“Modest results”, “slow progress”, and “the need for continued monitorization” are a few of the catch words included in the draft report to be adopted Wednesday by the European Commission. The European executive believes that “for the time being, support is more efficient than sanctions, and we will not invoke possible safeguard measures included in the Accession Treaty.”

Mention is made of other measures that could be taken in future, if the fight against corruption remains unsuccessful due to a “lack of unequivocal support” by the political class and part of the judicial system (the Superior Council of Magistracy, and the High Court of Cassation and Justice). In this context, the European Commission warns that the decision to receive Romania in the Schengen area and the eurozone will also depend on progress in combating corruption.

“Romanian citizens deserve to have access to all state benefits of an EU member country – they agreed to EU accession expecting this to help in the consolidation of the state of law and the elimination of corruption,” was the premise from which the Commission’s evaluation departed.

“Failure to make sufficient progress within the framework of the cooperation and verification mechanism and to dispel doubts concerning Romania’s capacity to combat corruption deprives Romanian citizens of these rights and erodes their trust in the state of law. This could have long-term discouraging effects on the performance of Romania’s economy, hindering the very much needed foreign investments. It will also influence the evaluation of Romania in terms of its preparedness for taking on responsibilities and having a more ample role on behalf of other member states, something that is necessary if it wishes to accede to the Schengen area and eurozone,” according to the report. (NewsIn)