Romania in turmoil after EU criticism Message List

Fri Feb 6, 2004 12:46 am

Show Message Option

View Source
Use Fixed Width Font
Unwrap Lines

"Vali Nas" <vali@...>
vali_nash
Send IM
Send Email

Reply | Forward Message #400 of 1053 < Prev | Next >

Romanian and EU ties have been put under severe strain following the
continued adoption of Romanian children abroad - although the practice
is banned.

Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen has sent a letter to Romanian
Prime Minister Adrian Nastase demanding further explanation - putting
Bucharest into a diplomatic tailspin.

The whole issue concerns the adoption of 105 children in Italy -
legislation was put in place in 2001 in order to stop international
adoption from the country whilst corruption remains in the
administrative services.

The Romanian political class started strongly lobbying in Brussels just
as MEP Emma Nicholson, raporteur for Romania, asked for the suspension
of the negotiations with the country.

The resulting political turmoil may mean that Romania is delayed in
joining the EU (foreseen for 2007) because of its failure to reform its
judicial system. This is one of the toughest treatments an EU candidate
has ever been subjected to.

Mr Verheugen is currently considering Mrs Nicholson's proposal although,
officially, the suspension of the negotiations "is not on the agenda".

Mr Nastase stated yesterday (February) that he gave all the explanations
needed to the EU Commission in another letter which will not be
disclosed unless Brussels decides to do so.

He added that his government is against the international adoptions.

Romania, along with Bulgaria, aims to join the European Union in 2007.

http://euobs.com/?aid=14331&rk=1

Publication date: 2004 Feb 6

Countries: Romania

Organizations: European Commission