Why Did Romania and Bulgaria Get Accepted into the EU?

Wind the tape back a couple of generations, and the Russian-funded anti-EU pro-Brexit trolls and gullible individuals would be making similar arguments about Italy! The changes in all of these countries are significant, especially when compared to my first visits to Romania in the 1970s. However, after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, the pendulum swings back to economic hardship for the next few generations. Despite these challenges, I’m glad that Romania and Bulgaria are part of the EU. However, I remain concerned about the long-term impact on their demographics.

UE’s Outlook and the Entry of Romania and Bulgaria

The EU’s goal is to expand and become stronger and more relevant on the world stage. By incorporating Romania and Bulgaria, the union gained a country of 20 million people, spanning approximately 250,000 km2, making it the 7th largest country in Europe by size. Romania, a stable democracy with significant development potential, strategically connects the central European countries with those closer to the Black Sea, the Danube, and the Western Balkans.

Welcome into the Union: A Win-Win Situation

Both Romania and Bulgaria were considered perfect additions to the EU. Adding these countries would help ensure that they were not economically or politically taken over by Russia. Both countries saw EU integration as a path to prosperity, which is a logical and correct reasoning. Additionally, these countries represented interesting markets for the EU.

Demographic Concerns

While the EU’s entry was not wrong, the timing was questionable. Romania and Bulgaria were admitted prematurely, and their readiness was not fully assessed. When I look at demographic statistics, I wonder if this early entry might have hurt them in the long run. Romania faces demographic challenges, such as an aging population and declining birth rates, which could affect its economic and social structure.

Romania’s strategic position is crucial for the EU’s southern and eastern borders. It is a vital link between Greece and the central European countries, strategically positioned near former USSR countries like Ukraine and Moldavia. This proximity provides significant geopolitical benefits for the EU. The Romanians, too, are among the most enthusiastic EU supporters, indicating a strong alignment with the union's values and goals.

Despite the challenges, Romania and Bulgaria's entry into the EU was a strategic move that benefited both the EU and the countries themselves. However, careful consideration should be given to the timing and the long-term impact on their demographics. As Europe continues to evolve, it is crucial to maintain a balance between expansion and preparation to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the union.