Romanians can borrow from the state through Fidelis government securities, and there is also a special tranche for blood donors. Thus, interest rates of 6.3 and 7.2% per annum are offered for those with 1 and 3 year lei maturities, respectively 3.85% and 5.45% for those with euro maturities 1 and 5 years.

For blood donors, there is a special installment plan in lei with an interest rate of 7.3% for 1 year.

The nominal value of FIDELIS government bonds is 100 lei for issuance in lei and 100 euros for issuance in euros, and the minimum subscription threshold is 5,000 lei, respectively 1,000 euros.

As for the tranche for donors, things are different here regarding the subscription threshold.

“In addition to the 7.3% interest rate, we also offer a ten times lower subscription threshold for donors, from 5,000 to just 500 lei,” said Finance Minister Marcel Bolosh.

The publication period is July 17-28.

Resident and non-resident individuals over the age of 18 can subscribe to FIDELIS government securities denominated in lei and euros through partner banks BT Capital Partners&Banca Transilvania, Banca Comercialã Românã, BRD – Groupe Société Générale and Alpha Bank, securities that listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

In the process of subscribing to FIDELIS government securities, intermediary banks do not charge commissions, and the income received, both from interest and from capital gains, is not taxed.

What you need to know if you donate blood and want to buy Fidelis government bonds

According to the Ministry of Finance, the following conditions must be met to donate blood:

• be aged between 18 and 60;

• be a citizen of Romania or (in the case of foreigners) have a legal residence in Romania for at least 1 year and be able to communicate at least in the Romanian language;

• have with you a valid identity document (ID card, passport, driver’s license, military ID);

• have a good general physical and mental condition;

• weigh >/= 50 kg;

• have systolic blood pressure from 10 to 18 mm Hg;

• not undergo surgical interventions during the last 6 months;

• not be at the stage of treatment for various diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular, hematological, renal, infectious or parasitic, rheumatological, neurological, allergy, etc.);

• not be prone to prolonged bleeding in case of injuries;

• women should not be: pregnant, during menstruation, breastfeeding, during menstruation or less than 5 days after the last day of the menstrual cycle;

• the results of blood tests taken from a finger before donation must be within the acceptable limits for donation (hemoglobin, blood sugar, calcium, platelets);

• visible veins, well defined. There should be no eczema or irritation at the puncture site.

What other advantages do blood donors have?

Other benefits for donors:

• transport certificate, 50% discount on the metro and RATB;

• paid day off from work or school/school certificate;

• meal vouchers worth 67 lei, valid until the end of the year;

• Once a year, donors can take a full set of blood tests free of charge at the Blood Transfusion Center (at least 1 month after the last blood donation).