 CET | Story | SeeNews Following are official jobless rate figures in 10 countries of Southeast Europe (SEE) in the first three months of 2009: >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/seemacroeconomicindicators-joblessrate-111108

Mining Company Albanian Chrome ACR To Launch 30 Mln Euro Investment Project in June May 21, 2009, 13:22 CET | Story | SeeNews TIRANA (Albania), May 21 (SeeNews) - Mining company Albanian Chrome ACR said it will launch a 30 million euro ($41.3 million) investment project in June aimed at boosting the output of its main ferrochrome mine Bulqize. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/albanianchromecotostart30mlninvestmentprogrammeinitsferrochromemineinjune-100346

EU Discusses Visa Free Travel for Balkans May 21, 2009, 12:07 CET | Story | BalkanInsight.com The EU is beginning what may be lengthy discussions on whether to lift EU visa requirements for citizens from the Western Balkans, EU officials told the Balkan Insight on Thursday.
>http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/eudiscussesvisafreetravelforbalkans-120723386

Albania’s Consolidated Budget Turns to 3.7 Bln Leks (28 Mln Euro) Deficit in Q1 May 21, 2009, 11:25 CET | Story | SeeNews TIRANA (Albania), May 21 (SeeNews) - Albania’s consolidated budget deficit in the first quarter of the year totalled 3.74 billion leks ($39 million/28.3 million euro), versus a budget surplus of 10.5 billion leks in the year-ago period, central bank data showed. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/albania_sq1budgetdeficitwidensto3_7blnleks_28mlneuro_-105310

ALBANIA’S Q1 BUDGET GAP AT 3.7 BLN LEKS (28 MLN EURO) VS 10.5 BLN LEKS SURPLUS YR-AGO – C-BANK May 21, 2009, 10:52 CET | Alert | SeeNews >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/albania_sq1budgetgapat3_7blnleks_28mlneuro_vs10_5blnlekssurplusyr-ago___-105133

* Bosnia *

Radicals want Mayor Đilas sacked May 21, 2009, 18:20 CET | Story | B92 The opposition Serb Radicals (SRS) have demanded an emergency meeting of the Belgrade assembly to debate an initiative for the dismissal of Mayor Dragan Đilas. SRS councilor Nemanja Šarović told journalists on Thursday that there are 20 reasons given for his sacking “which show that Dragan Đilas must be dismissed without hesitation, because it is in the best interest of all Belgrade residents”. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/radicalswantmayor__ilassacked-182021269

SNS rule out coalition with Democrats May 21, 2009, 18:20 CET | Story | B92 Opposition Serb Progressives (SNS) deputy leader Aleksandar Vučić said that a coalition with the ruling Democrats (DS) is "impossible under normal conditions". He told Belgrade weekly NIN that this kind of coalition would be possible only if “some kind of Armageddon occurred”. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/snsruleoutcoalitionwithdemocrats-182004626

Home currency loses against euro May 21, 2009, 17:45 CET | Story | B92 The Serbian dinar (RSD) has today lost 0.28 percent of its value against the euro (EUR). The mean exchange rate has thus been set at RSD 94.3742 for one euro, the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) announced this Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/homecurrencylosesagainsteuro-174538789

Interim trade deal in late June? May 21, 2009, 17:45 CET | Story | B92 The European Commission "could approve the implementation of the Interim Trade Agreement at the end of June", writes a Belgrade daily. Večernje Novosti reports that they have received confirmation for this in Brussels, and that the move would signal an "introduction to the start of SAA’s implementation". >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/interimtradedealinlatejune_-174521894

Georgia mutiny suspect shot dead May 21, 2009, 17:45 CET | Story | B92 Georgian police have shot dead a man suspected of playing a key role in a mutiny at a military base earlier this month, the interior ministry has said. Gia Krialashvili was killed in a shoot-out with police as they tried to arrest him in a western suburb of Tbilisi, it said. Two other suspects were wounded. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/georgiamutinysuspectshotdead-174505357

Anarchist jailed for burning U.S. flag May 21, 2009, 15:10 CET | Story | B92 An anarchist organization activist has been jailed in Belgrade after he set an American flag on fire. The Anarcho-Unionist Initiative’s Ratibor Trivunac was arrested and immediately sentenced to 10 days in prison after the incident in the Serbian capital on Wednesday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/anarchistjailedforburningu_s_flag-151004976

Prosecutor seeks life for Lukić cousins May 21, 2009, 14:40 CET | Story | B92 In its closing statement the Hague Tribunal prosecution has called for life sentences to be handed down in the war crimes case against Milan and Sredoje Lukić. The prosecution added that the verdict and sentencing in this case should send a message that there is no mercy for those who are capable of committing such serious crimes. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/prosecutorseekslifeforluki__cousins-144005190

Analysts look at U.S. VP visit May 21, 2009, 13:40 CET | Story | B92 Political analysts in Serbia see the visit of U.S Vice-President Joseph Biden as a rekindling of America’s interest in the Balkans. Announcements of the U.S. administration that it will help Serbia with its European integration and that America will not ask Serbia to recognize Kosovo Albanians’ unilaterally declared independence, have been deemed as the most important messages of Biden’s visit here on Wednesday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/analystslookatu_s_vpvisit-134004812

Man armed with hand grenades enters Presidency May 21, 2009, 13:10 CET | Story | B92 An unidentified man has entered the Serbian Presidency building in Belgrade aremed with two hand grenades, B92 has learned unofficially. The man is at the very entrance to the building and unofficial information says that he has removed the safety pin from one of the grenades. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/manarmedwithhandgrenadesenterspresidency-131004602

Defense minister: No pressure over NATO May 21, 2009, 12:40 CET | Story | B92 The U.S. vice president has said that Serbia could join NATO swiftly, but that no one will pressure the country to do so, Dragan Šutanovac told B92. The defense minister, who met with Joseph Biden as he visited Belgrade on Wednesday, also said that Biden commended progress made in the Serbian Army reform. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/defenseminister_nopressureovernato-124004911

