Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-10-25-Speech-2-159"
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"en.20051025.20.2-159"2
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"Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, although last year, Romania and Bulgaria once again took the necessary and important steps, there is a great deal left to be done by both countries in the short time that remains, namely until 1 January 2007.
With regard to Romania, on the basis of the progress reports over the past six months, reports I have received from Romania and my own observations, I have to admit in all honesty that there are still a good deal of major concerns left, many of which have been mentioned by other Members. I should like to touch on three of those.
Firstly, there is the independence of the judiciary, which, according to the Commission’s progress report of September 2005, is put at risk by the major budget restrictions imposed by the Finance Ministry. I would like to know what the latest is on this score.
Secondly, as has been stated before, there is every evidence to suggest that corruption is still rife among the police, in the justice system and in the corridors of power. To what extent does the Commission think it can solve this by introducing more rules and regulations? Is it not, above all, a question of awareness, mentality, and therefore time?
Finally, there are serious shortcomings in psychiatric care, which is not considered a priority, or at least that is what I gather from the recent developments in Romania. How does the Commission intend to press home the urgency of this problem? I would also like to hear from the Commission what, precisely, it regards as crucial if it is to be able to come out with a positive recommendation this coming spring and thus to recommend accession on 1 January 2007.
As I have told the House before, I do think it of really vital importance that we should adhere to the conditions and criteria that were once so carefully formulated. Candidate countries or countries with an ambition along those lines not only join an economic area, but also choose to take part in the political union, the European legal community.
The Commission takes a critical line, and that is something that I value. The question is whether the Council will seriously consider the Commission’s reports. It certainly did not do so in December 2004, when it was decided to round up the negotiations formally. As I see it, the Council’s absence from this debate is once again telling, whether it has other priorities or not. Let there be no doubt, though, I am in favour of both countries joining, but regard it as vitally important that this be done on the basis of what we have agreed to."@en1
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