The number of Romanians who emigrated stands at 2.7 million this year, accounting for 13.1 percent of the population, but is expected to drop considerable on the long term, in 10 -15 years, as Romania converges toward Europe, according to the World Bank. Most Romanians emigrated to Italy, Spain, Hungary, Israel, USA, Germany, Canada, Austria, France and the UK.

"On the short term, it is hard to foresee an increase in the number of emigrants because opportunities abroad have disappeared. In the long run, namely in 10 -15 years, I expect emigration numbers to drop substantially as Romania converges toward Europa," said Catalin Pauna, chief economist with the World Bank in Romania.

Speaking about the migration of doctors and, generally, trained staff, Pauna said it is unrealistic to think wages on this employment segment in Romania would be quick to catch up with those in Western Europe. He said an alternative to highly trained workers leaving the country would be to offer more spots for such jobs in the education system.

Mediafax