EU steel conditions a headache for Romania

Romania’s new minister for European integration is “particularly
concerned” about the EU’s requirement for the country to cease
subsidising its steel industry.

Fighting corruption and promoting competition will be priority
tasks for Romania’s newly appointed minister for European
integration, Ene Dinga. Outlining his plans, Dinga said that
“reforming public administration, reinforcing surveillance of
European aid for Romania as well as favouring competition and
reforming the judicial system are the central points out
of eleven priorities for us to fulfill in the coming
weeks”.

One issue of “particular concern” to Dinga, 48, is the EU’s
demand for Romania to stop subsidising the country’s steel
industry. According to Romania, the EU’s current rules would have a
negative impact, since the commitment to a stark reduction of steel
output would require the closure of several plants. All in all, the
country is looking to cut some 8,500 out of the total of 52,000
steel jobs by 2008.

Prior to his taking office, Romanian President Traian Basescu
had already urged changes in the EU regulations on energy and
competition. However, the calls to renegotiate the country’s entry
terms were turned down by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

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