Bulgaria and Romania join the EU

Bulgaria and Romania are now part of the European Union, expanding its membership to 27 states.

Large concerts which attracted thousands of people were staged in the cities of Bucharest and Sofia to mark the occasion.

“It was hard, but we arrived at the end of the road,” said Romanian President Traian. “It is the road of our future. It is the road of our joy.”

Bulgarian president Georgi Parvanov described the accession as a “heavenily moment”.

But there is still concern about how the two countries will adjust to EU standards and rectify continuing problem of corruption.

According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, only 40% of citizens from the 15 member states that were part of the EU before 2004 supported moves for greater expansion.

Both countries must report to the EU every six months to show progress in reforms - or risk losing a chunk of economic aid.

Despite lingering problems with corruption and judicial reforms, both countries have had strong economic growth following years of deep recession. Growth in 2006 is estimated at 5.5% in Bulgaria and 7% in Romania.

Still, salaries remain low by western European standards. In Bulgaria, the average monthly wage is €180; in Romania, about €304.