40 Serbs return to Kosovo police May 21, 2009, 12:05 CET | Story | B92 Kosovo police (KPS) spokesman Arber Beka said today that more than 40 Serb officers have returned to the police since May 15. “We have announcements that our Serb colleagues will return to work in the KPS in the coming days. Currently, there are 250 Serb officers under suspension and from May 15 they are no longer getting paid as they were up until that day,” Beka told FoNet news agency. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/40serbsreturntokosovopolice-120522169

Biden, Solana "back Bosnia’s integrity" May 21, 2009, 12:05 CET | Story | B92 U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana say they back the integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina and its two entities. "We back the Dayton Peace Accords, as well the aspirations of the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina for admission into European and Trans-Atlantic institutions," the pair said in their joint statement that was made public on Wednesday, in the wake of their visit to Bosnia. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/biden_solana_backbosnia_sintegrity_-120505601

Boy survives 25,000-volt shock May 21, 2009, 11:30 CET | Story | B92 A teenager in western Serbia is alive after receiving a severe electric shock of 25,000 volts. But the boy, identified as N.S., of Požega in western Serbia, suffered life threatening burns and is treated for his injuries in a Belgrade clinic. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/boysurvives25_000-voltshock-113021821

Bomb kills at least 34 in Baghdad May 21, 2009, 11:30 CET | Story | B92 At least 34 Iraqis died and dozens more were injured Wednesday when a car bomb was detonated in Baghdad, officials said. The attack occurred near a popular ice cream shop in a Shiite neighborhood of northern Baghdad, The Washington Post reported. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bombkillsatleast34inbaghdad-113005293

Opposition MPs come down on media May 21, 2009, 10:55 CET | Story | B92 The Serbian parliament completed the initial debate on changes to the Broadcasting Law and named one member to the Broadcasting Agency’s council. Opposition parties used the debate on Wednesday to level severe criticism at the media in Serbia. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/oppositionmpscomedownonmedia-105521506

Time-bomb explodes in Athens May 21, 2009, 10:55 CET | Story | B92 A time-bomb exploded outside the offices of a Greek company in central Athens causing minor damage and no injuries, police said. The attack is the latest in a daily string of violence that has rocked the country since the police shooting of a teenager in December triggered Greece’s worst riots in decades fuelled by anger at youth unemployment and economic measures. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/time-bombexplodesinathens-105504992

Biden makes his way to Priština May 21, 2009, 10:20 CET | Story | B92 U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden will be visiting Kosovo this Thursday. According to earlier announcements, he will first be visiting the Kosovo assembly. Police announced that they would be blocking off entire streets in Priština for several hours. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bidenmakeshiswaytopri__tina-102053406

Pentagon confirms Iran missile test May 21, 2009, 10:20 CET | Story | B92 U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has confirmed that Iran has tested a medium range ballistic missile that can reach Israel. It could also reach southeastern Europe and U.S. bases in the Middle East, VOA reports. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/pentagonconfirmsiranmissiletest-102037250

FBI believe NY terror plot foiled May 21, 2009, 10:20 CET | Story | B92 Four men have been arrested in New York City after undercover agents allegedly sold them fake explosives and a missile for terrorist attacks. They have been accused of plotting to bomb a synagogue and a Jewish community centre in the Bronx area of the city, and with conspiring to attack an Air National Guard base 100 kilometers upstate. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/fbibelievenyterrorplotfoiled-10202157

Provincial DS official hopeful over statute May 21, 2009, 10:20 CET | Story | B92 Chairman of the ruling Democrats (DS) in Vojvodina Dušan Elezović says the draft Vojvodina statute and accompanying laws will be adopted in parliament "soon". "It is guarantee enough for me that these acts will be adopted soon that both President Boris Tadić and Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković on several occasions repeated that the statute must be confirmed in the shortest period of time," he told today’s edition of Novi Sad daily Dnevnik. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/provincialdsofficialhopefuloverstatute-102004603

Bosnia Schedule of Events - May 21 - Oct 7 May 21, 2009, 08:36 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), May 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Bosnia and Herzegovina through October 7. New or amended entries are marked (*). >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/_forthurmorning_bosniascheduleofevents-may21-oct7-164453

Anger, disappointment, satisfaction with U.S. VP visit May 20, 2009, 18:55 CET | Story | B92 Serbia’s ruling coalition and opposition parties have offered different reactions to U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden’s visit to Belgrade. Opposition Serb Radical Party (SRS) MPs showed up in parliament today wearing t-shirts with printed image of their leader Vojislav Šešelj, and leaflets, put up in several places inside the building, which read, "Biden, you Nazi scum, go home", and, "Biden, you fascist scum, go home". >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/anger_disappointment_satisfactionwithu_s_vpvisit-185505185

* Bulgaria *

Moody’s Downgrades Bulgaria’s MKB Unionbank Ratings to Ba2, Outlook Negative May 21, 2009, 18:44 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday downgraded the long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of Bulgaria’s MKB Unionbank to Ba2 from Ba1, as the outlook remains negative. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/moody___sdowngradesbulgarianmkbunionbankratingtoba2_outlooknegative-175210

Bulgaria’s Central Cooperative Bank To Retain 2008 Profit May 21, 2009, 18:43 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - Bulgarian blue-chip Central Cooperative Bank (CCB) said on Thursday it will propose to keep 2008 earnings as reserves. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgarianlenderccbtoretain2008profit-181741

Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia Economic Growth May Decelarate to Between Zero to 2% in 2009 – World Bank May 21, 2009, 18:42 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - Economic growth in Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia may slow down to between zero to two percent this year due to the global economic crisis, the World Bank said on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/eueasterncountriestocontractby3_0_in___09___worldbankreport-173403

Balkan Executives Battle Crisis Over Internet May 21, 2009, 18:21 CET | Story | BalkanInsight.com Increasing number of executives from the Balkans are taking advantage of the new social networking sites especially adjusted to their needs in order to tackle the current economic crisis that has struck their region. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/balkanexecutivesbattlecrisisoverinternet-182105355

