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Q & A: Bulgaria, Romania's EU entry

By Madalina Iacob

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(CNN) -- The EU has given the green light to the former Soviet bloc countries, Romania and Bulgaria, to join the 25-nation union from January 1. However, EU's latest arrivals are facing the toughest entry conditions in the blocs' history.

Q. What does the European Commission Report say?

A. The Commission's report confirms that both countries made progress on their road to membership and have the capacity to apply EU principles and legislation. While the report recommends Romania and Bulgaria's accession in January 2007, it also sets clear sanctions if the countries do not meet the targets for reform.

The EU reserves the right to stop a quarter of the farm subsidies, and refuse to recognize arrest warrants and court decisions made in both countries. The EU will also impose an embargo on pork exports from both countries and will warn Bulgaria that its access to EU aviation market may be restricted.

Q. Are Romania and Bulgaria really fit for Europe?

A. The two countries have a long list of requirements to fulfil. Both countries have to increase their fight against corruption. Bulgaria has to fight against organized crime, fraud and money laundering, and reform its judicial system. Romania was told to raise veterinary standards, improve the management of the billions of euros of EU farm and regional subsidies and create a EU-compatible system for the collection of value added tax.

Q. So why will they be in?

A. The Commission decided it is easier for both counties to tackle these problems inside rather than outside the Union. Brussels argues that a delay in accession will send a wrong signal to reformers from both countries and discourage further reforms. Some argue that once the Commission started negotiations with the former communist countries it got trapped into its own promises with no way to turn back or endlessly postpone their accession.

Q. What do the member states say?

A. France and Germany, two countries that have traditionally encouraged a deeper rather than a wider Europe, remain skeptical of Romania's and Bulgaria's accession and insist neither country is ready for admission. Britain, a stronger supporter of a wider, looser union has unconditionally backed the two eastern European countries on their bumpy road to EU membership. However, neither of the old member states will honor EU's principle of free movement of people. Britain, one of the few countries that opened its labor market two years ago for the 10 mew member states is prepared to impose a cap on Romanian and Bulgarian workers.

Q. Where does EU stop?

A. It is clear now that after the 2004 enlargement Europe is suffering of "enlargement fatigue." Romania and Bulgaria are not welcomed with open arms into the union and it will take some time until other EU aspirants will get into the club. Even the Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, has recently called for a halt in enlargement until at least a new EU constitution is adopted.

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