Accession of Romania to the European Union

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Dark green: current members; light green: acceding countries; orange: states in negotiations

Romania is currently scheduled to join the European Union on January 1, 2007. This date was firmly set at the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003 and confirmed in Brussels on June 18, 2004. The country reports of October 2004 also affirmed the January 1, 2007 date of accession for both Bulgaria and Romania. Bulgaria and Romania signed their Treaty of Accession on April 25, 2005 at Luxembourg's Neumuenster Abbey.

History

According to the last Commission Regular Report 2004, Romania continues to fulfill the political criteria and it has further consolidated and deepened the stability of its institutions. However, the effectiveness governmental and judiciary reforms is dependent on Romania's ability to effectively implement the changes. For example, corruption in Romania continues to be serious and widespread.

The December 2004 Brussels Summit's conclusions support Romania's accession for 2007. The European Council also asserted that Romania will have met all of the requirements of membership by the planned date of its accession, provided that it continues its efforts to that end and completes all necessary reforms and commitments undertaken, in particular important commitments regarding Justice, 'Competition' and Environment.

The Accession treaty was subsequently signed in Luxembourg on 25 April 2005.

Population and GDP per capita of EU member states and candidates.

Public opinion

Public opinion in Romania indicates that an absolute majority--95%--of the population are in favor Romania's integration in European Union.