Romania
SEE Security Monitor: Romania
The European Parliament passed Thursday Pierre Moscovici’s report regarding Romania’s accession to the European Union with 542 votes “for”, 41 votes “against” and 37 abstentions.
MEPs in Brussels discussed on Wednesday, for the last time, the reports regarding the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU. According to a European Parliament statement, MEPs also congratulated the two countries, but highlighted the areas in which they still need to make progress.
Socialist MEP Pierre Moscovici congratulated Romanian authorities for the progress and the successful reforms but urged Bucharest to continue efforts in justice reforms and the fight against corruption, in absorbing EU funds, especially for agriculture, and in improving food safety standards.
“Romania must be part of the European Union, where it belongs,” Pierre Moscovici concluded.
"We are ready to welcome Romania and Bulgaria on January 1, 2007, as the accession process is practically complete. This way, the European Union’s fifth enlargement wave ends and we believe it has been a real success,” said Paula Lehtomaki, representative of the EU’s Finnish presidency.
Bulgaria and Romania will be obliged to present regular reports regarding verification mechanisms accompanying accession.
The first report is due in March 2007 and the second in June 2007.
Source: Mediafax