The European Commission's preliminary report on Romania notes that the state has made progress in many areas since the previous reports.

The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) report analyzes the two core CVM areas of judicial reform and anti-corruption work.

"This report shows that Romania has taken some significant steps. Many people in the key judicial and integrity institutions have shown a real commitment to reform," EC President Barroso noted.

"The report also shows that progress is not straightforward and that advances in one area can be negated by setbacks elsewhere. I hope this report will clearly highlight what still needs to be done to pursue and consolidate reform and ensure a positive and sustainable trend."

The preliminary monitoring report states that Romania "has benefited from the calmer political atmosphere of the recent past".

However, the EC shows concerns about Romania's judicial independence.

"The rushed and untransparent amendment of the Criminal Code in December 2013 sparked widespread concern as a challenge to the regime for tackling corruption and promoting integrity," the report warns.

Romanian parliament has introduced changes to Criminal Code that grant lawmakers immunity from corruption charges. The amendments stipulate that the Romanian president, MPs, ministers, mayors and other officials would no longer be subjects to investigation under conflict of interest and other corrupt practices charges.

Romanian President Traian Basescu, opposition politicians, and foreign diplomats have harshly criticized the "super-immunity" amendment for undermining the rule of law.

You can the full press release of the European Commission on Romania here.

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