The European Commission approved at noon on Wednesday its newest report on the progress of reform in the Romanian justice sector and the fight against corruption. A formula regarding possible risks that Romania might not join the Schengen area and the euro zone because of its performance in the justice reform no longer appears in the final version. The formula appeared in a very early version of the draft report and was not even discussed by European Commissioners. They started a presentation of the report at 2 p.m. today.

According to EC spokesperson Johannes Laitenberger, Bulgaria and Romania have gone a long way over the past decade and the first 18 months after their EU accession were beneficial for both these countries and the EU. The Commission wants both countries to fully benefit of their EU membership.

The situation in Romania offers a mixed picture as fundamental parts of the system are working have a fragile basis and the fight against high level corruption is politicized.

While progress existed in the judicial reform, the Commission recommends intensified efforts in this regard.

The conclusions of the Commission:

The Romanian government managed to intensify efforts and continue the reform and a relative stabilisation of the judicial system dealing with the fight against corruption.Two key institutions in fighting corruption, ANI and CNI are now working but must provide a balanced foundation and concrete results without delay.The National Anti-corruption Department (DNA) progresses in penal inquiries and in launching investigations on high level corruption. These must be followed by other cases.There must be unequivocal consensus among all political parties on eradicating corruption.The Commission is concerned about the lack of sentences. Institutions, laws and existing procedures must show results.There ar