As some of you may have heard Romania and Bulgaria have entered the European Union. I was wondering what everybody thought about this. Is it a good thing that Romania (and Bulgaria) finally made it in? Was this the right time?

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) -- Blue-and-gold EU flags fluttered across Bucharest and fireworks thundered through the sky at midnight in Romania and Bulgaria as the two Balkan nations became the latest countries to join the European Union.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/12/31/bulgaria.romania.ap/index.html

No, its a fucking disaster, for this country anyway. We've already got a Romanian refugee problem before this.
It was reported in the papers Sunday, that some low cost airline was selling one way seats from Bucharest to London for the amazing price of 4 pounds sterling, about $8, needlessly to say it is fully booked.

The thing that bothers me is that we've entered and yet, our economy is awaful. Inflation is at 5%, population below poverty line is 25%, unemployment is 5.0%. Population in Romania in 1990 was estimated at 23,168,000 and in 2006 was estimated at 22,303,552. People are leaving the country as it is almost impossible to live there. Many have searched jobs in Europe, mostly Spain, France, and Italy. People finish good colleges with amazing grades, and a dimploma, and it is impossible for them to find a job; any job.

Minimum wage, yea, that's unbelieveably low. In 2002 it was 285RON, in 2006 it was 360RON, and medium wage in Romania in 2002 was 765RON and in 2006 it was 1145RON. Now, so you understand better, 360RON = about $140 and 1145RON = about $447. When bread is 3RON ($1.2), you tell me if you can survive a month with 360RON. First thing you do with that money pay utilities and rent/mortgage, and if there is anything left, you can get yourself a loaf of bread, and some milk. Yea we're worthy of EU.

Next thing that pisses me off is corruption. I mean politicians steal from the taxes, built themselves 15 houses and buy 20 cars while the population of Romania, starves, and lives on the streets. Were we really worthy of entering EU? I highly doubt it.

Can EU help Romania?

I think the EU will help Romania, but the real question is - will Romania help the EU?

The sad thing is I think you already answered that.

Right now, probably not - they'll be a burden. But Romania has a booming economy with a growth of 5.8%, so perhaps in time when widespread poverty and corruption are fixed. Plus don't forget, the EU now covers Draculas castle - a mighty asset indeed! Maybe we should move it to the Canarian Islands, and get him to fight off the immigrants.

I suppose it looks like it has a booming economy, but my best guess is that this country will never be at the same level (or at least close to) with other European countries. Corruption will never be fixed in my opinion, and if corruption is not fixed, poverty has no chance of being fixed.

give it time. it might not help right away, but will it hurt?

I suppose it looks like it has a booming economy, but my best guess is that this country will never be at the same level (or at least close to) with other European countries. Corruption will never be fixed in my opinion, and if corruption is not fixed, poverty has no chance of being fixed.

EU members could have said the same thing from Greece or Portugal 30 years ago.
Plus, is it better for EU to have a poor and unstable Romania at its border or to gradually help this country to reach a better standard ?

The biggest problem IMO is not related to Romania but to EU institutions : the more countries in EU, the weakest it becomes politically. I hope EU will as soon as possible adopt a new constitution that will give it real political weight.

First of all congrats.
This is a huge move for those country. I assume as one step that they are trying to repair their economy and it's ok , secondly they have to work hard the coming years because their corruption and might this help tham