EU Takes Next Step Towards Bloc of 27

The European parliament gave the go-ahead yesterday for Bulgaria and Romania to join the EU in 2007, at the earliest, despite fears about economic reforms and corruption.

The two former communist countries, due to sign the accession treaty on April 25, will swell the EU to 27 members in a fifth wave of enlargement since it was founded in 1958. Six other east European countries are waiting in the wings.

Olli Rehn, the enlargement commissioner, and some MEPs warned that the progress of Bulgaria and Romania towards meeting strict entry criteria, including human and minority rights, would be closely monitored and accession could be delayed until 2008 or later.

Last month EU leaders postponed entry talks with Croatia over its failure to hand over suspected war criminals.

MEPs approved the two countries' accession, rejecting moves by the Greens and some Christian Democrats to delay the votes until after the commission reports in November on how they are preparing for membership.

Bulgaria seems assured of entry on January 1 2007, but there is scepticism that Romania can meet the criteria in time, especially regarding corruption and the treatment of its Roma minority.

Graham Watson, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the European parliament, said: "Accession is not given. Croatia has proven that. The EU sets standards and expects future members to demonstrate both the willingness and the ability to uphold them."

Both countries' income per head is well below the EU average, prompting fears in France that further enlargement will erode subsidies to its own farmers and industries.