Bulgaria and Romania to join the European Union on 1 January 2007

10.39.58am GMT Wed 27th Sep 2006

Bulgaria flag

The EU agreed that the accession of both Bulgaria and Romania could go ahead in January. They have passed all the, vigorous, test put before them and will be allowed to join - there is more work to be done to be able to fully participate in all areas of the EU, but the important thing is they are in. Oddly the last European country I visited was Bulgaria and the next is Romania in a few weeks time.

Romania flag

The EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also warned yesterday of "enlargement fatigue" and warned that the EU could not admit any more members after Romania and Bulgaria until it had worked out what to do with the EU constitution. I am not so sure, I certainly think the negotiations should continue with Turkey and other states that have expressed an interest - A statement saying there will be no more enlargement will be a huge slap in the face to Turkey.