Romania: Background and Current Issues

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Coverage: Romania

Abstract:

On January 1, 2007, Romania was formally admitted into the European Union. The accession marked a major milestone for the country, which has been struggling through a difficult, lengthy transition from communism and the 24-year era of oppressive rule under Nicolae Ceausescu. In 2004 national elections, the center-right captured a majority in parliament along with the presidency. Over the past two years, however, there has been a great deal of infighting among the governing coalition partners. Observers believe that the parties have held together out of a common desire to achieve EU membership. Now that EU entry is an accomplished fact, some believe Romania's governing coalition may unravel, prompting early elections. Relations between Romania and the United States have been close. Bucharest has cooperated with the Bush Administration in the war on terrorism, and is providing troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq. In December 2005, the two countries signed an agreement granting the United States permission to establish military bases in Romania. This report will not be updated.