France's Ambassador to Sofia Etienne de Poncins said Wednesday that the EU was hoping Bulgaria would soon take action to combat organized crime.

De Poncins made this statement in the northeast city of Shumen, where he is on a visit for Europe's Day, May 9, the Bulgarian private Darik Radio reported.

His Excellency pointed out that the June Report of the European Commission on Bulgaria's progress would be critically important for the country. That is why quick steps against organized crime were needed.

"We believe in the initiatives that the Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev will take in this direction, and the reforms that he will carry out", De Poncins said.

His Excellency is visiting Shumen at the invitation of the Bulgarian Member of the European Parliament Metin Kazak. He met with the Mayor of Shumen Krasimir Kostov.

The two agreed to organize a Bulgarian-French business forum to present the investment opportunities in the Shumen region.

During his visit the French Ambassador is going to give a lecture before students from Shumen University and from the Shumen Foreign Language High School.

His Excellency is also going to open a EU information center in Shumen later on Wednesday.

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