This fifth round of enlargement adds some 30 million people to the EU. The Union now comprises 27 member states and 490 million citizens.
Compared with EU standards, the two countries are still relatively poor, with a GDP at 33% of the EU average. Salaries are also low, with an average monthly income of €180 in Bulgaria and around €300 in Romania. Nevertheless, economic prospects are good as Bulgaria looks back on a growth rate of 5.5% of GDP in 2006 - Romania’s growth in 2006 amounted to 7% of GDP.
Nevertheless, more progress is expected from the two countries. Bulgaria had to close down four of the six reactors in its Kozluduj power plant to comply with EU safety regulations.
The two member states also had to bring their border-control systems up to EU standards. While Romania had adapted to the new rules earlier, Bulgaria had to make substantial efforts to open up borders to travellers from EU countries.
Fears of a new wave of labour immigration spread in parts of the EU-25, such as the United Kingdom, which has put restrictions in place. Other countries, such as Sweden and Finland, decided not to restrict the free movement of labour. Bulgarian and Romanian officials claim that the largest part of labour migration has already taken place.
