YES, BUT...

by RAY FLEMING
THE European Commission's decision to approve membership for Bulgaria and Romania starting next January 1 is questionable on a number of grounds. The green light was given this week, but with a long list of urgent reforms that must be concluded by the end of this year. These include measures to bring to an end to persistent corruption in both the public and private sectors and to bring under control human trafficking. There are also question marks over the proper distribution of funds for agricultural and regional support. Not to mention ensuring that the independence of the judiciary is firmly established. For starters! Bulgaria and Romania were initially intended to be among the class of 2004, when the last access of new members took place, but were judged not to be as ready then. Since they have not used the extra two years to get everything shipshape it seems rather unlikely that they will be able to deal with the EU's list of outstanding reforms in a matter of four months. Brussels has therefore served a warning that sanctions will be applied in the form of witholding of funding if reforms are not implemented speedily. It seems an unsatisfactory way of integrating the last of the Soviet Union's satellite states into the EU. The disputes will be endless. A further delay in membership would have been preferable and would also have given time for the issue of free movement to other EU countries to be clarified.