BUCHAREST, Romania, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Romania's prime minister says it could take 20 or even 40 years before the Balkan country catches up economically and politically with the European Union.
Romania and Bulgaria, two post-communist countries in southeast Europe, are to join the union Monday.
Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu told Romania's national radio in Bucharest Thursday that the country "will be able to catch up with the other EU member states in 20 years," provided it ensures permanent economic growth and political stability, the Mediafax agency reported.
Tariceanu said it could take up to 40 years if Romania's those situations don't improve.
In his interview, Tariceanu urged all politicians to fully support all the measures necessary for Romania to catch up with the EU countries.
However, he said Romania is not politically mature, which creates distrust among EU officials.
