Reding told French newspaper Le Monde the Commission is carefully watching Romania after the “terrible political struggles” of July and August, when the Parliament suspended the country’s president and a referendum was held on whether to remove him from office permanently.
“We hope all political actors in Bucharest overcome their disputes ahead of the election campaign in October,” Reding was quoted as saying.
Asked to comment on Romania’s chances in its bid to join the passport-free Schengen area, which the country was planning to achieve in March 2011, Reding said she would not be surprised if EU countries decide to postpone its entry again.
She said the decision to allow Romania into the Schengen area must be taken by EU member states unanimously and the fundamental question is whether Romania’s rule of law is trustworthy.
“The Schengen area is not just about border technicalities. It also entails a functional justice system. From where I stand, I wouldn’t be surprised if EU states decide not to allow Romania immediate entry,” said Reding.