EU backs entry date for Romania, Bulgaria

European Union leaders were today set to back Romania’s and Bulgaria’s bid to join the 25-nation bloc on January 1 next year, after urging the two Balkan countries to speed up reforms in problem areas.

Bulgaria, the less prepared of the two countries, according to a recent EU report, must show clear results in investigating and prosecuting organised crime networks; implement laws for fighting fraud and corruption; do more to prevent money-laundering; prevent embezzlement of EU aid; and complete agriculture reforms.