Treaty of Accession: Bulgaria and Romania

On April 25, 2005, Bulgaria and Romania signed the Treaty of Accession to the European Union, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards EU membership. This event took place in Luxembourg and was a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War expansion of the European Union, which aimed to integrate Eastern European countries into the political and economic framework of Europe.

Context Leading to the Treaty

• Post-Communist Transition: Following the fall of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989, Bulgaria and Romania embarked on a challenging transition towards democracy and market economies. This period was marked by significant political and economic reforms aimed at aligning with Western European standards.

• EU Enlargement Strategy: The European Union had been pursuing a strategy of enlargement to stabilize and integrate the continent. The accession of ten countries in 2004, known as the “big bang” enlargement, set the stage for further expansion to include Bulgaria and Romania.

• Copenhagen Criteria: Both countries worked to meet the Copenhagen criteria, which required stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for and protection of minorities, a functioning market economy, and the ability to take on the obligations of EU membership.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

• Membership Date: The treaty set January 1, 2007, as the official date for Bulgaria and Romania to become full members of the European Union, provided they continued to meet the necessary conditions.

• Monitoring Mechanisms: The EU established monitoring mechanisms to ensure both countries continued reforms, particularly in areas such as judicial reform, corruption, and organized crime.

• Financial Assistance: The treaty included provisions for financial assistance to help Bulgaria and Romania prepare for membership, including funds for infrastructure, agriculture, and regional development.

Significance and Aftermath

• Economic and Political Integration: The accession of Bulgaria and Romania represented a further step in the EU’s efforts to integrate Eastern Europe, promoting stability, democracy, and economic growth in the region.

• Challenges and Criticisms: Despite the progress made, both countries faced criticism for ongoing issues with corruption and governance. The EU’s Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) was established to monitor and support reforms in these areas.

• Broader EU Enlargement: The inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania was part of a broader EU strategy to expand its influence and integrate more countries from the Balkans and Eastern Europe, fostering peace and cooperation across the continent.

The signing of the Treaty of Accession was a testament to the transformative power of the European Union in reshaping the political landscape of Europe, offering new opportunities and challenges for Bulgaria and Romania as they joined the European community.