EBRD To Call 4.0 Mln Euro Tender for Supplier in Biomass-Fired Heating Plant Construction Project in Bulgaria May 21, 2009, 17:40 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said on Thursday that it will call a four million euro ($5.5 million) tender for a supplier in a project for the construction of a biomass-fired heating plant in Bulgaria. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/ebrdtocall4_0mlneurotenderforenergyefficientprojectinbulgariainq3_09-170721

Bulgaria’s Sparky Eltos Wins 2.0 Mln Euro EU Grant May 21, 2009, 16:22 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - Bulgarian blue-chip power tools manufacturer Sparky Eltos has won an EU grant of 4.0 million levs m ($2.8 million/2.0 million euro) for an 8.2 million levs project, the company said on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgaria___ssparkyeltoswins2_0mlneuroeugrant-154106

Bulgaria Bans Smoking in Public Places May 21, 2009, 15:45 CET | Story | BalkanInsight.com Bulgaria will introduce a smoking ban covering all restaurants, pubs, clubs, cafes and bars from the first of June, 2010.

>http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariabanssmokinginpublicplaces-154516296

Bulgarian Stocks Mostly Extend Losses in Falling Volumes May 21, 2009, 15:44 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - Most of the Bulgarian stocks extended losses on Thursday in falling volumes, bourse data showed. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgarianstocksmostlyextendlossesinfallingvolumes-144032

INTERVIEW – Copper Smelter Aurubis Plans Increase of Bulgarian Unit’s Concentrate Treatment Capacity May 21, 2009, 14:37 CET | Interview | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) – Copper smelter Aurubis plans to invest millions of euro in increasing the concentrate treatment capacity of its Bulgarian plant as part of its development as a leading global company, senior company officials said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/interview___europeancoppersmelteraurubisplansconcentratetreatmentcapacity-115003

INTERVIEW - Macedonia’s Ading Invests 2.0 Mln Euro in Business Centre in Skopje, Production Unit in Bulgaria May 21, 2009, 14:34 CET | Interview | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), May 21 (SeeNews) - Macedonian producer of admixtures and other chemicals for construction industry Ading will open this month a business centre in Macedonia and a production unit in neighbouring Bulgaria worth some 2.0 million euro ($2.8 million) in total, the company’s head said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/_decreasewhenedited_interview-macedonia___sadingopens1_5mlneurocombinedin-094101

Bulgarian Green Life Starts Building Black Sea Resort May 21, 2009, 14:30 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - Bulgarian real estate developer Green Life said on Thursday it started building its sixth holiday village on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast for an undisclosed sum. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariangreenlifestartsbuildingblacksearesort-135211

Bulgaria’s Balkancar Zarya To Seek 511,000 Euro in Capital Hike Initiated by Bondholders May 21, 2009, 14:19 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) – Bulgarian steel wheels and rims manufacturer Balkancar Zarya said it will seek to raise 1.0 million levs ($700,100/511,200 euro) in a capital increase prompted by its bondholders. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgaria___sbalkancarzaryatoseek511_00euroincapitalincreaseonrequest-184252

Bulgarian post union to be established tomorrow May 21, 2009, 13:10 CET | Story | News.BG null >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgarianpostuniontobeestablishedtomorrow-131021262

Bulgarian National Bank - Reserve Template - Apr 2009 May 21, 2009, 11:21 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has published its monthly report on template on international reserves and foreign currency liquidity for April 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariannationalbank-reservetemplate-apr2009-112448

Bulgarians in France on strike for unpaid salaries May 21, 2009, 10:55 CET | Story | News.BG null >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariansinfranceonstrikeforunpaidsalaries-105555109

Bulgaria – black hole for Irish investments May 21, 2009, 10:55 CET | Story | News.BG Irish and British buyers run away from the Eastern block >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgaria___blackholeforirishinvestments-105538295

FFBH - Bulgaria Morning Update - May 21, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:31 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews MARKET WRAP-UP >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/ffbh-bulgariamorningupdate-may21_2009-091650

PM Stanishev opens an international economic forum May 21, 2009, 10:21 CET | Story | News.BG Event to explore economic ties between Bulgarian, Greek & Macedonian regions >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/pmstanishevopensaninternationaleconomicforum-102109928

Karoll - Bulgarian Daily Newsletter - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:20 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Headlines >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/karoll-bulgariandailynewsletter-may20_2009-080514

Bulbrokers - Stock Market Daily Review - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:17 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews US indices traded mixed on weak housing data >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulbrokers-stockmarketdailyreview-may20_2009-075552

Bulbrokers - Daily FX Analysis - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:15 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews The dollar remains under pressure >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulbrokers-dailyfxanalysis-may20_2009-075137

Bulgarian Stock Exchange - Daily Bulletin, Selected Announcements - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 09:42 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Manuela AD /in bankruptcy/-Haskovo /4MC/ submitted to X3 News the following information: - Under a Decision of Haskovo District Court dated 16.05.2009, Manuela AD has been pronounced bankrupt. The entire notice is posted on >http://www.x3news.com. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgarianstockexchange-dailybulletin_selectedannouncements-may20_2009-073531

Bulgarian Stock Exchange - Daily Report - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 09:41 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews The Bulgarian Stock Еxchange has published its daily report on turnover and prices for May 20, 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgarianstockexchange-dailyreport-may20_2009-072851

Bulgaria Schedule of Events - May 21 - July 5 May 21, 2009, 08:39 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Bulgaria through July 5. New or amended entries are marked (*). >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariascheduleofevents-may21-july5-082742

