Romania Risks Delay of 2007 EU Entry, Competition Chief Says 2005-05-13 15:52:27
Romania's entry into the European Union may be postponed unless the government acts quickly to bring its laws into line with the 25-country bloc, the EU's top antitrust regulator warned. European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes, in a speech in Bucharest, said failures to enforce antitrust rules, particularly over subsidies for the steel industry, could lead to a delay in Romania's planned accession in 2007. ``Of course, we all hope, -- and I trust -- that we will not need to use this option,'' said Kroes in a text released by her office in Brussels. ``But it is my responsibility and duty to make it very clear, in no uncertain terms, that should Romania's performance not improve, the commission would have no other option than to propose postponement.'' Romania signed its entry treaty last month, counting on EU membership to boost economic growth and prosperity. The move toward EU entry led to a tripling of foreign investment in Romania to $5.5 billion in 2004. ``All state aid granting authorities must become fully aware that not playing by the rules would have serious implications,'' said Kroes. Kroes added that if Romania continues to give unapproved subsidies to companies, the aid might be declared illegal once the country gets into the EU. The EU has reserved the right to delay the entry of Romania until 2008 should it fail to make reforms including the establishment of an independent judiciary. Bulgaria, also seeking to join in 2007, faces similar hurdles. The commission, the EU's executive arm in Brussels, plans to publish a report in November on reforms in Bulgaria and Romania. The commission would consult the European Parliament on the possible use of a ``safeguard'' clause allowing for a one-year delay. Source: Bloomberg www.seeurope.net ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> DonorsChoose. A simple way to provide underprivileged children resources often lacking in public schools. Fund a student project in NYC/NC today! http://us.click.yahoo.com/EHLuJD/.WnJAA/cUmLAA/RR.olB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *** sustineti [romania_eu_list] prin 1% din impozitul pe 2005 - detalii la http://www.europe.org.ro/euroatlantic_club/unulasuta.php *** Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romania_eu_list/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
