Spokesman of EU Commissioner for Justice Franco Frattini explained that end of June is not the cut off date for recommending a possible safeguard clause in justice area for Romania or Bulgaria, EUexpands reported.
Friso Roscam Abbing also explained that the clause can be applied during the three years that follow the EU accession of these countries.
In a separate development Franco Frattini told European Voice that he would recommend the activation of the safeguard clause if Romania and Bulgaria don't improve fight against corruption.
Asked whether he would have the "political courage" to do so, Franco Frattini answered "yes, of course", and then he explained that the clause would be activated if the two countries don't progress in their fight against corruption and don't consolidate the judicial system.
He also explained that the EU Commission has the legal obligation to do so since the safeguard clauses are mentioned in Romania's and Bulgaria's EU Accession Treaty if these countries don't fulfil their obligations.