Alliance Leader states that EU enlargement will strengthen Europe

1.10.24pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Sep 2006

Alliance Leader, David Ford

Alliance Party Leader, David Ford has welcomed the European Commission's decision to let Bulgaria and Romania join the EU, stating that their accession will strengthen the EU and a global actor. The two countries will join the EU on 1 January 2007, as long as they comply with the strict accession criteria set down by the European Commission.

David Ford said: "I welcome the European Commission's decision to let Bulgaria and Romania join the EU.

"Their accession will strengthen the hand of the EU as a global actor, and this will in turn benefit Northern Ireland as a region.

"This further growth of the EU will help to stabilise the Balkan region and will lead to long-term economic growth across Europe.

"As a member of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, Alliance has constantly supported the widening of the EU. I look forward to Romania and Bulgaria joining subject to fulfilling the accession criteria."

ENDS