A Romanian observer to the European Parliament believes his country would not be fit for EU membership earlier than the middle of 2007.

Talking to local newspaper Curierul National, Socialist Titus Corlatean said 1 January 2007 was already "a missed target", as there is not enough time to make up with the EU-pressed reforms.

Our calendar is completedly upside down, the Romanian MP said commenting on the progress assessment his country was given by the European Commission in its latest report released on Tuesday.

The document says Romania needs to continue its efforts and demonstrate further results in the fight against corruption. It also needs to consolidate the implementation of the ongoing justice reform and further enhance the transparency, efficiency and impartiality of the judiciary.

According to Titus Corlatean, this is exactly the same wording as written down in the previous report six months ago.

"Surely you could await once again the same conclusion in another six months," the EP observer of Romania stated.

The blame for this situation, in his words, is to Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu.

Asked to comment statements accusing Bulgaria in dragging its northern neighbour behind, Corlatean ruled them out as unserious.

Both Bulgaria and Romania have to wait until early October for the final verdict of the EU whether the two countries are ready - and shall - join the bloc next January.

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