Strasbourg, 17/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - During the debate on Tuesday evening regarding the monitoring reports by the European Commission on Bulgaria and Romania (EUROPE 9193), the elected representatives of the new Member States generally showed the greatest generosity and understanding towards the two new candidate countries. These countries, Bronislaw Geremek (ALDE, Poland) said, have made the same efforts as the former Ten and must enter the Union at the stated time. Vladimir Remek (GUE/NGL, Czech Republic) warned that, although some criticism may be unwarranted, one should not fuel opposition to the EU in candidate countries. Hungarian Socialist Alexandra Dobolyi agrees with this but stresses that the rights of minorities should be respected - rights strongly defended also by other MEPs, such as British Conservative Charles Tannock, who, when speaking of the problem of corruption, recalled that this problem exists in other countries also, for example in southern Italy. Similar sentiments were expressed by Fernand Le Rachinel (National Front), who invited his country, France, to clean up its own backyard before accusing other countries of corruption. Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Danish Social Democrat, made a concrete suggestion: the Commission should establish a very exact “scoreboard” stating exactly what the candidate countries must do in the areas where there are still problems. Olli Rehn said he planned to go to Bucharest and Sofia with President Barroso, precisely to speak of this “roadmap”. He said it takes very concrete forms, mainly the need for Bulgaria to take aerial photos of its farming regions to justify the payment of Community subsidies.
Other MEPs explained the hostility that they feel towards membership by Bulgaria and Romania at this time, speaking of the ill-functioning of the Bulgarian justice system (the case of a British citizen brought before the Bulgarian courts was cited by British labour member, Arlene McCarthy) and the fear that an unsuccessful enlargement might compromise the chances of a country that deserves to enter the Union, like Croatia (this concern was expressed by Eric Meijer, GUE/NGL of the Netherlands, among others). Those defending Bulgaria included British Conservative Geoffrey van Orden (EP rapporteur for Bulgaria) who was convinced it must and should enter the Union at the date foreseen. Romania's cause was taken up by, among others, Francisco Millan Mon (EPP-ED, Spain), who stressed the huge progress that has already been made by this country. Rapporteur for Romania, French Socialist Pierre Moscovici, also welcomed the Commission's “conditional yes” for membership in 2007. Triggering the “super safeguard clause” today allowing for the EU to put memberships off until 2008 would have been a “far too drastic” measure as this clause must only be used as a “last resort, in the event of major shortcomings, which is not the case” as Romania and Bulgaria both respect the political and economic criteria set, Mr Moscovici warned. One cannot deny that implementation of the EU body of law is not yet perfect in every field, but the rare deficits identified by the Commission “do not warrant a measure as radical as” putting off accession. If such problems continue after October, they may be settled with the help of traditional safeguard clauses (mainly in the field of the internal market and JHA), Mr Moscovici said. Generally speaking, Swedish Liberal Cecilia Malström states it should be explained to Union citizens why this new enlargement is important for the Union. Others, and Hartmut Nassauer (CDU, Germany) in particular, consider it legitimate to delay the decision on enlargement, saying the door remains open but what happens next depends on reforms in the countries concerned.
Bulgaria and Romania must “run the last mile” to enter the Union in the time planned and “it is do-able”, Olli Rehn told the press. Several hours before leaving for Bucharest and Sofia, Messrs Rehn and Barroso expressed confidence. The results obtained so far show that “conditionality, which is part of the Union's trademark, works”, José Manuel Barroso stressed. Mr Rehn added with a smile that there had been talk at the time of a “Calvinist conspiracy”. Well, he said, the result has been almost complete reform of the Romanian judiciary. What has the reaction been in the capitals concerned? To this question, Mr Barroso answered by saying that first reactions were “responsible and intelligent”, as those in charge understood that this was an ”encouragement” to make a further effort. Mr Rehn confirmed that he had always pushed for a “well gauged decision” that would maintain the momentum of reform up to and after accession. Should one envisage amending the Bulgarian Constitution? Experts are currently completing their work on this question, which will be discussed during meetings with Bulgarian authorities, Mr Rehn replied.