Both Bulgaria and Romania are about to be accepted into the European Union. Back in September they were given the go ahead to continue the process for full membership.
 
But Bulgaria and Romania are economically very different from the other member countries. This article in the Economist provides several interesting comparisons - We’re off on a European odyssey. It’s description of population of poor farmers and corrupt government officials in these two countries may make you think twice about doing business there.

One outsourcing company had to bring a critical device for a client project into the country in personal luggage to avoid unnecessary delays (and bribes?) in customs. Happily software outsourcing over the Internet doesn’t require such surreptitious border crossings.
 
What will the EU do? Many think full membership will eliminate problems of corruption and others say it isn’t any worse than some other countries. As the article states, “If the EU can cope with Sicily, why not Bulgaria?” Hmm, maybe my home state of New Jersey will join the EU too!
 
But there is also a highly educated and very intelligent population in these countries. Bulgaria is ranked #2 as a country with the highest IQ. Indeed, Bulgaria and Romania should continue to be a bargain for outsourcing for several more years to come.

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