The EU family counts 27 members

On 1 January 2007 the EU welcomed two new Member States and 30 million people, when Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union. This completes the EU’s historic fifth round of enlargement peacefully reuniting Western and Eastern Europe after decades of division.

To mark this important day in European history President of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso said: “The 1 January 2007 is a historic day to celebrate. I congratulate the people and leaders of Bulgaria and Romania for the courage, determination and work in preparing for membership. I thank the people and the leaders of the EU for their vision in supporting this project. I also welcome the two new Commissioners, Ms Kuneva and Mr Orban, I look forward to working with them.”

Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn added: 'My warm welcome to the people of Bulgaria and Romania. They deserve congratulations for impressive reforms in strengthening democracy, modernising their countries, making their justice systems more efficient and independent. EU accession will bring concrete improvements to the every day life of citizens – such as safer food, cleaner environment, and better roads.”

Bulgaria and Romania applied for EU membership in 1995 and both countries started their accession negotiations in February 2000. The negotiations were successfully concluded in December 2004 and the Accession Treaty was signed in April 2005. In its last monitoring report on Bulgaria and Romania of 26 September 2006, the Commission concluded that both countries are sufficiently prepared to carry the obligations of EU membership.