European Union leaders agreed to admit Bulgaria and Romania to the bloc in 2007 but have included safeguards, especially for Romania, which appear to leave the door open to delaying membership, according to a draft summit communique Friday. Leaders confirmed negotiations with both countries have been wrapped up and treaties would be signed with Sofia and Bucharest in April 2005 The European Union (E.U.) looked forward to welcoming both countries as full members from January 2007, said the communique. But the communique stressed that E.U. officials would be carefully watching Romania's adherence to commitments on justice, home affairs and environment. "Safeguard clauses will provide for measures to address serious problems that may arise before accession or in the three years after accession...," said the communique. Annual reports on Romania's progress will include "recommendations if appropriate." Diplomats said these could include moves to delay entry to the bloc. For Bulgaria the only concern directly raised in the communique is justice and home affairs.
