Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Economic Area in an agreement signed on July 25 in Brussels, according to an Economy Ministry statement.

The EEA agreement facilitates relations between EU member states and a small group of non-EU European countries in the context of the European domestic market.

The results of the negotiations mean that Bulgaria and Romania will benefit from the principle of equal treatment, according to BBC Monitoring.

The treatment for Bulgarian and Romania will be in accordance with the agreement that includes the 10 member states that joined the EU in 2004.

Almost 100 million euro in financial assistance will be granted by AELS/SEE countries to support steps to protect the environment, promote sustainable development, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, and the development of human resources and health care.