Yesterday evening, State Secretary Hans Winkler took part in the 12th EU-Romania Association Council. Topics on the Association Council agenda included an exchange of information on the status of Romania’s accession preparations, especially the background to the accession partnership and the most recent comprehensive monitoring report drafted by the Commission on 25 October 2005, as well as an exchange on international issues, particularly the Western Balkans.
“As a future Member State of the European Union, Romania will occupy a special geopolitical position. A country with a future EU external border, it will bear a large responsibility for cooperation with its neighbours”, said Winkler. In this respect, the State Secretary stated that cross-border initiatives had to be further strengthened and used more effectively. “Good cooperation in the region is the basis for peaceful co-existence, as well as for the continued consolidation of high standards.” Winkler was also pleased about Romania’s willingness to share with the Western Balkan States its experience with membership of the Central European Free Trade Agreement.
“The Association Council with our Romanian colleagues has been held at just the right time. The final phase of accession preparations has now begun for Romania. The ratification process is under way in the Member States, and we shall be expecting the progress report from the Commission in around two months,” explained Winkler. “Romania will be in a position to fulfil all the obligations arising from EU membership at the time scheduled for its accession, provided that it continues its efforts to carry through the necessary reforms still outstanding and meets the agreed commitments”, he stressed.
“The judicial reform has without doubt brought about numerous improvements, such as greater independence for the judiciary, the protection of minorities and children, the return of property and freedom of the media”, stated Winkler. At the same time, he stressed however that reforms alone were not enough; they had to be carried out in practice. “We must also acknowledge that many reforms still need to be carried out in the areas of public administration and the judiciary. Improvements have to be made regarding the integration of groups needing protection into Romanian society, treatment of individuals in police custody, in prisons and in psychiatric institutions” he continued.
With regard to the economy, Winkler said: “Romania meets the criterion of a functioning market economy, enjoys excellent macroeconomic growth and has achieved a high level of stability. In order to maintain and improve this situation, Romania must resolutely implement its structural reform programme. The smooth application of EU legislation can be guaranteed only by a corresponding administrative capacity, appropriate and high-quality training and sufficient budgetary funds.”
The State Secretary underlined that success could be achieved only through diligence and continued efforts. “Romania must now manage the last stages. The EU and the Member States are ready to support Romania in the further steps that have to be taken. However, there must be no let-up in the efforts in order to ensure our common goal of EU accession is attained.”
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