In economic and commercial terms Greece could not take advantage of its close neighbourhood with Bulgaria in view of the country's EU membership as of January 1, 2007, Athens' daily Vima has said.

In an article titled "Greece Missed the Train to Bulgaria" the paper points out that Bulgaria may become a real competitor to Greece in many spheres and at many levels.

Some 15 days before the end of 2006 Greece has not absorbed half of the funds, which it has been allotted as part of the Interreg III programme, the paper says.

The objectives to step up Greek exports to Bulgaria have also not been achieved.

The picture becomes complete when we take into account that Bulgaria will receive over EUR 6 B form the EU structural funds in the years to come, the newspaper concludes.

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