Belgium's Ambassador to Bulgaria Philippe Beke answered questions of Sofia News Agency Editor-in-Chief Milena Hristova.

This is the seventh interview in a series that will present to Sofia News Agency readers the views of EU member states ambassadors on Bulgaria's EU prospects.

Q: Which were Bulgaria's achievements and failures in 2005 in its efforts to draw closer to EU accession?

A: Bulgaria's biggest achievements in 2005 were the work performed by the Parliament, working in August to speed up procedures on the legal side of the EU obligations. The failures in 2005 were related to the implementation of the legislation.

Q: What should Bulgaria do during the first half of next year to keep January 1, 2007 a feasible target date for EU accession?

A: Bulgaria should follow the guidelines of the EU-Commission.


Q: The Belgian government has repeatedly declared full support for Bulgaria's entry to the EU. Is a delay in the ratification of the accession treaty possible?

A: The procedure of the ratification of the accession treaty is on course and will be finished in due time.

Q: Could a delay in the complete ratification of Bulgaria's EU accession treaty by all member states deal a blow to the country's accession in 2007?

A: A delay in the complete ratification by all member states will legally delay the country's accession, since all Parliaments have to ratify before the Treaty can enter into force.

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