United Bulgarian Bank - Economic & Market Analyses - Apr 2009 May 21, 2009, 07:42 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews
The Current account was negative and amounted to EUR 379.4 mn.- The gross external debt decreased to EUR 36,498.5 mn. (99.6% of GDP)- The stock of foreign reserves decreased by 1.5% to EUR 11.5 bn.- GDP decreased by 3.5% y/y in Q1- The composite indicator “Business climate in industry” went up by 4.1%- Consumer price inflation slowed marginally to 4.8% y/y- Producer price index on domestic market rose 1.1% compared to the previous month- The industrial production index increased by 7.7% as compared to the previous month- The receipts from sales decreased by 12.11% compared to the same month previous year- The average monthly wages increased in the Q1 of 2009 to BGN 13 against 2008- The unemployment rate rose to 7.02% on monthly basis- The fiscal reserve at the end of Mach amounted to BGN 7 954.9 mn.. which is a decrease from February when it was BGN 8 263.0 mn.- M3 amounted to BGN 44.886 bn. (62.6% of GDP)- Net Domestic Assets reached BGN 45.500 bn., 28.5% y/y growth- T he banking system’s total assets was BGN 69.2 bn. (EUR 35.4 bn.)- The financial assets of the private pension funds rose by 5.75% y/y (EUR 1.2bn, or 3.3% of the projected full-year GDP)- In April the Bulgarian Stock Exchange – Sofia registered total turnover of BGN 72.4 mn.- The construction production rose by 7.3% compared to the previous month >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/unitedbulgarianbank-economic_marketanalyses-apr2009-162527

Bulgaria Ruling Majority Shares out Key Posts ahead of Elections May 20, 2009, 23:34 CET | Story | Novinite.com Ten days before the end of the parliamentary term, the ruling majority rushed to fill in 25 key positions, including those in supervisory commissions and the social security institute.The next week will probably see the election of a new governor of the central bank BNB, according to reports, which cite undisclosed MPs.The ruling majority in parliament, made up of the Socialist party, the ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms and the centrist National Movement for Stability and Prosperity, have tabled in parliament nominations for filling in posts in bodies, elected fully or partially by the National Assembly, Anguel Naydenov, speaker of the left-wing parliamentary group, told journalists.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariarulingmajoritysharesoutkeypostsaheadofelections-233417497

Bulgarian Woman Runs on Italian Right-Wing EP Ballot May 20, 2009, 23:34 CET | Story | Novinite.com The Bulgarian national, Antonia Gospodinova, is the first Eastern European to be included in the Italian ballot for the EP elections.Antonia has been nominated to run at the elections for Members of the European Parliament (MEP) this summer by the extreme right-wing coalition, L’Autonomia (Autonomy. The Coalition’s memberships includes ministers from former cabinets of the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgarianwomanrunsonitalianright-wingepballot-233401431

Bulgaria Opens Consulate General Office in Valencia, Spain May 20, 2009, 23:33 CET | Story | Novinite.com Bulgaria will open a consulate general office in the Spanish city of Valencia.Bulgaria’s ambassador in Spain, Ivan Hristov, and the administrative secretary of the Bulgarian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ivan Petrov, will unveil the consulate general, the government’s press office announced.The consulate will improve the service of over 40 000 Bulgarian citizens on the territory of the consular district, extend representation of Bulgaria in Spain, and strengthen economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariaopensconsulategeneralofficeinvalencia_spain-233345415

Bulgaria Opposition Leader Names Top 10 Most Corrupt Mayors May 20, 2009, 23:33 CET | Story | Novinite.com The leader of the opposition conservative right-wing Order, Law and Justice Party has triggered yet another controversy by drawing up a list of the ten most corrupt mayors in Bulgaria.The mayor of the Bulgarian city of Haskovo, Georgi Ivanov, who was recently accused by prosecutors of fraud and corruption, tops the list, made by Yane Yanev.Second comes in the mayor of the northern Bulgarian town of Veliko Tarnovo Rumen Rashev on allegations of profiting from all big transactions and projects in the municipality.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariaoppositionleadernamestop10mostcorruptmayors-233329327

Greens Party Co-Chair: PM Stanishev, Deputy PM Kalfin Destroy Bulgarian Nature May 20, 2009, 23:33 CET | Story | Novinite.com Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Sergey Stanishev, and his deputy, Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin, are involved in murky projects causing environmental destruction.This has been stated by the Co-Chair of the Bulgarian Greens party, Andrey Kovachev, in an interview for Novinite.com.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/greenspartyco-chair_pmstanishev_deputypmkalfindestroybulgarian-233313307

Bulgaria Ambassador Honored with Freedom of London May 20, 2009, 23:32 CET | Story | Novinite.com His Excellency Luchezar Matev, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria in London, has been honored with the Freedom of the City of London.Sources from Bulgaria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry informed about the honor bestowed upon Matev Wednesday.Granting the Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariaambassadorhonoredwithfreedomoflondon-233257301

Former GERB Speaker: Our Only Possible Partner Is Blue Coalition May 20, 2009, 23:32 CET | Story | Novinite.com The Sofia City Councilor from GERB, Robert Yanakiev, has stated that the Blue Coalition was GERB’s only potential partner for forming a government after the 2009 Parliamentary Elections.In an interview for Novinite.com, Yanakiev, who is also the former speaker of Sofia Mayor Boyko Borisov’s party GERB, said there was no way GERB would form a coalition with the ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/formergerbspeaker_ouronlypossiblepartnerisbluecoalition-233241340

Strong Showing for Ad Effectiveness Awards in Bulgaria May 20, 2009, 23:32 CET | Story | Novinite.com A total of 48 entries from 20 advertising agencies have been submitted for the second edition of Bulgaria marketing effectiveness EFFIE Awards.The awards are the international benchmark for marketing communications effectiveness for both agencies and clients and are currently run in 39 countries around the world.In Bulgaria the EFFIE awards were held for the first time in 2007 and are orgaznied by the Association of Advertising Agencies (AAA).... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/strongshowingforadeffectivenessawardsinbulgaria-23322052

Time Warner Steps into Bulgaria May 20, 2009, 23:32 CET | Story | Novinite.com US media giant Time Warner Inc (TWX) has finalized its USD 241,5 M acquisition of a 31% stake in CME, the Central and Eastern European broadcaster.The companies previously announced the signing of the transaction on March 23, 2009.CETV bought two Bulgarian television channels in 2008 - TV2 and the only sport broadcasting channel in Bulgaria, Ring TV.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/timewarnerstepsintobulgaria-233204111

