Since 2000 Bulgaria's economy grew by approximately 30%, the average salary approximates BGN 300 to 400, while Economy Minister Rumen Ovcharov draws the advantages of his country in bright colors, writes the German "Welt am Sonntag" in an extensive article about Bulgaria.

"The transition seemed relatively gently, even if the old elite distributed shamelessly the riches and the government property among themselves," writes the author Franc Stocker in Sofia.

He points out that the European Commission report on Bulgaria criticized above all the lack of corruption fight and rampant organized crime. "Bulgaria must take "immediately drastic measures, if it wants to be ready for the intended date for the entry."

"Western European observers believe that the mafia has connections with the highest political circles.... The acquisition of a 65 per cent of the Bulgarian Telecommunications Company by the Icelandic billionaire Thor Bjorgolfsson few weeks ago is seen in these circles as the further mesh in the criminal network," says "Welt am Sonntag".

According to the article the European Union seems decided to accept Bulgaria on 1 January 2007 as a new member and not to postpone the entry till 2008.

"Bulgaria might profit from the subsidy pots of the European Union. The treaty of accession alone plans the allocation in the first three years of EUR 2.3 B from the structural and coherence funds, "Welt am Sonntag" stresses.

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