Romania and Bulgaria join the European Union

Blue-and-gold EU flags fluttered and fireworks went off through the dark Romanian and Bulgarian skies as the two Balkan nations became the latest countries to join the European Union. Both Balkan countries bring 30 million new members to the union and also expands the number of member nations in the bloc to 27.

Romanian President Traian Basescu feels joyful about this historical moment. “It was hard, but we arrived at the end of the road. It is the road of our future. It is the road of our joy,” he says as he is cheered on by crowd of revelers packed into the University Square.

According to Basecu, the membership into the EU will assure peace and prosperity. “This is an enormous chance for new generations,” Basescu adds. He also hopes Romanians would retain their national identity.

Meanwhile, in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, thousands of people crowded the Battenberg Square to cheer and celebrate this historical event. Fireworks blazed in the sky over the building where the Communist Party once held its headquarters while the European Union’s anthem was played out in the background.

Before midnight, Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov called the country’s EU membership a “heavenly moment.” “The day we are welcoming — Jan. 1, 2007 — will undoubtedly find its place among the most important dates in our national history,” Parvanov states happily. “But let’s make it clear — our future success as a nation depends not on European funds and resources, but on our own work.”

The two ex-communist Balkan nations —one of the poorest nations of Europe — are joining under strict conditions and at a time when EU leaders are putting a halt on further enlargement.

“Europe is adopting us like poor relatives or orphans, but I hope they will become fond of us because we are hardworking and inventive,” says a hopeful 64 year old retiree from the city of Cluj.

After the celebrations, both countries are required to report to the EU every six months to show progress in reforms, otherwise they risk losing a great deal of economic aid.

Romania and Bulgaria are being praised for “impressive reforms in strengthening democracy, modernizing their countries, making their justice systems more efficient and independent.” The EU membership would “bring concrete improvements to the everyday life of citizens” by increasing food safety, cleaning up the environment and repairing roads.

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Romania and Bulgaria join the European Union

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