By Henrietta Billings - 13th April 2005
MEPs have backed Romania and Bulgaria's bid to join the EU, giving both countries the backing to sign the entry treaty on April 25.
Despite demands from some MEPs for a delay to today's vote, the European Parliament as a whole on Wednesday voted in favour of the accession of both countries.
Hans-Gert Poettering, leader of the centre-right EPP-ED party, the biggest group in the European Parliament had backed calls, along with Daniel Cohn-Bendit - leader of the Green Group - to postpone the vote closer to the 2007 entry date.
But after securing assurances from the national governments that the Parliament would have a greater say in the budgetary arrangement in the Treaties of Accession, Poettering and the majority of his group decided they were able to back the accession of both countries today.
"We have succeeded in upholding the budgetary powers and rights of the European Parliament, this is a huge success for parliament," Poettering said after the vote.
Both countries will join the EU25 bloc in 2007 if they implement the agreed reforms, although Brussels could delay accession by one year if either country fails to keep its commitments to stamp out corruption, strengthen judicial and administration.
The European Parliament approved the accession of Bulgaria by 522 votes in favour, 70 against and 69 abstentions. The accession of Romania was approved by 497 votes in favour, 93 against and 71 abstentions.
The result was welcomed by the European Commission. "I welcome today's vote in the European Parliament which overwhelmingly supported the signature of the Accession Treaty with Bulgaria and Romania."
"The Accession Treaty provides sufficient safeguard clauses to ensure that the two countries will join the EU well prepared," added Rehn.
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