Brussel geeft Bulgarije laatste waarschuwing (en)

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Just weeks before the European Commission unveils its final evaluation of Bulgaria and Romania and their readiness to join the EU next year, enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn i has said the bloc expected better results from Sofia in curbing organised crime and corruption.

Speaking in Sofia on Friday (1 September), Mr Rehn suggested that the preliminary findings of the report - scheduled for 26 September - show "there has been a serious progress in several areas of the technical preparations, while there is need for further improvement in the critical areas," the Associated Press reported.

He pointed out that the country must convince the bloc about the "continuity and irreversibility" of the reforms introduced as part of its accession process.

"My wish is to see Bulgaria a member of the European Union in January ... but at the same time, my duty as a guardian of the treaties is to ensure that Bulgaria joins when it is ready...and that the community interests, the interests of the EU citizens, are protected when Bulgaria joins," the Finnish commissioner commented.

His spokeswoman told journalists in Brussels that it is "normal" that officials drafting the final report are in contact with Mr Rehn and inform him about its early results, with a clear focus on areas that have previously proved problematic - such as judiciary reform, organised crime and corruption.

Under Bulgaria's accession treaty, the EU could impose "safeguard clauses" limiting the country's membership rights - particularly in the field of justice and home affairs - if Sofia fails to fulfil its commitments.

Under the worst scenario, the September report could suggest a one-year delay of either of the EU hopefuls' membership.

Friday's comment by Mr Rehn comes after a slightly more positive statement by EU justice commissioner Franco Frattini i in late July who stressed "important successes" achieved by the cabinet of Bulgarian prime minister Sergey Stanishev.

And the enlargement commission chief also acknowledged that Bulgarian MPs must have had a busy summer, as a lot of technical details have been taken care of, but, Mr Rehn added, "Bulgaria has to boost efforts in the judiciary and the fight against corruption."

Mr Stanishev did not comment on Mr Rehn's latest remarks but he pointed out that his country has made "real and substantial progress in all areas."

The Bulgarian socialist leader is set to meet European Parliament chairman Josep Borrell as well as presidents of the parliamentary groups in Strasbourg on Tuesday (5 September).