EU about to grow again
Another expansion of the European Union is inevitable. The European Commission is to announce that Bulgaria and Romania are ready to become members of the EU. But they will be closely monitored even after entering the EU. Corruption, violence, and the legal system are still major concerns for many. How they will distribute farm aid will also be a point of attention. Accession conditions for these two countries have been the most strict yet for candidate states. Sanctions are an option if any of the areas of concern are not dealt with. Both countries are required to report on their fight against corruption every 6 months. They are to enter the European Union in 2007.
The membership talks have taken seven years
The European Commission is due to announce the timetable it will adopt for admitting Romania and Bulgaria to the European Union. It is expected that Bucharest and Sofia will be told they can join on 1 January 2007 - but under strict conditions.They will be checked for progress in curbing organised crime, controlling animal disease and instituting procedures for administering farm aid.
The conditions are tougher than imposed on previous new members, observers say.
The BBC’s Oana Lungescu in Strasbourg says they are intended both as a reassurance for EU citizens, only half of whom support further enlargement, and as a warning to Turkey and the Balkan nations still lobbying for EU membership.
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Administrator @ September 26, 2006