Romanian Premier Calin Popescu Tariceanu was meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Friday for talks on his country's EU aspirations. Romania is scheduled to join the European Union in 2007, but has been told it needs first to reform its justice system and reduce state aid to its large steel industry. Prior to his departure, Tariceanu's office said he planned to send a message that Romanian authorities are committed to carrying out all reforms necessary to join the trade bloc. Tariceanu, who was accompanied by his foreign minister, was expected also to discuss economic ties with Germany, Romania's second largest economic partner after Italy. Romania imported goods worth ¤3.9 billion (US$4.78 billion) from Germany last year, while exporting ¤2.8 billion (US$3.44 billion).
