EU Reports On Bulgaria, Romania Raise Doubts
By RFE RL
(RFE/RL) — The European Union has criticized Romania and Bulgaria for failing to reform their courts, reduce corruption, and fight organized crime.
The Netherlands has responded to the new reports by saying it will continue to block the Bulgarian and Romanian bids to join the Schengen travel zone until at least June, when the European Commission is set to report further on the issue.
European Commission reports on February 8 said both countries have failed to meet reform expectations, five years after joining the EU.
In 2007, when Romania and Bulgaria became EU members, the Netherlands led opposition to either country joining the Schengen zone, arguing it would open the EU to more organized crime and corruption.
Residents of Schengen zone countries are not required to have a visa to enter another Schengen zone country.
