EU pushes Bulgaria on reform

MEPs urged Bulgaria to step up the fight against corruption if it wants to join the EU on time in 2007.

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday pushed Sofia to do more to fight against organised crime and tackle human and drug trafficking.

“We need to see rapid and effective action by the Bulgarian authorities to overcome matters of serious concern over the next few months,” Geoffrey Van Orden, parliament’s rapporteur for Bulgaria, told reporters on Wednesday.

The parliament’s rallying cry follows last month’s mixed progress review from the European Commission.

In October, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn told Sofia it would have to pull its socks up.

“In the months to come, particular attention must be paid to actual implementation and enforcement of the reforms,” he insisted.

“At the moment, the commission may recommend that the council postpone the accession of Bulgaria until January 2008,” the commission’s October progress report concluded.

But Sofia has brushed off criticism and insists it will make it to the finish line on time.

“We expected to hear those things. It provided an additional stimulus to bring preparedness to a conclusion,” one EU diplomat insisted on Wednesday.

“The government is working hard to prepare Bulgaria for European entry. Bulgaria has passed 34 accession-related laws in the last two months.”

But a month on from the commission’s review, Bulgaria is still being urged to step up the pace of reform.

'Safeguard clause'

Many are now asking if the commission will have to implement safeguards postponing EU entry.

Sofia signed up to the safeguards written into the small print of entry requirements in April this year. 

The safeguards can only be triggered by unanimity among EU governments.

But Van Orden says the committee’s endorsement of his report proved 2007 entry remains a realistic possibility. 

“This is a very strong signal of support and endorsement of the target date, provided urgent reforms are driven through over the coming months and there are visible results.”

“Wednesday’s committee meeting was the first time I have been part of a discussion with MEPs where Bulgaria has not faced criticism,” an EU diplomat added.

“Bulgaria received lots of support in the parliament today.”

MEPs overwhelmingly backed Van Orden’s report in committee and it will be considered in plenary next month.

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