The European Union did the right thing by deciding to let Bulgaria and Romania join the block, but the decision was taken too early, Prof. Werner Weidenfeld, one of the most outspoken critics of the two countries accession, said in an exclusive interview for Novinite.com.

According to the professor of political science at Munich University, Germany, the main reasons for Bulgaria's and Romania's entry to the European Union were political ones and were also a kind of award for the stability of both countries during the 1990s.

"Problematic was the fact to announce their accession without checking if they fulfill the criteria for membership completely," Werner Weidenfeld said.

He believes that following the conclusions that other EU member states drew from the cases of Romania and Bulgaria in future enlargement rounds, they will double-check if the candidates - mainly the states from the Western Balkans - fulfill the membership criteria completely.

Asked about how risky is Brussels decision to freeze millions of euros in EU aid for Bulgaria at these times of financial crisis, Prof. Werner Weidenfeld said:

"The EU has no money to waste. Frankly speaking, in the Bulgarian case, you could say: take it or leave it."

FULL TEXT OF THE INTERVIEW READ HERE

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!