SE Countries in EU

The European funds allotted to Romania will hardly solve the country’s troubles, according to the deputy director of the French Economic Mission in Bucharest, Antoine Avila, who said that reforms must be continued and mentalities changed.

The EUR 30 bn destined to Romania for the next seven years will be mostly invested in agriculture. Avila explained agriculture is a challenge for the Romanian economy, as it “rural areas are lagging behind.” He added that the output and the products collection and distribution systems need to be developed, suggesting that low-temperature equipment should be introduced to store foodstuff. The French economist added that funds could be used efficiently if an agricultural consultancy and training system is developed. Avila explained that services, constructions included, have more growth potential and can reach the highest weight in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the industry will develop at a slow pace.

Slovenia does not expect Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to flood the country in search for jobs after it opened its labour market to the pair of new EU entrants on 1 January. Slovenia has so far attracted only a few Bulgarian and Romanian workers; last year their numbers stood at 109 and 466, respectively.

The national Employment Service data shows that while only 80 Bulgarian nationals and 116 Romanian citizens worked in Slovenia in 2002, their numbers increased to 109 and 466, respectively, in 2006.

The European Union should consider revising its engagement policy with Libya unless it releases the Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor, European parliamentarians decided, Sofia News Agency reports.

MEPs adopted 567-1 a resolution on the case of the Bulgarian and Palestinian medical staff facing a death sentence in Libya, 7 MEPs abstained.

The resolution includes evaluation of the case and an appeal to the European Commission to closely supervise the development of the trial. EU member states and the EU's executive Commission should "consider, in case the absence of a positive resolution of the case, a revision of the common policy of engagement with Libya in all relevant fields as the Union would deem appropriate," the resolution said.