Rehn report sets conditions for Romanian and Bulgarian EU membership

Membership still possible in 2007

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A European Commission report being released today, Tuesday, details a number of shortcomings that Romania and Bulgaria need to overcome if they are to be allowed into the European Union.
      Sources in Brussels told Helsingin Sanomat on Monday that the two applicant countries are being taken to task over the prevalence of organised crime, corruption, and money laundering. The report indicates that significant progress needs to be shown in these areas by September this year if the membership process is to remain on schedule.
      Olli Rehn, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, has repeatedly criticised both countries for the slow pace of their reforms. In his report, Rehn still recommends that the countries be accepted as EU member states from the beginning of 2007, but with certain reservations.
     
The matter now goes from the Commission to the EU member states, which will decide on the date of membership. The member states have the option to postpone Romania's and Bulgaria's accession to the EU to 2008.
      Considerable financial issues are at stake. This year Romania is getting about EUR one billion in EU supports. Membership could approximately triple the amount of EU funding the country gets.
      Bulgaria was singled out for criticism over alleged shortcomings in its legal system. Bulgaria says that the criticism is exaggerated. Last week, Bulgaria’s state prosecutor Boris Velchev denied claims that the country’s court system was "chaotic".


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn: Bulgaria and Romania into EU possibly next year (4.4.2006)

Helsingin Sanomat