Press Release: Council conclusions on cooperation and verification mechanism for Bulgaria and Romania. General Affairs Council meeting, Brussels, 24 September 2012

The Council welcomes the reports by the Commission on progress in Bulgaria and Romania under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism since the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU on 1 January 2007. The Council appreciates the continued good co-operation of Bulgaria and Romania with the Commission and the other Member States.

The Council reiterates the importance of an unequivocal and sustained political commitment to meet the objectives set under the Mechanism. The existence of an impartial, independent and effective administrative and judicial system, with sufficient resources, is indispensable for EU policies to function properly and for citizens to benefit fully from all the opportunities offered by membership of the Union.