Romania hails 'correct' EU report

By Nick Thorpe
BBC News, Bucharest

Romania hopes to become an EU member on 1 January 2007

Horns blare, traffic is gridlocked in the hot sunshine, and pedestrians scamper for the relative safety of the kerb, as a line of cars shoots away from the traffic lights - only to screech to a halt further on, bumper to bumper.

It is a typical May afternoon in Bucharest - but with a difference.

One word is on everyone's lips, in every headline, on every TV and radio programme - "the report".

Everyone knows that not everything is ready yet Eugen architect

The European Commission's decision to delay its final verdict on Romania and Bulgaria's EU membership was received with frustration by some, with understanding by others.

"I think it's a slap in the face," said Ioana, 27, a journalist at Romanian radio.

"Expectations are very high... the entire population has been striving so hard."

Eugen, 31, an architect from Cluj, in the Transylvanian region of Romania disagreed.

"Everyone knows that not everything is ready yet, and the big efforts are still to come - from the big institutions which will connect Romania to the European Union," he said.

'Best report'

Romania's politicians spoke with one voice.

Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu welcomed the report, labelling it "the best Romania had ever received" from the EU.

He is due to hold early morning talks with the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and the Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

Both of them were due in Bucharest late on Tuesday to reassure first the Romanian government, and then the Bulgarians, that they can still join in 227 days time - provided the momentum of reforms is kept.

Key issues

Romania was given four "red flags" or areas in which serious reform is still needed.

KEY DEMANDS BULGARIA Clear results in tackling organised crime networks Implement laws for fighting fraud and corruption Do more to prevent money laundering Prevent embezzlement of aid Complete agriculture reforms ROMANIA: Finish setting up agencies for disbursing EU aid to farmers Agricultural reforms including raising veterinary standards Make electronic tax system compatible with EU to allow proper collection of VAT Read the full progress report [88kb]

Three of these concern agriculture, including food safety, veterinary practices, and the establishment of an agency to distribute farm subsidies, once the country becomes a full member.

Even as the report was being presented to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, a new food safety problem in Romania was alarming the public.

An outbreak of the deadly bird flu virus at a chicken farm near Brasov, in the centre of the country, caused the recall of tons of chicken meat from shops in 10 counties.

Agriculture Minister Georghe Flutur said any veterinary officials found to have neglected their duties would be sacked.

Other problem areas mentioned in the report for Romania include prison overcrowding, human trafficking for prostitution, and the conditions in psychiatric institutions, although none of these are regarded by Brussels as grounds for postponing membership.

Last week, a US human rights group alleged inhumane and cruel conditions for children at several state institutions they visited.

Triple bunk beds

Romanian officials admitted that problems existed, but said they were already being addressed.

Prison overcrowding has long been a problem in Romania.

The EU recommends 4.5 sq m (45 sq ft) per inmate, while Romanian regulations require six cubic metres of air per prisoner.

As many prisons date back to the 19th century, and cells have high ceilings, the prisoners are currently stacked, 50 or more to a cell, in triple bunk-beds.

EU countries are already helping build new buildings at several prisons.

Romanian Justice Minister Monica Macovei was one of many Romanian officials to welcome the European Commission report's conclusions, which she called "correct and rigorous".

A civil rights lawyer by training, the reforms which she has spearheaded in the Romanian justice system have done much to win Romania her current position - right on the cusp of the EU.