MPs and ministers greeted President Georgi Parvanov (C) after his speech on the fifth session of the National Assembly. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
Bulgaria's National Assembly opened Thursday its fifth plenary session to officially mark the country's accession to the European Union.
"The closure of units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy NPP was the most huge compromise Bulgaria made during its accession negotiation with the European Union", President Georgi Parvanov said in his opening speech.
President Parvanov said the country must continue with reforms especially in the judiciary system in order to achieve the best results possible in fight against crime and corruption.
He also pointed out the need of transparent and effective absorption of EU funds. January 1, 2007 is just the first step of the long process of Bulgaria's European integration, he added.