Bulgarian Spring Book Fair Says No to VAT May 20, 2009, 23:31 CET | Story | Novinite.com Bulgarian publishers displayed at the traditional spring fair in Sofia will not include value-added-tax in their prices in a protest against the high duty levied on books.Local publishing houses have staged numerous rallies against the 20% VAT imposed on books and textbooks, saying this hampers the spread of knowledge and literacy.The Spring Book Fair will welcome guests and visitors during four days, starting on May 20 in Sofia’s Palace of Culture, aiming to make Bulgarian books more popular and accessible for a wide range of readers.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgarianspringbookfairsaysnotovat-233148127

Bulgaria Finance Minister Warns against Rash Financial Interventions May 20, 2009, 23:31 CET | Story | Novinite.com The Finance Minister in Bulgaria’s Socialist-led government has admitted to the success of reforms implemented by right-wingers after the severe economic crisis in Bulgaria in the late 90s."Following the crisis in 1997, the country took on an upward course very quickly thanks to reforms, which were described as unusual," Minister Plamen Oresharski said at a discussion about the global economic crisis, organized by his department.According to him the scale of the current crisis once again calls for unusual measures, but warned that these should be tackled with caution as otherwise they may lead to long-term lack of sustainability.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariafinanceministerwarnsagainstrashfinancialinterventions-233132157

Romania to Open Black Sea Hotels On May 15 May 20, 2009, 23:31 CET | Story | Novinite.com Romania intends to pass a law that will oblige all their hotels at the Black Sea coast to open each year on May 15.The Romanian Tourism Ministry explained that this was an effort to create an image of Romanian tourism as a year round destination, the Dnevnik Daily reported.Currently, most of the Romanian hotels at the Black Sea coast open in the middle of June, which is not a good advertisement, and definitely not a whole-season destination, officials commented.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romaniatoopenblackseahotelsonmay15-233116102

Japan Economy Collapses by 15,2% in Q1 Y/Y May 20, 2009, 23:31 CET | Story | Novinite.com Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP) shrunk by15,2% for the first three months of 2009 year-on-year.The country’s economy collapsed by 4% compared to the last quarter of 2008 when the numbers showed annual decrease of 14,4%, the BBC reported.Japan’s economy, which depends heavily on exports, has been hit hard by the global downturn.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/japaneconomycollapsesby15_2_inq1y_y-233100116

Bulgaria Steel Mill Creditors Mull Electricity Cut May 20, 2009, 23:30 CET | Story | Novinite.com The foreign creditors to Bulgaria’s troubled steel plant Kremikovtzi, mainly hedge funds holding a corporate bond, will discuss with the energy ministry the prospect of cutting off electricity supplies to the plant.The statement was made by Economy and Energy Minister Petar Dimitrov less than a week after state gas monopoly Bulgargaz suspended gas supplies over debts standing at BGN 105 M."It makes no sense for Kremikovtzi debts to be a problem for the electricity distribution company only.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bulgariasteelmillcreditorsmullelectricitycut-233044108

2% More Passengers at Bulgaria Sofia Airport May 20, 2009, 23:30 CET | Story | Novinite.com Bulgaria’s main Sofia Airport recorded a 2% increase of passengers in April 2009 year-on-year, despite the global financial crisis.There is a decrease, however, in the flight numbers (-5%), Darik Radio reported.Some of the reasons for the positive results are the constant flow of passengers, and the 19% increase in charter flights at Easter.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/2_morepassengersatbulgariasofiaairport-23302876

Swiss Stress Test Lists Bulgaria as Vulnerable to Crisis May 20, 2009, 23:30 CET | Story | Novinite.com The Stress Test on Competitiveness, conducted by the Swiss business school IMD, places Bulgaria in the group of countries vulnerable to the global financial crisis.Among the 57 countries studied, Bulgaria ranks 46th with 25,33 points from the maximum 100.South Africa is 45th and France is 44th, right before Bulgaria, while the country is followed by Italy and Poland, Greece is 49th but only with 14 points, Spain is 50th with 7,5 points.... >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/swissstresstestlistsbulgariaasvulnerabletocrisis-233011633

GLOBUL Provides Mobile Internet Solution To Prista Oil Rally Team May 20, 2009, 21:34 CET | Press Release | InPR SOFIA (Bulgaria), May 20, 2009 — (InPR) — GLOBUL will provide mobile internet connectivity solution to Bulgarian Prista Oil Rally Team in order to facilitate the team’s press activities. The solution will allow for the timely posting of news updates, including photos and video, on the team’s performance during races. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/globulprovidesmobileinternetsolutiontopristaoilrallyteam-213404

* Croatia *

World Bank Says Croatia’s Q1 GDP Falls 5.8% Y/Y – Media May 21, 2009, 18:41 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), May 21 (SeeNews) – The Office of the World Bank in Croatia said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell by an annual 5.8% in the first quarter of this year, local media reported on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/worldbanksayscroatia___sgdpfalls5_8_inq1___media-173514

Croatian Port Operator Luka Ploce Q1 Net Profit Falls 79% Y/Y May 21, 2009, 18:22 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), May 21 (SeeNews) - Croatian port operator Luka Ploce said on Thursday its net profit fell to 2.1 million kuna ($395,000/286,000 euro) in the first three months of 2009 from 10 million kuna a year earlier. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/croatianportoperatorlukaploceq1netprofitfalls79_y_y-181135

CROATIA’S LUKA PLOCE Q1 NET PROFIT FALLS 79% Y/Y TO 2.1 MLN KUNA (286,000 EURO) May 21, 2009, 18:21 CET | Alert | SeeNews >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/croatia___slukaploceq1netprofitfalls79_y_yto2_1mlnkuna_286_000euro_-181833

JAT to Recommence Flights to Dubrovnik May 21, 2009, 17:46 CET | Story | BalkanInsight.com

Serbia’s national air carrier, JAT Airways, will resume flying betweenBelgrade and Dubrovnik in Croatia from the middle of June, after an 18 year hiatus.

