Following a two-hour debate, members of the German Bundestag ratified Bulgaria and Romania’s EU accession treaty.

Only 12 members of the German parliament voted against, 529 voted in favour, Bulgarian National Radio reported.

Representatives of all parliamentary represented parties said that Bulgaria and Romania were welcome to the union. The two countries have always belonged to Europe, representatives of the social democrats said.

During the debate, members of the Bundestag said that Bulgaria and Romania were going to contribute to the EU stability and security and were going to aid peaceful developments in the Western Balkans region.

Social democrats pointed out that in the past year the export of German goods to Romania and Bulgaria has increased three and two times respectively. Trade transactions were worth nearly eight billion euro, which ensured thousands of work places in Germany.

On October 25 most parties represented in the Bundestag presented a declaration through which Germany would request the introduction of safeguard clauses until Romania and Bulgaria finalise justice reforms.

The European Commission has denied imposing such limitation for the time being, the national radio reported.