Introduction

Abstract

In 2004, after 15 years of transition, Europe triumphed over the old division between East and West when eight former communist countries joined not only Europe’s institutional architecture but also the club of liberal democracies. However, Bulgaria and Romania have missed out on the first wave of eastern enlargement. The entry of Bulgaria and Romania, pending ratification by the national parliaments of EU states, will complete in 2007 an enlargement cycle that started with the revolutions of 1989. The signature of the accession treaty, so long sought by the two countries, on 25 April 2005 has created increased enthusiasm and relief in the two acceding countries. After signing the Accession Treaty, the Romanian Prime Minister, Calin Popescu Tariceanu, said: ‘we [have] ceased being a second-rank country … On 1 January 2007 we will be EU members.’ Similar euphoric statements were made by political leaders in Bulgaria and, one year earlier, by other newly-acceding states when signing or joining the European Union. EU political leaders also welcomed the accession of 10 new members as a historic moment.