I n adopting this resolution by 360 votes in favour to 79 against with 125 abstentions, Parliament confirmed the decision by its presidium to take in observers from Bulgaria and Romania on 26 September. Some MEPs had raised doubts about the timing of the observers' arrival, which will be well in advance of the actual accession by the two countries. Parliament decided, however, to stick to the same format as with previous enlargements and welcome the observers shortly after the signing of the Accession Treaties. The Accession Treaty for Bulgaria and Romania was signed last April. Bulgaria will send 18 observers and Romania 35.

Meanwhile, Parliament stressed in its resolution that it will continue to follow closely Bulgaria's and Romania's progress and pointed out that it gave its approval of the accession treaties on condition that the Council and Commission fully involve Parliament in any possible decision on a postponement of Bulgaria's and Romania's accession by a year.

Parliament emphasises that the European Parliament welcomed parliamentary observers from the ten new Member States for the whole period from the signing of the accession treaty to their actual and formal accession to the Union. It points out that, although the presence of the observers was limited and restricted in terms of real influence, this arrangement made it possible for democratically elected parliamentarians from the accession countries not only to familiarise themselves with European Parliament proceedings, but also to closely follow the actual adoption of Community legislation. Lastly, Parliament stresses that the arrival of the observers from the Bulgarian and Romanian Parliaments, as decided by the Conference of Presidents, may contribute to the further preparation of a successful accession to the European Union, and in particular to ensuring that the commitments made during the negotiations are being met. The observers shall be welcomed from 26 September 2005 until the formal accession of their respective countries.

I n adopting this resolution by 360 votes in favour to 79 against with 125 abstentions, Parliament confirmed the decision by its presidium to take in observers from Bulgaria and Romania on 26 September. Some MEPs had raised doubts about the timing of the observers' arrival, which will be well in advance of the actual accession by the two countries. Parliament decided, however, to stick to the same format as with previous enlargements and welcome the observers shortly after the signing of the Accession Treaties. The Accession Treaty for Bulgaria and Romania was signed last April. Bulgaria will send 18 observers and Romania 35.

Meanwhile, Parliament stressed in its resolution that it will continue to follow closely Bulgaria's and Romania's progress and pointed out that it gave its approval of the accession treaties on condition that the Council and Commission fully involve Parliament in any possible decision on a postponement of Bulgaria's and Romania's accession by a year.

Parliament emphasises that the European Parliament welcomed parliamentary observers from the ten new Member States for the whole period from the signing of the accession treaty to their actual and formal accession to the Union. It points out that, although the presence of the observers was limited and restricted in terms of real influence, this arrangement made it possible for democratically elected parliamentarians from the accession countries not only to familiarise themselves with European Parliament proceedings, but also to closely follow the actual adoption of Community legislation. Lastly, Parliament stresses that the arrival of the observers from the Bulgarian and Romanian Parliaments, as decided by the Conference of Presidents, may contribute to the further preparation of a successful accession to the European Union, and in particular to ensuring that the commitments made during the negotiations are being met. The observers shall be welcomed from 26 September 2005 until the formal accession of their respective countries.