Toetreding Roemenië en Bulgarije tot EU mogelijk met één jaar uitgesteld (en)

EUOBSERVER / LUXEMBOURG - The EU will be able to delay Bulgaria's and Romania's memberships of the Union for a year, under a new safeguard clause now being proposed.

The so-called safeguard clause gives the EU the possibility of delaying entry for a year, if commitments made by the countries during negotiations, are not met.

During a series of meetings between the three sides yesterday (Tuesday 15 June) in Luxembourg it was confirmed that the two countries would have a tougher monitoring system prior to accession.

Romania and Bulgaria are expected to become EU members in 2007 and the reinforced systems are intended to ensure that reforms will continue in both countries during the period of time left.

Bulgaria accepts safeguard

Bulgaria, which closed its pre accession EU talks Tuesday, accepted the safeguard clause.

Bulgarian foreign minister Solomon Passy told the press that the safeguard clause is the best solution for both the EU and Bulgaria.

He said this meant the EU could ensure that Bulgaria keeps its commitments, and Bulgaria is sure to be a fully prepared member by the time of the accession.

Romania can expect the same

On the Romanian side there was some cautiousness.

Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana said he was astonished by the speed with which Bulgaria accepted the safeguard clause. Mr Geoana added that it happened "over the weekend".

EU Enlargement commissioner Günter Verheugen confirmed that he would make the same proposal for a safeguard clause for Romania, too.

The country has not yet finished the EU talks but is expected to do so by the end of the year.

By that time, the new monitoring system would also be discussed with the EU although the country will probably have to accept it as it is.

In December, both Bulgaria and Romania will also close their political negotiations in order to sign the Accession Treaty in the early spring of 2005 and, if they are ready, to join the EU 1 January 2007.