The Romanian Government is today starting proceedings to assume responsibility over a draft law regarding compensation to be paid for properties seized under the communist regime. The main provisions of the law concern the restitution in kind of properties where possible or financial compensation, while purchasers of litigious rights will be subject to an 85% tax. After obtaining Government’s approval, the law will be submitted to Parliament for debate.

The 7th edition of NexT International Film Festival kicks off today in Bucharest, running until Sunday. Film aficionados will be able to attend screenings of major short and feature films directed in Romania and abroad. Over 23 films from 16 countries have entered the official competition. The agenda of the festival also includes NexT Kids, a selection of films and activities addressing children, seminars about film directing, sound design, post-production and image editing. The event is held under the High Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret of Romania.

French Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault might visit Bucahrest in June, Romanian Ambassador to Paris Bogdan Mazuru has told RFI. The Romanian diplomat believes Bucharest could draw on French expertise regarding regionalization. A French-German conference will take place in Bucharest next week, focusing on regionalization. The administrative restructuring and decentralization of Romania has been announced as one of the most important projects in Romania since the demise of communism. The last restructuring of its kind was operated in the 1960s.