Romania could actually stand to gain if EU accession were pushed back from 2007 to 2010 as the economy will be better prepared, businessman Ion Tiriac said yesterday.
"If I were the Pope of this country, I would refuse to join the Union in 2007 and I would choose 2010, to be able to have everything right by that time, and to negotiate properly," said Ion Tiriac, who controls businesses in Romania estimated at $1.2 billion. The businessman's statements are surprising, considering the efforts made by the Romanian authorities to conclude negotiations in due time, so that Romania can join the European Union in 2007.
Tiriac feels that the economy is standing at the brink of an era of expansion and Romania should thus wait until certain sectors become profitable, which would enable it to successfully enter the community market.
In fact, many top Romanian managers feel that the country will not be economically ready to join the European Union, irrespective of the actual date. A poll entitled "100 top executives on accession effects", conducted by EurActiv, a Brussels-based European policies portal, shows that only 57% of those canvassed see accession taking place in 2007, while one third believe 2009 is the most likely date.
However, 80% of the respondents stated they did not believe Romania would be economically ready to join at either of the two dates, but much later.
However, Tiriac also says that there is plenty of economic potential that is not yet being put to use and that resources are needed to nurture underdeveloped sectors.
"If I rush and join the EU in 2007, what cards am I holding? How many loaves of bread can we bake today? 100 loaves - but I believe I can bake 10,000 loaves of bread and when I reach this point I should enter the EU," the businessman added.
In his opinion, Romania no longer has credibility issues and has the chance to grow, with foreign capital support.
Tiriac says that the accession issue is unequivocal, since Romania's accession situation is one of "even if you don't want me, I want you".
"It is very difficult to build a bridge spanning from Budapest to Athens and ignore Romania, a country with 22 million inhabitants," Tiriac stated.
Romania's postponed accession to the European Union will not have any direct negative effects upon a particular company or industry, but would lead to an overall decline in welfare, continuing difficulties in the business environment and poor resource management by the authorities.
The companies that have already invested in Romania say that another two years will not make much of a difference. Officials from foreign companies say that their long-term business and investment plans are not tied to the date of Romania's EU integration.
The main benefits of staying outside the European Union include a cheaper workforce, which appeals to foreign investors looking to cut costs.
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