Romanian leader says country not ready for EU presidency
Viorica Dancila, little-known politician premier since January
12 November, 20:13"It's the 12th hour (and) we are totally unprepared," Iohannis said. "There's no chance of a good government ... or proper involvement in European affairs." European Affairs Minister Victor Negrescu, tasked with preparing Romania to take over the EU presidency, unexpectedly resigned last week. Romania government officials were apparently dissatisfied with Negrescu's performance in building good relations within the EU's executive branch.
"It's unclear at the government who the responsible people are, "Iohannis said. "People who should be dealing with the EU presidency resign or they're dismissed." Dragnea called the president's comments "a major disservice to Romania." Romania is already facing censure from the EU over a contentious judicial overhaul last year that the bloc says undermines the fight against corruption.
Last month, EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova voiced concern about Romania potentially struggling to manage the presidency while it was weighed down by domestic concerns, in particular corruption.
The EU on Tuesday will present its latest report on the judicial systems of Romania and Bulgaria. The bloc monitors the countries, amid concerns about corruption, their justice systems and organized crime.
___ Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.