Romania and Bulgaria are moving forward on their efforts to join the EU in January 2007. In March, a European Parliament committee endorsed the entry of both countries, providing they implement certain political and economic reforms.

To join in 2007, Bulgaria must improve its justice and law-enforcement systems and step up the fight against corruption and organized crime. Romania was also told it needs to improve justice and law enforcement, as well as upgrade environmental protections, accelerate antitrust rules and dump state aid, particularly for its steel sector.

The special entry conditions for Romania and Bulgaria indicate the EU is raising the bar for membership after taking in Cyprus, Malta and eight East European states last year.