Verheugen soothing Romania's fears

While in Sofia, the EU’s Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen said Romania should not fear being left out of the enlargement process, despite lagging behind Bulgaria. Gunther Verheugen, who is expected to arrive in Bucharest on June 21, said the European Union maintained its decision to sign an accession treaty with the two countries together and that the EU was not contemplating separating the two countries during the process. The Commissioner’s statement can also be seen as a response to the statements of many Bulgarian officials who publicly voiced concern that Bulgaria’s accession could be delayed because of Romania. Bulgaria hopes to conclude the last two negotiations chapters during the Irish EU presidency, while Romania has six more chapters remaining. It hopes to close three more by the end of the Irish presidency, namely by the end of the month. Romania must not be afraid it will be left on the sidelines; Romania is making remarkable progress. This is what Verheugen stated, encouraging the authorities in Bucharest to continue the reforms so as to conclude negotiations by the end of the year. ZF