Corruption, poor justice, and organized crime are still a big problem in Bulgaria and Romania. Since their joining to the EU in January 2007 little progress has been achieved in these fields. The lack of trust in the Bulgarian and Romanian judiciaries and police may now trigger the sanction of postponing their planned integration into the European border-free zone dubbed the “Schengen area.”

At this point two questions should be answered by Brussels officials and some EU leaders:

1. What was the real reason for Bulgaria and Romania’s adhesion to the EU in 2007? 2. Wasn’t it perhaps better to wait until the two countries resolve their internal problems and actually meet the European standards?

Article – BBC Europe – September 2010