Romania snubs Netherlands over criticisms

EurActiv reports that Romania's Foreign Minister Cristian Diaconescu cancelled a planned visit to the Netherlands, September 2009, in protest against a Dutch move to deny Bucharest and Sofia accession to the Schengen border-free area until the countries improve their record in fighting corruption and organised crime.

In a report issued August 2009 the Dutch government had said that Romania and Bulgaria were still doing too little to tackle corruption and organised crime, and their management of EU funds was still below par. The Dutch government would continue to press for improvements in both countries at European level.

ESO: Background information: Bulgaria, Romania remain under Commission scrutiny http://www.europeansources.info/record/bulgaria-romania-remain-under-commission-scrutiny/

ESO: Background information: Romanian MEPs blast Commission report http://www.europeansources.info/record/romanian-meps-blast-commission-report/

The Netherlands: Government: Press Release, 28.8.09: Progress in Romania and Bulgaria inadequate http://www.government.nl/News/Press_releases_and_news_items/2009/August/Progress_in_Romania_and_Bulgaria_inadequate

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