Newest EU states faced with continued Brussels tutelage

Romania and Bulgaria will in some respects still be treated by the EU as if they were only candidate members, with the European Commission even slapping a painful "third country" status on Sofia in the area of aviation safety.

Although the two Balkan countries are planning big festivities to celebrate their entry into the EU on 1 January, much of the glamour of membership is overshadowed by the prospect of continued Brussels tutelage - even after accession - in areas where the newcomer...