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EU entry is a historic moment for the ex-communist states, but they will not get all the privileges of EU membership straight away (Photo: Wikipedia)

Fireworks fly as Romania and Bulgaria limp into EU

Fireworks, VIP guests, street parties and live music are taking over Bucharest and Sofia on Sunday night (31 December) as two more ex-communist states make the historic step of joining the EU, but many of the perks of EU membership are to stay on hold for years.

German EU presidency envoy Frank-Walter Steinmeier, enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn and several MEPs will shuttle between gala dinners at the two capitals on New Year's eve, while youth groups plan to erect a giant sign at t...

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Author Bio

Andrew Rettman is EUobserver's foreign editor, writing about foreign and security issues since 2005. He is Polish, but grew up in the UK, and lives in Brussels. He has also written for The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online.

EU entry is a historic moment for the ex-communist states, but they will not get all the privileges of EU membership straight away (Photo: Wikipedia)

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Author Bio

Andrew Rettman is EUobserver's foreign editor, writing about foreign and security issues since 2005. He is Polish, but grew up in the UK, and lives in Brussels. He has also written for The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online.

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