>http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/jattorecommenceflightstodubrovnik-174607231

Vice-President Brings New US Resolve to Balkans May 21, 2009, 16:45 CET | Story | BalkanInsight.com By allotting his third official foreign visit to Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo, Joe Biden has shown the US is ready once again to engage seriously in the Balkans. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/vice-presidentbringsnewusresolvetobalkans-164517634

Croatia’s April Jobless Rate Rises to 14.8% from 13.9% Yr-Ago - Table May 21, 2009, 14:30 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), May 21 (SeeNews) - Croatia’s April unemployment rate was 14.8%, down from 15.0% in March and higher than the 13.9% reading a year earlier, the State Statistics Bureau said on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/croatia_sapriljoblessraterisesto14_8_from13_9_yrago-table-141440

CROATIA’S APRIL JOBLESS RATE RISES TO 14.8% FROM 13.9% YR-AGO - STATS BUREAU May 21, 2009, 13:56 CET | Alert | SeeNews >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/croatia_sapriljoblessraterisesto14_8_from13_9_yr-ago-statsbureau-135259

FIMA Stock Monitor - Morning News - May 21, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:57 CET | Broker’s Report | AII Data Processing Ltd IDC: Croatia’s ICT market will drop 7 percent this year >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/fimastockmonitor-morningnews-may21_2009-103053

Erste Securities - Croatian Equity Daily - May 21, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:32 CET | Broker’s Report | AII Data Processing Ltd Highlights: >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/erstesecurities-croatianequitydaily-may21_2009-081330

FIMA Stock Monitor - Daily Insight - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:31 CET | Broker’s Report | AII Data Processing Ltd Europe’s markets are mostly higher today while domestic index expanded its winning streak advancing 3.8%. CROBEX closed at 1933.05 pts the highest point of the day, after breaking 1900 pts level earlier in the day. Regardless of news that credit rating agency Dun&Bradstreet downgraded Croatia’s rating to DB3d, the bottom in the “mild risk” segment, investors didn’t panic and managed to make excellent turnover of HRK 42.0 m. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/fimastockmonitor-dailyinsight-may20_2009-074729

Croatia Schedule of Events - May 21 - July 2 May 21, 2009, 10:10 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), May 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Croatia through July 2. New or amended entries are marked (*). >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/croatiascheduleofevents-may21-july2-100907

* Macedonia *

Macedonia Invites Investors To Build Five-Star Hotel Near Ohrid Lake May 21, 2009, 16:28 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), May 21 (SeeNews) – Macedonian Transport Ministry said on Thursday it has called a tender to sell a state-owned land near the Ohrid lake intended for the construction of a five-star hotel. The public auction is part of the ministry’s plan to sell some 160 state-owned locations, aimed for the construction of filling stations, hospitals, plants, hotels, multi-storey parking facilities and commercial buildings in the next 20 days, the ministry said in the statement posted on its website. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/macedoniainvitesinvestorstoconstructfive-starhotelinlakesideofohrid-152408

ANALYSIS - Serbia, Macedonia Strive To Attract Tourists Despite Outdated Infrastructure May 21, 2009, 10:41 CET | Interview | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), May 21 (SeeNews) – It comes as no surprise that Balkan neighbours Serbia and Macedonia face similar problems in their tourism industry as a result of their shared past within former Yugoslavia, close economic ties and related culture, industry sources say. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/landlockedneighboursserbiaandmacedoniaaimtodrawtouristsdespitepoor-114441

Macedonian Stock Exchange - Daily Report - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 09:35 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Тhe Macedonian Stock exchange has published its daily report on turnover and prices for May 20, 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/macedonianstockexchange-dailyreport-may20_2009-071437

Macedonia Schedule of Events – May 21 – June 10 May 21, 2009, 09:02 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), May 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Macedonia through June 10. New or amended entries are marked (*). >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/macedoniascheduleofevents___may21___june10-084016

* Moldova *

Moldova 4-mo Retail Sales Fall by Real 4.1% Y/Y May 21, 2009, 16:35 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), May 21 (SeeNews) - Moldova’s retail sales fell by real 4.1% on the year to 5.76 billion lei ($513 million/377 million euro) in the first four months of 2009, the country’s statistics bureau said on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/moldovajan-aprilretailsalesfallbyreal4_1_y_y-162018

Moldova’s Q1 Jobless Rate Jumps to 7.7% from 5.5% Year Ago May 21, 2009, 14:49 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), May 21 (SeeNews) - Moldova’s official unemployment rate was 7.7% at in the first quarter of 2009, significantly up from 5.5% a year earlier, the country’s statistics bureau said on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/moldova___sq1joblessratejumpsto7_7_from5_5_yearago-144712

Moldova’s Transdniestria Region 4-mo Industrial Output Falls 37.6% Y/Y May 21, 2009, 11:45 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), May 21 (SeeNews) - The industrial output of Moldova’s breakaway region of Transdniestria fell by an annual 37.6% in the first four months of this year, Transdniestria’s Economy Ministry said on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/moldova_stransdniestriaregionjan-aprilindustrialoutputfalls37_6_y_y-112719

Moldova Schedule of Events - May 21 - June 30 May 21, 2009, 10:09 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), May 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Moldova through June 30. New or amended entries are marked (*). >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/moldovascheduleofevents-may21-june30-094606

Moldova Stock Exchange - Daily Report - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 09:33 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews The Moldova Stock exchange has published its daily report on trading volumes and prices for May 20, 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/moldovastockexchange-dailyreport-may20_2009-071027

* Montenegro *

New Securities Exchange of Montenegro - Daily Report - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 09:32 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews The New Securities exchange of Montenegro (NEX) has published its daily report on trading volumes and prices for May 20, 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/newsecuritiesexchangeofmontenegro-dailyreport-may20_2009-070537

