Bulgaria and Romania avoid safeguards but not criticism

2.31.19pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 27th Jun 2007

European Liberals and Democrats welcome the Commission's verification reports on Bulgaria and Romania which represent a thorough and accurate assessment of progress. The Commission's findings of tangible but yet insufficient improvement in some problem areas speak both of the governments' commitment to reform and the need for further efforts in the months ahead.

"Whilst I am glad that safeguards have not been invoked at this stage, the serious areas of persistent concern highlighted by the Commission point to a need of continued vigilance and honesty", said European Liberal Democrat Leader Graham Watson.

"Still marred by execution-style contract killings, Bulgaria has failed to shake off the high-level corruption and organised crime stigma. The insufficient progress noted by the Commission makes Sofia's promises for a crime crackdown sound hollow in Brussels where many share Seneca's view that who does not prevent crime when he can, encourages it. It is time for the Bulgarian government to show what it can do and tackle the organised crime reminiscent of a guerilla war against society."

"It is also important for Romania's political class to focus less on party controversy and more on combating high-level corruption. Bucharest must ensure that the National Integrity Agency becomes operational as soon as possible and functions efficiently. Now that the legal framework exists, all that remains is to create the institution".

Today's reports prove unfounded the concerns of some Member States and certain politicians that the 2007 accession was premature. Critics of enlargement should put their trust in the Commission's expert opinion that no safeguards are needed and stop the scaremongering of the recent month