Verheugen praises Nastase, but calls for reforms

The European Commissioner for enlargement issues Gunther Verheugen stated he “had a good working relationship” with Premier Adrian Nastase, adding he appreciated the Romanian Government and encouraged it as he considered Romania is “on the right way.” Verheugen pointed to EU Accession minister Hildegard Puwak as a good example, for her efforts to lead an efficient ministry, which is EU’s main negotiations partner.

“I know there are problems, I am quite sympathetic, but the reform process, which is inevitable, shouldn’t be delayed and the sooner you launch it the better,” Verheugen told Parliament.

The European Commissioner warned that economic reform delay could lead to an “economic and political disaster,” adding that PDSR governing is responsible for Romania’s future.

Gunther Verheugen yesterday met all the members of Adrian Nastase-led Government, after having personally met with Adrian Nastase. The European official said that discussions carried with ministers supplied him with new information on the juridical system, the economic forecasts and the border securing, which are going to give him “a lot of work to do.”

“Romania’s economic revival, which was long-postponed, is essential. One more delay and the result is an economic and political disaster,” Verheugen considers. The Prime Minister said he asked Verheugen that Romania should receive financial aids aimed at border securing.

Gunther Verheugen urged the Agriculture minister “to move faster” in order to implement SAPARD programme, as the 150 million euros to be granted to Romania this year “should be used in time if one wants them to bear fruit.”

The EU Commissioner says Romania has a large agricultural potential, but it needs clear property regulations as well as structural reforms so that small farmers should turn into “viable units.”