Crime, corruption delay EU membership for Romania and Bulgaria

STRASBOURG - Romania and Bulgaria were yesterday told their membership to the EU will be delayed unless they step up their fight against corruption, human trafficking and organised crime, and also make efforts to boost food security.

In two highly critical reports, the European Commission listed a host of failings and suggested that the nations' accession to the EU, due in 2007, may be put back by a year.

The tough language is designed partly to spur the two nations on to greater efforts and dispel any complacency in the run-up to EU membership.

But, by highlighting the scale of corruption and other problems, the reports may reinforce the opposition in many European nations to any future EU expansion.

A backlash against enlargement was widely seen to be one of the reasons for the French and Dutch referendum "no" votes against the EU's constitution.

Yesterday the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Olli Rehn, said serious deficiencies had been detected in 16 policy areas in Bulgaria, and in 14 in Romania.

They cover about one-tenth of the massive body of EU legislation both countries are required to adopt, said Mr Rehn, adding: "The reform of judiciary should be the priority of all priorities for both countries." He also highlighted the fact that both countries have failed to obtain the conviction of a senior official for corruption in recent years.

"Unless the countries take immediate and decisive corrective action, they won't be ready at the envisaged date of accession," he argued, adding that the Commission may recommend a postponement.

Yesterday's commentary effectively gives the Romania and Bulgaria six months further probation since a recommendation on accession dates will have to be made next Spring.

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