There is a public clock in the centre of Romania's capital that counts the days until 2007-the year when the country hopes to join the European Union. Its wishful ticking may help Romanians contain their frustration at not being among the eight other ex-communist countries that enter the club next month. What if disappointment still follows? There is no "plan B" to cope with failure, say officials, almost proudly. That strategy may sound risky, but it has advantages. Romania's government has enough on its plate striving for success in 2007 (a date also held out to Bulgaria), without having to plot alternative strategies too. The EU'S requirements, swallowed whole, offer the government a ready-made programme. The need to fulfil it will provide a persuasive argument for keeping the ruling Social Democratic Party in power at the general election which is due in November.
展开▼
