How many Times were Diplomatic Relations between Russia and Bulgaria Severed
If we look at history, there are not many cases in which relations between Bulgaria and Russia at the state level were as bad as they are at the moment.
Post-Wedding Jitters in Brussels
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Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
Now that Bulgaria has done far too little to bring the corrupt and the criminal to justice, the EU is on the look-out - for the faithfulness of its Balkan partner and the propriety of its best man Franco Frattini.
Bulgaria and Romania were told they can join the European Union in 2007 if they were "ready" to do so. "Ready" meant roughly three preconditions - functioning market economies, stable democracies and administrative and judicial capacities to implement EU laws.
The European Union welcomed the two countries on January 1, 2007, fully aware that neither was there yet.
How come talks about a safeguard clause is gaining momentum now, more than 100 days since the joyful date when Bulgaria exchanged marriage vows with the EU?
Sofia's crane-filled skyline and mushrooming malls speak of heady economic times. Privatisation, however, has been notoriously intermingled with politics. Sadly so is justice.
The stalled sale of tobacco monopoly Bulgartabac and the follow-up of telecom BTC sale are examples of absurd and irresponsible political behaviour. Of several governments.
The complete discrediting of the trial for embezzlement at Sofia's heating utility and the lack of any public figures put on trial and sentenced are examples of justice stifled by political interests. Of several governments.
Add to this the scandals in the country's investigations service and you get a clear picture of why the opposition (and the German media) call for imposing a justice and home affairs safeguard clause on Bulgaria.
Brussels is more likely not to be that tough on Sofia, fearing it may dishearten local politicians and fuel the vulgarity of eurosceptics. Another cold-headed argument will be the European Arrest Warrant, which replaces extradition procedures between member states across the EU.
Wonder whether the government will have the cheek to claim the credit then?
Bulgaria and Romania were told they can join the European Union in 2007 if they were "ready" to do so. "Ready" meant roughly three preconditions - functioning market economies, stable democracies and administrative and judicial capacities to implement EU laws.
The European Union welcomed the two countries on January 1, 2007, fully aware that neither was there yet.
How come talks about a safeguard clause is gaining momentum now, more than 100 days since the joyful date when Bulgaria exchanged marriage vows with the EU?
Sofia's crane-filled skyline and mushrooming malls speak of heady economic times. Privatisation, however, has been notoriously intermingled with politics. Sadly so is justice.
The stalled sale of tobacco monopoly Bulgartabac and the follow-up of telecom BTC sale are examples of absurd and irresponsible political behaviour. Of several governments.
The complete discrediting of the trial for embezzlement at Sofia's heating utility and the lack of any public figures put on trial and sentenced are examples of justice stifled by political interests. Of several governments.
Add to this the scandals in the country's investigations service and you get a clear picture of why the opposition (and the German media) call for imposing a justice and home affairs safeguard clause on Bulgaria.
Brussels is more likely not to be that tough on Sofia, fearing it may dishearten local politicians and fuel the vulgarity of eurosceptics. Another cold-headed argument will be the European Arrest Warrant, which replaces extradition procedures between member states across the EU.
Wonder whether the government will have the cheek to claim the credit then?
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