* Romania *

Romanian Leu Weakens vs Euro May 21, 2009, 18:47 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) - The Romanian leu eased versus the euro on Thursday in line with the currencies of other emerging markets in the region, dealers said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romanianleuweakensvseuro-172402

Romanian Stocks End Lower in Light Turnover, Track Intl Sentiment May 21, 2009, 18:01 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) - The Romanian bourse indices ended lower on Thursday in light turnover, mirroring the negative mood on international markets, brokers said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romanianstocksenddowninlowturnover_followintlmood-172459

Investment Funds, Real Estate Cos Withdraw 4.0 Bln Euro from Romanian Mkt so far This Year - Cushman & Wakefield May 21, 2009, 17:00 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) - Investment funds and real estate companies withdrew 4.0 billion euro ($5.5 billion) from the Romanian real estate market so far this year to support operations in their countries of origin, an official of real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/investfunds_realestatecoswithdrewfourblneurofromromanianmktthisyr-media-163827

Romanian Steel Plant ArcelorMittal Hunedoara Suspends Production on Lack of Orders – Media May 21, 2009, 15:49 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) – Romanian steel plant ArcelorMittal Hunedoara, part of the ArcelorMittal steel group, has suspended production due to lack of orders, Bucharest based daily Ziarul Financiar reported on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romaniansteelplantarcelormittalhunedoarasuspendsproduction___media-152520

Romania Sells 639.2 Mln Lei (153.2 Mln Euro) in 3-Yr T-notes, Above Plan May 21, 2009, 15:09 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) - Romania on Thursday sold 639.2 million lei (211.5 million/153.2 million euro) in three-year Treasury notes, versus 500 million lei on offer, the country’s central bank, BNR, said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romaniasells639_2mlnlei_153_2mlneuro_in3-yrt-notes_aboveplan-150324

Romania’s C-Bank Governor Hopes for Economic Growth in 2009 – Media May 21, 2009, 14:52 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) – Romania’s central bank governor Mugur Isarescu hopes that the country’s economy will record positive growth at the end of this year, Bucharest-based news agency Mediafax reported on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romania___sc-bankgovernorhopesforeconomicgrowthin2009___media-143805

Romania To Guarantee Loans for First Home Acquisition in Bid To Boost Real Estate Sector May 21, 2009, 14:32 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) – Romania will guarantee 80% of the value of loans contracted by Romanians for the acquisition of their first home in an attempt to boost the local real estate market, the government said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romaniatoguaranteeloansforfirsthomeacquisitioninattepttoboostrealestate-140158

Romania Raises State Aid for SMEs 20 Times to 100 Mln Euro for 2009-2011 May 21, 2009, 12:15 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) – Romania has raised to 100 million euro ($138 million) from 5.0 million the state aid that could be granted to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the 2009-2001 period, the government’s press office said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romaniarises20timesstateaidforsmesto100mlneuroin2009-2011period-114946

Romanian Fertiliser Maker Azomures To Continue Operating at Half Capacity Until End-July May 21, 2009, 12:03 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) - Romania’s largest chemical fertiliser producer, Azomures, said on Thursday it will continue to operate at half capacity until the end of July due to persistent low demand for fertilizers on domestic and international markets. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romanianfertilisermakerazomurestocontinueoperatingatlowercapacitythrough-105113

Romania To Cut Gas Price by 5.0% as of July 1 - PM May 21, 2009, 11:56 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) - Romania will cut natural gas prices by 5.0% as of July 1, Prime Minister Emil Boc said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romaniatocutgaspriceby5_asofjuly1-pm-111150

Romania Press Review - May 21 May 21, 2009, 11:30 CET | Story | BalkanInsight.com Here are the top stories in Romania’s main newspapers. Balkan Insighthas not verified the reports and cannot vouch for their accuracy. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romaniapressreview-may21-113059290

Ieba Trust - Market Daily Monitor - May 21, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:28 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Market Comment >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/iebatrust-marketdailymonitor-may21_2009-092122

Raiffeisen Capital & Investment - Investment Daily Romania - May 21, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:27 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews In the news >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/raiffeisencapital_investment-investmentdailyromania-may21_2009-090925

Romania Schedule of Events - May 21 - Oct 19 May 21, 2009, 09:55 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), May 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Romania through October 19. New or amended entries are marked (*). >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/romaniascheduleofevents-may21-oct19-093512

Bucharest Stock Exchange - Daily Report - RASDAQ Market - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 09:40 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews The Bucharest Stock exchange has published its daily RASDAQ market report for May 20, 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/buchareststockexchange-dailyreport-rasdaqmarket-may20_2009-072340

Bucharest Stock Exchange - Daily Report - Regulated Market - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 09:38 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews The Bucharest Stock exchange has published its daily report on trading volumes and prices on the regulated market for May 20, 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/buchareststockexchange-dailyreport-regulatedmarket-may20_2009-071957

Joseph Stiglitz: The worst is yet to come May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard Romania’s economy could continue to slide in the coming quarters at a rate similar to that registered in the first quarter, of 6.4 percent, if the effects of the crisis in Europe “are harsher than expected,” according to a statement for Business Standard by Joseph E. Stiglitz, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics, and former Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/josephstiglitz_theworstisyettocome-192508350

Adama and Leumi sign partnership for client mortgages May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard Adama Holding, a developer controlled by U.S. Tiger Global Management and Austrian Immoeast investment funds, signed a partnership with Bank Leumi for client financing. As a result of this partnership, those making a down payment for an apartment developed by Adama will be granted mortgages by Bank Leumi when the housing unit is delivered. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/adamaandleumisignpartnershipforclientmortgages-19250844

BNR hoping for more control over banks May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard Bankers and lender shareholders could be changed if they refuse to strengthen prudence indicators, provided a draft law increasing the powers of the National Bank of Romania (BNR) is passed. The draft is yet to be drawn up and passed by Parliament, according to BNR officials. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bnrhopingformorecontroloverbanks-192507859

