Romania: membership application and partnership, 22 June 1995

The European Parliament adopted the report by Baroness NICHOLSON of Winterborne on Romania's application for membership to the European Union. This resolution outlines that despite the efforts undertaken since its return to democracy, Romania still faces challenges in meeting some of the Copenhagen economic criteria which is also made more difficult by internal political problems. The problem of children in institutions continues to be of great concern and a human rights problem which affects the accession procedure. The EU institutions are called upon, in cooperation with the Romanian Government, to examine all the possibilities for drawing-up and co-funding joint programmes for the social rehabilitation and integration of the children in institutions in order to secure a definite long-term solution to the problem. Moreover, the prevalence of corruption and inadequate reform of public administrations is also a problem. With regard to the environment, the Parliament calls upon the Romanian authorities to apply the strictest environmental requirements in Europe when considering the reopening of the Baia Mare and similar plants. In addition, this resolution confirms the view that Romanian nationals should not be required to hold a visa in order to enter the EU. Lastly, it was highlighted that Romanian's accession would reinforce the Common Foreign and Security Policy.