Prime Minister of Romania Victor Ponta (L) is welcomed by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy (R), prior to a meeting at the European Council headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium, 12 July 2012.
European Council President Herman van Rompuy has expressed his concern over the Romanian left-wing government's bid to get rid of President Traian Basescu.
He said he was worried about the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Romania/
Romania is going through constitutional trouble as the socialist-liberal majority in Parliament supporting Prime Minister Victor Ponta's cabinet has launched an impeachment procedure against Basescu for allegedly overstepping his powers.
On Tuesday, Basescu temporarily stepped down, transfering powers to Senate President Crin Antonescu, until an impeachment referendum is held on July 29.
On Thursday, Van Rompuy and Victor Ponta met to exchange views on the economic situation in the EU and recent developments in the Balkan country.
The European Council President expressed his confidence that the Romanian government is fully aware of the importance of the matters at stake and he took note of the intention of the Prime Minister to comply with the Commission's recommendations, Van Rompuy's office said.