The European Commission Cooperation and Verification Mechanism report, due to be published today (January 30 ) in Brussels seems to turn the page on a difficult 2012 for Romania when it comes to its relationship with the EU, according to an advance copy seen by EurActiv.

The 10-page report, which is much shorter than the usual CVM reports, indicates that the country could soon be back on track, if it continues to fulfill the European Commission’s recommendations.

The report however still mentions some of the shortcomings in Romania, such as the intimidation and harassment against people in the state institutions, such as the National Integrity Agency – ANI, the Constitutional Court, among others. EU officials highlight the need to revise freedom of the press rules to protect state institutions and respect fundamental rights, according to sources quoted by newswire Mediafax.

The Commission is basically asking for clear rules binding journalists or media institutions who harm the public institutions and the judiciary system, with the National Audiovisual Council tasked with taking measures to respect the code of conduct.

The tone of this report is totally different from the one employed mid-2012, when Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that Romania had “shaken EU’s trust”. The report adopted a diplomatic tone and expresses the hope that the new Parliament and the new Government will “provide the opportunity to deliver fully and rapidly on these recommendations”. It however continues to say more remains to be done on the judiciary side, giving the examples of three ministers who kept their jobs, even if they were under investigation: Liviu Dragnea – vice PM, Relu Fenechiu – transport Minister, and Dan Sova, minister for major projects.

editor@romania-insider.com