The European Commission's decision to delay its final verdict on Romania and Bulgaria's EU membership was received in the larger country with frustration by some, with understanding by others, BBC reported.

"I think it's a slap in the face," sys Ioana, 27, a journalist at Romanian radio. "Expectations are very high... the entire population has been striving so hard."

"Everyone knows that not everything is ready yet, and the big efforts are still to come - from the big institutions which will connect Romania to the European Union," disagrees Eugen, 31, an architect from Cluj, in the Transylvanian region of Romania.

The BBC notes that unlike ordinary citizens, Romania's politicians spoke with one voice, describing it as the best report Romania had ever received from the EU.

Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu held early morning talks with the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and the Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

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