EU To Give Green Light To Romania, Bulgaria

Diplomatic sources say the offer will be made as part of a report on the progress the two countries have made on meeting the EU's membership criteria.  The commission also has the option of delaying their accession by a year.

Diplomats say both countries will face tough penalties if they fail to carry out required reforms after they join.  

On September 25, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said any further expansion of the EU should be considered only after the EU figures out what to do with its embattled constitution, which has been rejected in referendums by French and Dutch voters.  

(AP, Reuters)