Rehn, Frattini Raise Spectre of Safeguard Clauses for EU Newcomers
Bulgaria in EU | May 30, 2007, WednesdayEuropean Commissioners Olli Rehn and Franco Frattini warned EU newcomers Bulgaria and Romania on Wednesday that the bloc's executive could implement the existing safeguard clauses unless judiciary reforms are sped up.
Speaking to French daily Le Figaro, enlargement commissioner Rehn said that the European executive should activate the clauses stipulated in the accession treaty signed by the two countries if it believes the measure necessary.
"If it has objective reasons to do so, the Commission should invoke the clauses. It's a matter that concerns the credibility of the enlargement process," Rehn told Le Figaro.
In a separate interview with Brussels newspaper European Voice, justice and home affairs commissioner Frattini said that the Commission would not hesitate to make use of the clauses if the two countries fail to show sufficient progress in pursuing judiciary reforms and the fight against corruption.
The European Commission is set to publish its latest report on Bulgaria and Romania's efforts in that direction on June 27.
At the same time, Frattini dismissed the criticism that the Commission was treating the latest two additions to the bloc too friendly.
"They are member states with full rights. I cannot treat them as I would treat a neighbouring country, such as Serbia," Frattini said.
Speaking to French daily Le Figaro, enlargement commissioner Rehn said that the European executive should activate the clauses stipulated in the accession treaty signed by the two countries if it believes the measure necessary.
"If it has objective reasons to do so, the Commission should invoke the clauses. It's a matter that concerns the credibility of the enlargement process," Rehn told Le Figaro.
In a separate interview with Brussels newspaper European Voice, justice and home affairs commissioner Frattini said that the Commission would not hesitate to make use of the clauses if the two countries fail to show sufficient progress in pursuing judiciary reforms and the fight against corruption.
The European Commission is set to publish its latest report on Bulgaria and Romania's efforts in that direction on June 27.
At the same time, Frattini dismissed the criticism that the Commission was treating the latest two additions to the bloc too friendly.
"They are member states with full rights. I cannot treat them as I would treat a neighbouring country, such as Serbia," Frattini said.
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