The latest round of negotiations on Bulgaria's accession to the European Union ended on October 26. The country closed the chapter on Telecommunications and Information Technologies and opened two new chapters – Social Policy and Employment and Freedom of Movement for Persons. The sides agreed on a transition period until the end of 2008, during which the digitalization of the national telephone network is to be completed. In this way phone numbers will be kept unchanged in case of change of residence or transition in network operation. In connection with the Social Policy and Employment chapter, Bulgaria insists on a transition period until the end of 2016 in order to approximate cigarettes tar level to the European standard. During the negotiations on the other new chapter, Freedom of Movement for Persons, the European Union proposed a transition period of two to seven years before Bulgarians are allowed to work in other member countries. Bulgaria made no objections to the proposal. In order to close the two new chapters Bulgaria will be expected to change a series of national laws in accordance with European legislation. So far Bulgaria has opened a total of 23 chapters, 12 of which are already closed. "The good result attests to the country's fast progress in the accession negotiations and the available prospects for catching up with the frontrunners among the applicants," a press release of the Cabinet’s Information and Public Relations Directorate reads.

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