Bulgaria will not escape sanctions if it fails to improve its record to meet EU standards, EU spokesman Mark Gray said shortly after the release of Brussels interim report that criticised the country over lack of reforms to fight corruption and crime.
The complete report on Bulgaria's progress, which will be issued in July, will contain a decision on the eventual triggering of the so-called "safeguard clause".
"The possibility exists," Gray told reporters in Brussels. "Overall, the (European) Commission is concerned over the pace of reforms; public confidence needs to be strengthened.
In his words Brussels expects "a much better second half" after "a poor first".
"Nobody wants to see extra time or penalties and that's why we expect the two governments to improve in the second half," Gray said, referring to the authorities in Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the European Union together in 2007.
The EU spokesman urged Bulgaria to establish a better track record in the investigation, prosecution and judgement of such cases.