Bulgaria, Romania need urgent judicial reforms

(AP) — The European Union says its two newest members, Romania and Bulgaria, need urgent reforms to their judicial systems and must step up efforts to fight corruption.

A statement from the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, says Bulgaria's fight against organised crime must be significantly improved.

Both countries joined in the EU on January 1, 2007. But, they had weaknesses in judicial reform and other areas, so a five-year system of monitoring was instituted. T

he final report, covering the countries' progress over the five years, will be issued in 2012.

The reports Wednesday said the two countries had made progress over the last year but said reforms must be implemented.