While in Helsinki yesterday Romanian PM Calin Popescu Tariceanu opined Romanians shouldn't fear serious difficulties to come after accession, but they should realize that respect for the law was an obligation. He commented: "It is natural for the public opinion to debate on a certain fear and people are fully entitled to think such things over." The PM assured that EU membership would have no negative effects, as EU funds would help Romania progress more easily. He opined the only consequences some would perceive as "unpleasant" were related to the respect for the law: "Respect for the law is a key element. Every citizen has got rights, but he/she must also respect the laws protecting the others." While visiting Finland the Romanian PM had a meeting with the Finnish PM Matti Van Hanen. The latter commented afterwards that Romania would join the EU in January 1, 2007 . Still he mentioned Bucharest authorities had to continue reforms. The Finnish PM opined Romania had been making significant progress, but was also supposed to go on with it until meeting the standards of EU states. The official estimated the European Commission's monitoring report due in September 26 would be positive and decide Romania would become a member of the EU in January 1, 2007. PM Tariceanu invited the representatives of the Finnish Industry Confederation, that is the main business organization in Finland, to pay a visit to Romania for documentation on the investment potential. (O.B.)