EU Council Presidency: Romania has a lot of work to do at home and in Brussels

On the start of the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council, Ska Keller, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament comments:

"The nature of the EU Council Presidency means that an additional focus is given to the Member State holding the reigns, and right now there has never been more international scrutiny on the rampant corruption of the Romanian elite and efforts by the government to roll back on gains in the fight against corruption in the country. The dismissal of anti-corruption prosecutor Laura Codru?a Kövesi as well as the recent resignation of her replacement, brutality shown towards peaceful protestors marching against corruption, and efforts to hold an amnesty for corruption offences for officials all seriously undermine Romania's commitment to the rule of law, civil rights and the fight against graft."

"In a country where just under €40 billion a year is lost to corruption, the Romanian government should take the opportunity of the Presidency to prove its commitment to the fight against corruption, the rule of law and European values. The rest of Europe is watching."

 "The costs of corruption across the EU"