It is tempting to join the revellers in Bucharest and Sofia, who seem to believe that European Union membership promises untold riches, The Economist wrote. Photo by Kameliya Atanasova (Sofia Photo Agency)
Bulgaria's small size may be an advantage for its EU integration, but Romania's political class has recently outscored Bulgaria's, the Economist commented the accession of the two countries in its first issue for the new year.
The article points out that Romania, under its president, Traian Basescu, is a bastion of Atlanticism in the Black Sea region. Bulgaria, on the other hand, is "largely passive in foreign policy, though it has good relations with Russia."
"Bulgaria's prime minister, Sergei Stanishev, studied in Moscow; past Romanian leaders did so too, but to admit it now would spell political doom. Mr Basescu decries communism as criminal, but Bulgarian leaders only mumble."
The Economist says that the European Union's two newest members are both economically and politically backward.
"The biggest worry is lawlessness."