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Reuters
a day ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Moldovan minister ignores recommendation, says schools to keep studying history of Romanians
CHISINAU, June 9 (Reuters) - Moldova's education minister said on Monday that schools would keep teaching the subject "history of the Romanians," despite an official ruling that the term was unfair to the ex-Soviet state's ethnic minorities. Dan Perciun issued his statement amid a debate over a history textbook denounced by pro-Russian opposition parties and Moldova's Jewish community on grounds it exaggerates Moldova's links with neighbouring Romania and whitewashes the actions of Romania's pro-Nazi wartime leader Ion Antonescu. "We are continuing in the same vein as before," Perciun said in his weekly online address. "After 150 years of Russification, we believe that we can and must study the history of the Romanians in our schools." Perciun said he felt no need to be bound by a recommendation by the Council for the Prevention of Discrimination that the subject area's title be changed to a more neutral name to reflect Moldova's multi-ethnic makeup. Some 150 years before independence, Moldova was, in turns, part of the Russian Empire, "Greater Romania" and the Soviet Union. Official census figures show 77.2% of the population to be ethnic Moldovans and a further 7.9% to be Romanians - though the distinction is often blurred as both countries speak Romanian. There are also large communities of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians and others and Russian is still widely spoken. Pro-European president Maia Sandu, highly critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and what she says are attempts to destabilise her government, is pressing ahead with a campaign to join the European Union by 2030. Educators, historians and civil society groups are taking part in a country-wide debate on the new textbook, also entitled "History of the Romanians and General History." Alexander Bilinchis, chairman of Moldova's Jewish community, called for the textbook's withdrawal on grounds it downplays the extent of Nazi pogroms and mass deportations of Jews. The ministry is to consider the findings of the country-wide discussions and decide whether to maintain the textbook in the school system or alter it.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Where in Europe will property investment pay off most in 2025?
The best European countries for real estate investment in 2025 are in Central and Eastern Europe, with Moldova leading the way. The Balkan country earned the highest score in a new study scanning the best property investments in Europe, according to UK insurance company William Russell. They took a closer look at key elements of property investments, including property tax rates, income tax on rent and gross rental yield. In a previous study by UK relocation company 1st Move International, Lithuania appeared to be the top choice. In the current listing, the Northern European country earned the second place, only, closely followed by North Macedonia. Moldova was called 'an emerging, high-yield market for early, risk-tolerant real estate investors' in the study, which found that property buying costs are a maximum of 2.80% of the price and the income tax is 12% on rent, providing a high rental yield rating. Related Europe's best and worst property markets: Where to invest in 2024? The country earned a high ranking due to its capital, Chișinău, which has seen steady development in infrastructure, hospitality, and business sectors in recent years. This, coupled with rising tourism, driven by the country's wine industry and cultural heritage, offers short-term rental opportunities. However, the country is not part of the EU, currently, it is a candidate to join the bloc. Lithuania is ranked as the country with the second-best property investment opportunities. Property prices jumped by nearly 10% in the last three months of 2024 year-on-year, according to Eurostat, and the trend is likely to continue. Despite real estate prices rising sharply in recent years in the country, the location is appealing to foreigners, as they are not restricted from purchasing property in Lithuania. Rent prices are also attracting investment as they are high in the country, more than 170% of what they were in 2015. 'With a gross rental yield of approximately 6.39% per annum and a maximum of 4.10% buying costs, Lithuania's moderate growth rate means that property prices are likely to increase steadily over time, providing a good return on investment,' the report said. North Macedonia, another EU candidate country, was ranked as the third-best option. The capital, Skopje, is experiencing urban growth, infrastructure upgrades, and increasing demand for residential and commercial spaces. The country offers low taxes coupled with a simplified process to acquire property, and there are government incentives for foreign investment. According to the report, North Macedonia also boasts a gross rental yield of approximately 6.47% per annum, indicating a strong return relative to the property's value. According to this study, Serbia, Ireland, and Latvia also promise 'very good' yield ratings, with the gross annual rental yield being more than 7%. In Ireland, high yields are mainly guaranteed by high rental prices, but elevated taxes could take a bite out of the annual net income. The country is facing a housing crisis with not enough homes being built for the increasing population, as prices continue to soar. Countries with the highest gross rental yield, coupled with a relatively low average rental income tax, include Andorra, Montenegro, and Bulgaria. Despite having a slightly higher tax rate (21%), Italy has the third-highest rental return rate due to its high yields (7.56%), which might be appealing depending on specific investment goals. 'While gross rental yield and average rental income tax rate are important factors in property investment analysis, it's crucial to consider other factors such as vacancy rates, property management costs and local market conditions,' the study said. Please be aware: This information does not constitute financial advice, always do your own research on top to ensure it's right for your specific circumstances. Also remember, we are a journalistic website and aim to provide the best guides, tips and advice from experts. If you rely on the information on this page, then you do so entirely at your own risk.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moldova to Host the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine - in the Country with the Highest Vineyard Density per Capita
What You Should Know About This Wine Nation CHIȘINĂU, Moldova, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, the World Congress of Vine and Wine will take place for the first time in the Republic of Moldova – the country with the highest vineyard area per capita in the world, with 4 hectares for every 100 people. Moldova's total vineyard area reaches nearly 110,000 hectares. The country ranks among the top 20 wine producers globally and is the 14th largest wine exporter in the world. In 2024, Moldova exported 144 million liters of wine, worth over 234 million USD. Moldovan wines are shipped to 73 countries, with half of all exports going to European markets. In Moldova, wine is not just an industry – it is part of the country's identity, history, and economy. Over the past few years, the wine sector has grown significantly, thanks to high quality and improved wine tourism infrastructure. Moldova now has over 250 wineries, offering great wines and unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world. Moldova has built a strong reputation in the international wine world not only through its authentic terroir and ancient traditions, but also through the growing recognition it has earned in recent decades. In the past five years, Moldovan wines have won thousands of medals at top global competitions – including Berliner Wine Trophy, Mundus Vini, Decanter World Wine Awards, and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. These awards have helped Moldova become known as a serious producer of high-quality wines, able to compete internationally and impress even the most demanding wine experts. A major milestone in promoting Moldovan wines abroad was the creation of the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV) and the launch of the national brand "Wine of Moldova: Unexpectedly Great" in 2013. The 46th edition of the World Congress of Vine and Wine will take place from June 16 to 20, 2025, at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău, Moldova. The congress will bring together 300 experts, researchers, winemakers, oenologists, producers, and policymakers from 51 member countries of the OIV, to discuss the future of the global wine industry. Participants will also take part in 13 technical visits to Moldova's most renowned wineries, and enjoy a festive dinner hosted at Cricova – the world-famous underground wine city known for its vast tunnels and excellent wines. Participation packages are available for purchase on the official congress website: The event is organized by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova and the National Office for Vine and Wine (ONVV). Moldova has been a member of the OIV since April 3, 2001 – the first country from the CIS to join the organization. In 2024, the OIV celebrates its 100th anniversary, and the congress in Moldova marks the beginning of its second centenary. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE World Congress of Vine and Wine Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
