ROMANIA VS. COVID-19 UPDATE: New technical unemployment regulations

As of March 30^th, 2020, the technical unemployment measures applicable for the duration of the emergency state have been simplified and the area of application extended to all affected employers/employees, as follows:

• The benefactors of the measures are no longer differentiated on the basis of the extent of the economic impact (such as hotels/restaurants as directly affected, or employers registering over 25% drop in revenues, as indirectly affected). The measures now apply indiscriminately to all affected employers/employees.

• The requirements to obtain certificates issued by the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Business Environment in order to access the aid have been repelled. Now, the state contribution is accessed on the basis of a simple affidavit issued by the employers.

• The employers are no longer required to cover the difference between the state aid (75% of the gross average wage) and the minimum level of 75% from the base salary. Payment of the difference can be performed by the employer, in case its salary budget allows for such payments (but is not mandatory).