EU Council voices hope Romanian authorities will address European Commission's concerns

The Council of the European Union reiterates the importance for the Romanian authorities to lay emphasis on strengthening the institutional system and give a response to the concerns expressed by the European Commission within the Co-operation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), Monika Panayotova, Deputy Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council, said on Wednesday in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. 

"The common values - democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights - are the basis of the EU. Each member state must respect, protect and promote them." The rule of law and the separation of powers have always been in the Council's attention. We believe that dialogue and cooperation are necessary to ensure the best standards and conditions for our citizens in all member states," said Monika Panayotova in the EP's debate on 'threats to the rule of law caused by the reform of the judiciary in Romania'. 

"The Council hails the fact that Romania has taken a number of positive measures and encourages this country to take advantage of the impetus of these reforms, especially in terms the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption at all levels. The Council reiterates the importance of laying emphasis on strengthening the institutional system and responding to all the concerns expressed by the Commission in the CVM. We hope that the communication between the Romanian authorities and the European Commission will continue to be effective, allowing Romania to remedy any existing problem," she added.

Agerpres