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Romania and Bulgaria, once communist dictatorships have finally joined the European Union and now begin their journey as part of mainstream Europe once more after an absence of many, many decades. By Western European standards they have a low level of income and their political systems need much improvement, hopefully membership of the EU will allow these countries to improve the lives of their citizens and further strengthen the growth of prosperity and democracy throughout central and eastern Europe. The EU population is now 490 million, and with the adoption of the Euro by Slovenia, the single currency area now has a population of 316 million people.

Well, it's taken what? 3 years?

And Bulgaria and Romania will still have to prove to the EU that they are able to reform some things that many feel gives credibility to their opinion that they are not ready to join...

Here's to hoping they remain in the EU. I'm sure Russia isn't exactly happy about it,..which may make the situation even harder.

K.Snyder;502415 wrote: Well, it's taken what? 3 years?

And Bulgaria and Romania will still have to prove to the EU that they are able to reform some things that many feel gives credibility to their opinion that they are not ready to join...

Here's to hoping they remain in the EU. I'm sure Russia isn't exactly happy about it,..which may make the situation even harder.


Its certainly not simple or straightforward, but better to do it slowly and surely than never at all I would say. As you say, the really hard work starts now, but at least the opportunity is there. As for Russia, I understand their concerns, but its my opinion that the days of Russia as an imperial power in Europe are over, and it would be best for the Russians to be pragmatic about that reality, after all, in most respects they are Europeans as well.

What is interesting is how long Norway will remain on the fence...I haven't read up on the latest, but from what I've read, their production of oil may come to a halt within the next decade or two, which will probably invoke Norways decision to join the EU...

K.Snyder;502582 wrote: What is interesting is how long Norway will remain on the fence...I haven't read up on the latest, but from what I've read, their production of oil may come to a halt within the next decade or two, which will probably invoke Norways decision to join the EU...


Norway isn't "on the fence". It's simply not part of the "EU".

Bill Sikes;503089 wrote: Norway isn't "on the fence". It's simply not part of the "EU".


Yeah I know, not from the perspective of the way it's usually used...but to look at it from a futuristic stand point they are on the fence from my own opinion, and will eventually become apart of the EU...it's just a matter of time.