The European Parliament adopted by a large majority on Wednesday a resolution that recommends the European Council, due to convene on Thursday and Friday, to make a clear statement on supporting the January 1, 2007 date for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU.

European Commission President Manuel Barroso said today the EC expected a clear signal from the Council that it supported the January 2007 date if the two countries meet the necessary terms for accession in the coming months.

And the EP resolution calls on the national parliaments in countries that have yet to ratify the accession treaty of Romania and Bulgaria to do so fast.