Romania Crisis Part 2

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18889374

Following on from my previous article about what the EU would actually do in response to the political crisis in Romania it seems that the action taken so far has been in the form of criticism and placing the country under 'special surveillance' Two other things are interesting to note; one that Bulgaria has now been added to the criticism and is also under surveillance and two that 'The Commission's opinion polls in both countries show a strong majority backing the EU drive to improve their state institutions'. Now, clearly it can't be trusted to be impartial at it is the commission's opinion polls. However, if there really is such a support then it is a damning condemnation for the governments of the two countries and a sign that the EU isn't meddling in internal affairs but really putting out legitimate demands that the people support. This will make it harder for the governments in each country to resist pressure from the EU for reform and so open up the possibility for change happening without the need for sanctions.

I believe this would be the preferred option of the Commission as instances of sanctions from the EU on its own members are rare. Understandably as this does not really encourage the member states to stay in the EU. Likewise though no action would be a sign of weakness and make the EU rather pointless.

There already seems to have been some success as the Romanian PM has promised to hold a referendum on the issue of the president, who he tried to oust, staying in power. In a bad twist the people may actually hold up this position as the president is not popular due to backing of austerity measures, even if the PM has gone about things in an arguably illegal manner.
The Commission is right to keep a watch on Romania though as there are still other elements of corruption that exist and that the process of combating it has 'just started in some areas'.

Bulgaria meanwhile it seems is in a better position but still needs to keep pressing forwards if it wants to really eliminate corruption.

-Pascal