By Bruno Waterfield - 22nd February 2005
The European Commission has welcomed Bulgaria and Romania into the “European family” – but both are warned that work needs to be done before EU entry in 2007.
Brussels has given Sofia and Bucharest the rubber stamp for EU membership after Europe’s leader gave both the green light in December last year.
Romania and Bulgaria have now finalised a ‘Treaty of Accession’ with the EU with signature in April this year the next step to joining Europe’s club.
But the commission will be monitoring both countries closely and so-called safeguard clauses could knock each country off-track if either fails to make good on EU required reforms.
“Today’s decision is another milestone in our relations and a clear signal that the commission welcomes Bulgaria and Romania in the European family,” said EU enlargement chief Olli Rehn.
“However the authorities in the countries can not lie back and relax: in 2005 and 2006 a lot of hard work will be needed to progress on reforms in order to fully and timely meet all conditions for membership.”
In the event of “major shortcomings” with the pace of EU reforms in Romania or Bulgaria the commission will recommend that entry is delayed until 2008.
A decision to postpone membership for the offending country would then be taken by EU governments.
Such a move is unlikely as the decision must be made on the basis of unanimity among 25 capitals, but the criteria are even tougher for Romania.
If Bucharest falls behind on “a number of specific areas in justice and home affairs as well as competition” the decision to delay will be taken by a qualified majority.
Both Romania and Bulgaria now require the ‘assent’ of the European Parliament, and a formal decision by the council of ministers in April.
The signature of the Treaty of Accession should then take place in Luxembourg on April 25 2005.
EU membership must then be ratified in all 25 member states, as well as Bulgaria and Romania by January 1 2007.
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