International   

Go ahead for Bulgaria, Romania

BRUSSELS: The European Parliament has given the go-ahead for Bulgaria and Romania to join the E.U. in 2007, at the earliest, despite fears about economic reforms and corruption. The two former communist countries, due to sign the accession treaty on April 25, will swell the E.U. to 27 members in a fifth wave of enlargement since it was founded in 1958. Six other East European countries are waiting in the wings. Olli Rehn, Enlargement Commissioner, and some MEPs warned that the progress of Bulgaria and Romania towards meeting strict entry criteria, including human and minority rights, would be closely monitored and accession could be delayed until 2008 or later. Last month, E.U. leaders postponed entry talks with Croatia over its failure to hand over suspected war criminals. The MEPs approved the two countries' accession, rejecting moves by the Greens and some Christian Democrats to delay the votes until after the Commission reports in November on how they are preparing for membership. —

© Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements | Entertainment |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

I will firm up ties with India, says Bush
Spurt in violence in Iraq
"Decision not yet taken on F-16s for Pakistan"
China confirms backing India on U.N. seat
Asian nations destroy virus
Qatar to export more LNG to Kochi port
$21.9-million award in Holocaust case
Terror "plot'' fuels asylum row
New twist to Jackson trial
Cellphonies: the art of talking to ether
New head for NASA
The monkey and the casino
Go ahead for Bulgaria, Romania
China reserves right of "reaction" to oil drill
F-16s sale didn't figure in talks, says U.S.
``Optimistic on Kashmir''
MoU with U.S. on medical research

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu