Schroeder backs Romania and Bulgaria's efforts to join EU

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Friday threw his support behind the attempts of Romania and Bulgaria to join the European Union, despite concerns in the rest of the bloc that it is growing too fast.

"There are differing opinions about the entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the EU, as well as about the start of negotiations with Turkey, but I remain convinced that we must support these moves," Schroeder said after meeting the visiting Romanian prime minister, Calin Tariceanu.

The European commissioner responsible for the enlargement of the bloc, Olli Rehn, said this week he would be sending "early warning letters" to Romania and Bulgaria pointing out delays in their compliance with the conditions laid down by the EU for their anticipated membership in 2007.

The European Union is in a political crisis after French and Dutch voters rejected the bloc's first-ever constitution in referendums, partly because of worries that enlargement towards the east and south of Europe is proceeding too quickly and going too far.

Schroeder said however he believed Romania and Bulgaria, both former communist states, would eventually join the EU which took in 10 new members last year.

"If Romania meets the conditions, it must be allowed to join the Union in 2007," Schroeder said.

"This is an unbelievable, historic chance for these countries, because culturally and historically, they belong to Europe."