Schulz: Romania should immediately follow EC recommendations

European Parliament President Martin Schulz made the following statement in reaction to the European Commission's report on progress in Romania under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism:

"The Commission highlighted today a number of shortcomings which Romania must tackle to fully meet European Union standards. The Commission has expressed concern over recent political developments in the country.

The Commission also presented recommendations for Romania to remedy the areas of concern. I expect the Romanian government to immediately follow those recommendations.

We are a Union of shared values and mutual trust. Its members must respect democratic institutions, independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

I welcome the fact that Prime Minister Victor Ponta travelled to Brussels last week to discuss the political situation in his country with the European Institutions. I am glad that during our meeting he promised to fulfil EU recommendations without any delay."