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European Parliament Approves Bulgarian and Romanian EU Entry in 2007
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EU officials stress that treaties will not guarantee Bulgaria and
Romania automatic entry





The European Parliament has approved the entry of Bulgaria and Romania
into the European Union in 2007, but warned both countries they still
need to pursue reforms.

The two separate votes pave the way for the scheduled signing of
accession treaties with the two countries April 25.

EU officials have stressed that the treaties will not guarantee
Bulgaria and Romania automatic entry. They note that the accords allow
EU leaders to delay the process by as much as a year if the countries
do not implement agreed economic, judicial and political reforms.

Many European Parliament members would like to maintain some control
of the two countries' accession process even after Wednesday's vote.

Last month, EU Expansion Commissioner Ollie Rehn assured lawmakers
that EU leaders will take their views into account as the accession
process continues.

Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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