Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 142: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest meetings and debates concerning the proposed accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the European Union; the initiatives or suggestions Ireland has made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34495/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The European Commission's final monitoring report on the state of preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania was released on 26 September. The report gives the European Commission's assessment of their progress since May 2006. It confirms that they will be ready to join the European Union on 1 January 2007. However, the Commission's report also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern and makes plain its willingness to take the necessary measures to ensure the proper functioning of the Union following their accession.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Luxembourg on 17 October 2006 concluded that Bulgaria and Romania will be in a position to take on the obligations of membership on 1 January 2007. The Council commended both countries on the reforms they have undertaken in preparation for membership. The Council also underlined the importance of continued political commitment by both countries to address the outstanding issues identified in the Commission's report. The Enlargement Working Group, which meets regularly in Brussels, will continue to monitor the two countries' preparedness for membership.

Throughout this process, Ireland has fully supported the Commission in its efforts to ensure full compliance with the requirements of membership. We have urged both countries to make full use of the period prior to accession in order to deal with the problem areas highlighted by the Commission.

We have also sought to provide practical support to both countries in their preparations for membership. Bulgaria and Romania currently benefit from the Department of Foreign Affairs' Accession Training Programme and can continue to do so for a period following their accession. There is already a programme in place dedicated to capacity-building in public administration in both countries and we are currently developing a programme to promote transparency in recruitment and promotion in the Bulgarian public sector.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 146: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outstanding issues which are to be resolved by the Government of Bulgaria in preparation for EU accession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34426/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The European Commission's final monitoring report on Bulgaria's state of preparedness for EU membership was released on 26 September. The report gives the European Commission's assessment on Bulgaria's progress since May 2006. It confirms that their preparations for membership have advanced further and that Bulgaria will be ready to join the European Union on 1 January 2007. However, the Commission's report also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern and makes plain its willingness to take the necessary measures to ensure the proper functioning of the Union if appropriate corrective action is not taken by Bulgaria.

The further monitoring envisaged in the Commission's report will serve to ensure that the pace of reform in Bulgaria is maintained following its accession. In particular, the Commission has set a number of benchmarks in the areas of judicial reform and the fight against corruption, money-laundering and organised crime. These are areas where some progress has been made, but where further efforts and tangible results are needed. Other areas of concern highlighted by the Commission are the proper management of EU agricultural funds, food safety and aviation. Bulgaria has been strongly encouraged to make proper use of the months before accession in order to address the remaining issues.

The entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the EU on 1 January 2007 will complete the Union's 5 Enlargement made possible by the ending of the Cold War. Ireland looks forward to working with both countries in making a success of the enlarged Union of 27 members.