News

The European Commission has announced that Bulgaria and Romania are to join the European Union.

President of the commission Jose Manuel Barroso announced that the two countries would formally become members of the EU on 1 January 2007.

He said: "Bulgaria and Romania have carried out an extraordinary reform process and they have gone through a remarkable transformation."

However, the commission stated the countries would be monitored on food safety legislation and how EU funds are spent, as further improvement is needed.

Their position in the EU is likely to encourage further visitors and Bulgaria has already gone far to develop its tourism industry with resorts on the Black Sea coast and in the mountains.

Last year visitor numbers to Bulgaria hit 4m, but this is expected to rise to 20m by 2010.

Romania also offers resorts on the Black Sea, while its capital Bucharest attracts visitors with its mix of belle époque and communist architecture, including the Palace of Parliament one of the world's largest buildings.


© Adfero Ltd