Romania and Bulgaria can join in 2007, if...

Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn announced to Parliament that Bulgaria and Romania should be able to join the EU on January 1, 2007, if they take action to address a number of outstanding problems.

The Commission will make a new report in October on whether that target date can be met. Mr Barroso said the Commission had taken this decision after an extensive process of review and dialogue with the stakeholders.

The EU, he said, must honour its existing commitments, but also be rigorous in applying the conditions: "Since October last year, both governments have worked extremely hard and have made progress. However, some important issues need to be addressed.

"Further progress needs to be made in the field of Justice and Home Affairs. Romania and Bulgaria should be prepared for membership by January 1, 2007, provided they address a number of outstanding areas."

Barroso stressed the need for judicial reforms and fight against corruption. Before they are allowed to join, Romania and Bulgaria need to have in place fully functioning justice systems equipped to fight corruption and organised crime.

Both countries had shown determination and should be given credit for reforms already achieved. Bulgaria, he said, still needs to demonstrate results on the fight against corruption, especially at high level, including follow up with judicial proceedings and on the independence of judiciary.

It needed to step up efforts to fight organised crime. Romania also needs to fight corruption, in particular with judicial proceedings following up investigations.