Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-09-26-Speech-2-191"
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"en.20060926.23.2-191"2
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".
Mr President, Commissioner Rehn and the staff of DG Enlargement, in particular Timo Summa and Mrs Bridget Czarnota, deserve our thanks for the very professional and dedicated manner in which they have conducted their work in regard to Bulgaria over many months and years. There is no doubt that Bulgaria and Romania have been subject to a degree of scrutiny probably unparalleled in EU history. The reasons for this are not just related to the countries concerned but are also a reflection of the growing scepticism about enlargement in certain political quarters. This is a pity. Enlargement is, I hope, a vehicle for reform and change in the European Union.
I very much welcome the Commission’s confirmation that Bulgarian accession should take place on 1 January 2007. Postponement would have served no useful purpose. At the same time, we are under no illusions that much remains to be done. Continuing reform is needed in Bulgaria, not just because of EU accession but for the sake of Bulgaria and its people. The key word now is ‘transparency’ in every sector, whether it is public procurement, the appointment of officials and magistrates or whether it concerns the reasons why a particular investigation is suddenly stopped dead in its tracks. Citizens need to have confidence that those in authority are acting openly for them and in their best interests.
Of course, many measures are still being put in place by the Bulgarian authorities. I particularly welcome the recent announcement that the services of the Dutch former Prosecutor General have been enlisted to assist Bulgaria’s own excellent Prosecutor General and I would encourage other countries to come forward with similar assistance.
On the subject of migration of workers, many of our countries, not least the United Kingdom, have seen the consequences of a decade and more of failed and catastrophic immigration policies, largely unrelated to the European Union. It is a pity that Bulgaria and Romania may now suffer the consequences of this.
It has been a colossal task for Bulgaria to recover from the effects of 50 years of communism. Now we see a stable democracy, a buoyant economy, 5% growth, record foreign direct investment, a factor of regional stability and a contributor to NATO. Well done Bulgaria – and welcome!"@en1
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