Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Romanian Presidential Election.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

President Ion Lliescu of the Party of Romanian Social Democracy, PDSR, was elected President of Romania in the second round of the presidential election on 10 December 2000, gaining 66.83% of the vote. His opponent, Mr. Corneliu Vadim Tudor of the extreme nationalist Party of Greater Romania, PRM, won 33.17% of the vote. Mr. Lliescu was President of Romania from 1990 to 1996 and Romania's application to become a member of the EU was formally made under his earlier Presidency.

Following his election, President Lliescu said that he would strive to accelerate Romania's dignified integration into the EU. On 29 December 2001 the Romanian Parliament voted confidence in the new Government of Prime Minister Adrian Nastase. The new Government, although a minority one, has a broad range of support among other parties for its policy of actively pursuing Romania's EU candidature. I understand its programme envisages economic growth of 4.5% to 6% in the period 2001 to 2004, cutting the inflation rate, a transparent privatisation process and the need to find a balance between the imperatives of a market economy and those of social protection while taking into consideration suggestions and recommendations of the EU, the IMF and the World Bank. On 27 December a number of opposition parties signed a joint declaration with the Prime Minister-elect pledging support for the Government in its efforts for integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.

With regard to Romania's application for membership of the European Union, that country, like all other candidates, must comply with the Copenhagen criteria for membership. These criteria require that a candidate country achieves stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities. In addition, candidates must establish a functioning market economy with the capacity to cope with competitive market pressures. The current Government of Romania, in continuing to pursue membership of the EU, is, therefore, committed to the Copenhagen criteria. The EU continuously monitors the performance of candidate countries in regard to their compliance with these criteria.

Commissioner Verheugen had discussions with the Prime Minister, Mr. Nastase, and his Government in the past few days on their policies for pushing ahead with the necessary reforms and adjustments to advance Romania's path to accession. Romania continues to avail of pre-accession financial assistance provided under EU programmes. Ireland and its EU partners will continue to work actively to support Romania's efforts to prepare for EU accession.