Romania: Romania's retail sales in June declined

UNWTO: International tourism – strongest half-year results since 2010

2017/09/09 Destinations worldwide welcomed 598 million international tourists in the initial six months of 2017, some 36 million additional than in the same period of 2016. At 6%, increase was well above the trend of recent years, making the current January-June period the strongest half-year since 2010. Visitor numbers reported by destinations around the world reflect strong request for international travel in the initial half of 2017, according to the new UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Worldwide, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 6% compared to the same six-month period last year, well above the sustained and consistent trend of 4% or higher increase since 2010. This represents the strongest half-year in seven years.

US LNG exports make European market more competitive

2017/08/27 The European gas market is becoming additional and additional competitive and US exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are part of this landscape, Francis Perrin, energy expert, chairman of Energy Strategies and Policies (France) told Trend. “Energy is always a strategic business. Economic aspects are very significant of course, particularly the price of LNG, but nations as well take into account strategic issues. For some Central and Eastern European nations one of the key priorities of their energy policies is the diversification of their supplies, in particular gas imports, in order to reduce their dependence on Russia,” said the expert.

Investors spooked by Property Regulations in Africa

2017/08/20 The African real estate market needs stronger regulations and a additional reliable policy of law in order to attract investment in the continent — Africa Property News.com has learned. Various large Listed South African funds feel African real estate is a long term game hindered by weak laws. They need recourse if something goes wrong.

ETOA: Suspension of visa exemption status for US citizens "extremely unlikely"

2017/03/05 The European Parliament voted on 2nd March 2017 to require the European Commission to suspend visa exemption status for US citizens. In ETOA's view this is extremely unlikely to happen: the Council of the EU will object and the status quo will prevail. The situation arises because, since 2014, citizens of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania have needed a visa to visit the US. This means that there is not full reciprocity in treatment of EU and US citizens. EU legislation provides for a 'delegated act' allowing the Commission to suspend exemption from visa requirements in the event of 'non-reciprocity.' This would apply to citizens of nations that impose visa requirement on EU citizens.