The Commission has approved a series of reports assessing the progress in Bulgaria and Romania of judicial reform and the fight against corruption under the Co-operation and Verification mechanisms set up when both countries joined the EU last year.
The Commission has also adopted a separate report on the management of EU funds in Bulgaria. These reports assess the progress and shortcomings that exist in Bulgaria and Romania on the commitments made at the time of accession.
The Commission concludes that genuine efforts and some progress have been made, mainly in terms of judicial reform but much more needs to be done by both countries to fight high level corruption and in Bulgaria on organised crime. The reports highlight the need for sustained political commitment and implementation on the ground if the benchmarks set at the time of accession are to be met in full. The reports put forward a series of concrete follow up measures. Progress in meeting the benchmarks and in dispelling doubts about the two countries ability to deal with corruption will allow their citizens to reap the full benefits of EU membership and enhance their confidence in the rule of law. In the case of Bulgaria, the Commission has taken a formal decision to suspend certain EU funds until the Bulgarian authorities are able to demonstrate that sound financial management structures are in place and operating effectively.
President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, said: “Bulgaria and Romania have come a long way over the last decade. The first eighteen months of membership of the European Union have been beneficial for the two countries and the whole European Union. Our task is now to consolidate that progress. These reports are a reality check – they show that both the Bulgarian and Romanian Governments need to step up their efforts on judicial reform, corruption and in the case of Bulgaria organised crime. Both governments recognise that they must show their own citizens and other EU member states that they are serious about making the judicial system work and tackling corruption. The reports show that the institutions and systems are now in place but tangible results need to be achieved in investigating, prosecuting and judging cases of high level corruption and organised crime. The Commission has also sent a strong signal today that EU funds must be managed properly. Bulgaria and Romania can count on the full and active support of the Commission in the further process."
