EU Summit gives Romania green light for accession
The EU Summit held this Friday in Brussels confirmed the technical and political OK given for Romania's joining the Union on January 1, 2007; however, the "severe safeguard clause" was mentioned once again as a warning. The European Council agrees with the completion of the Treaty for Romania's Accession, which is due for signing in 2005 (the precise date is yet to be established). Romania and Bulgaria will sign the Accession Treaty in April 2005, on the occasion of the reunion of the European Foreign Ministers. The final document states that the European Council has noted with satisfaction Romania's progress in the implementation of the acquis communautaire, but also the commitments assumed in this line, especially as far as Justice, Home Affairs and Competition are concerned. In the opinion of head negotiator for Romania Vasile Puscas "we need to point out that the preparation process has not come to end once the European Council has decided to wrap up negotiations with Romania. We have two years of intense activity ahead, during which we'll have to intensify our efforts for the implementation of the acquis communautaire, seeking to observe the commitments assumed during the negotiations and render Romania's policy fully compliant with the European policies. After the Accession Treaty is signed, Romania will have observers in all the community institutions and will start participating actively in the decision-making process. Our country will thus have the necessary time to get into the working pace of these institutions and get accustomed to the community procedures so as to function efficiently after accession and ad value to the European Union."