Fitch: Beware of campaign promises May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard Rating agencies are skeptical about improving Romania’s rating next spring, according to a forecast by the Vice Governor of the National Bank of Romania, Eugen Dijmarescu. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/fitch_bewareofcampaignpromises-192507661

Dacia’s orders to maintain Bosch Romania’s business at its 2008 level May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard The Romanian subsidiary of the Bosch industrial group is banking on orders from the Dacia carmaker to maintain its 2009 net sales at a level similar to that in 2008, the General Manager of Robert Bosch Romania, Brigitte Eble, said yesterday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/dacia___sorderstomaintainboschromania___sbusinessatits2008level-192507479

The industry consumes 26% less energy May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard As of last November, the financial crisis has sharply affected the electricity market, when deliveries made by traders to industrial consumers suddenly dropped dramatically, by 10.1 percent from a 2.4 percent increase, according to data provided by the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/theindustryconsumes26_lessenergy-192507292

Orkla relocates margarine production from Craiova to Bucharest May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard Orkla Foods Romania (OFR), local subsidiary of the Norwegian Orkla Foods group, plans to close its southern Romanian unit in Craiova, relocating production to the group’s plant in Bucharest. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/orklarelocatesmargarineproductionfromcraiovatobucharest-192506987

Managers are reluctant to promote employees May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard The reluctance of managers to promote employees is more pronounced during an economic crisis, as they are unwilling to take a chance to advance people with no experience to higher positions and they fear that those who are promoted could end up replacing them, according to Lugera&Makler recruiting company’s HR Operations Manager, Florin Ochiana. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/managersarereluctanttopromoteemployees-192506787

Farmexim’s business rose 15% in Q1 2009, due to portfolio expansion May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard Farmexim, one of the top five players on the pharmaceutical distribution market, registered a 15 percent increase in business in the first quarter, to RON 180 million (some €43 mln), due to a natural increase in distributed volumes, and as a result of the expansion of its over-the-counter medication portfolio. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/farmexim___sbusinessrose15_inq12009_duetoportfolioexpansion-192506526

A five-star cruise costs as much as a luxury holiday in Greece or Turkey May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard Favorite destinations of Romanians who choose to spend their holiday on a luxury cruise in 2009 are the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Islands, and countries along the South American shores. Prices registered a slight drop compared to 2008, said businessman Nicolae Demetriade, President of World Travel and the local representative of Royal Caribbean in Romania, the world’s largest cruise company. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/afive-starcruisecostsasmuchasaluxuryholidayingreeceorturkey-192506331

The crisis drives up the lobby market May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard If the year 2009 seems to be weaker than 2008 for the media market, the current economic context can prove beneficial for the lobby and public affairs markets, according to specialists in the field. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/thecrisisdrivesupthelobbymarket-192505294

BVB foregoes its most ambitious project while cost cuts boost 2009 profit May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard The management of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), which operates the only share market in Romania, will recommend to shareholders to correct the budget for 2009, as the new profit target, of RON 6.5 million (€1.5 mln), is five times higher than initially estimated earnings. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/bvbforegoesitsmostambitiousprojectwhilecostcutsboost2009profit-1925069

Dragan, ANIS: The lack of strategy freezes IT outsourcing projects May 20, 2009, 23:00 CET | Story | Business Standard A freeze of outsourcing projects developed on the local market by foreign enterprises, initially attracted by the favorable economic context, is the result of a lack of strategy at the government and IT company levels, said Liviu Dragan, President of the Employers Association of the Software and Services Industry (ANIS) and shareholder of the TotalSoft software service provider. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/dragan_anis_thelackofstrategyfreezesitoutsourcingprojects-192505785

* Serbia *

Belgrade Shares Mostly Rise, Turnover Slips May 21, 2009, 18:33 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), May 21 (SeeNews) - The indices of the Belgrade Stock Exchange (BELEX) closed mostly higher in lower volumes on Thursday, a broker said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/belgradesharesmostlyriseinlowerturnover-175756

INTERVIEW - Serbia Needs To Step Up Investment in Agriculture - Vojvodina Commerce Chamber Head May 21, 2009, 17:36 CET | Interview | SeeNews NOVI SAD (Serbia), May 21 (SeeNews) - Serbia needs to increase investments in agriculture, one of the few sectors of its economy that has a positive trade balance, the head of the Chamber of Commerce in the Vojvodina province said. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/interview-serbianeedstostepupinvestmentinagriculturesector-vojvodinahead-134234

Vojvodjanska Banka - Daily Vobnews - May 21, 2009 May 21, 2009, 10:34 CET | Broker’s Report | AII Data Processing Ltd Serbia’s Vojvodjanska banka released its Daily Vobnews report for May 21, 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/vojvodjanskabanka-dailyvobnews-may21_2009-102600

Belgrade Stock Exchange - Daily Report - May 20, 2009 May 21, 2009, 09:37 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews The Belgrade Stock exchange has published its daily report on trading volumes and prices for May 20, 2009. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/belgradestockexchange-dailyreport-may20_2009-071713

Serbia Schedule of Events - May 21- May 26 May 21, 2009, 09:25 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), May 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Serbia through May 26. New or amended entries are marked (*). >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/serbiascheduleofevents-may21-may26-091829

* Slovenia *

Slovenian Share Indices Slide in Falling Turnover May 21, 2009, 18:07 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), May 21 (SeeNews) – Slovenian stocks slided down on Thursday amid falling turnover, data of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange (LJSE) showed. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/slovenianshareindicesedgedowninfallingturnover-173544

Slovenia’s April Power Output Falls One-Third from Yr Ago - Media May 21, 2009, 16:17 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), May 21 (SeeNews) - Slovenia’s April electricity production fell by one-third year-on-year to 853.5 million kilowatt hours (kWh) due to a shutdown of the Krsko nuclear power plant, state news agency STA reported on Thursday. >http://seenews.com/news/latestnews/slovenia___saprilenergyproductionfallsbyonethirdfromyrago-media-155046

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