April 13, 2005

Romanian premier hails EU Parliament vote, pledges to continue reforms

BUCHAREST , Romania (AP) _ Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu , welcoming Wednesday's EU approval of Romania 's eventual membership in the bloc, pledged to speed up reforms required before it can join in 2007.

Tariceanu , a Liberal who came to power in December on a pledge to reduce corruption and move ahead with the reforms, said EU membership was his Cabinet's top priority.

"The vote recognizes the serious work done by the government since coming to office," he said, adding that Romania would be ready for membership by 2007.

"We will consolidate the rule of law, we will prepare the administration so that EU laws will be applied in Romania ."

The EU, which voted in Strasbourg , France , on Wednesday for Bulgaria 's entry as well as Romania 's, is not giving Sofia and Bucharest an absolute guarantee they will join in 2007. Their entry treaties contain "super safeguard clauses" that may trigger a one-year delay if certain conditions are not met.

Romania must improve justice and law enforcement and cut state aid to companies.

Tariceanu said that his Cabinet will ensure that the safeguard clauses will not be needed, and called on all Romanians to contribute to the country's efforts to modernize.

The opposition Social Democrats also hailed the vote results.

"It is important that Romania fulfills its obligations, so that the safeguard clause is not activated to delay us for a year," said Social Democratic leader Adrian Nastase , a former prime minister, who also heads the Deputies' Chamber.