Brussels has warned Bulgaria with sanctions for failing to implement EU rules on defense procurement, which aim to help companies access defense and security markets in other member states.

The European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Bulgaria and Luxembourg in order to act to ensure that they comply with their obligations to implement EU rules on defence procurement which were published in 2009.

The deadline for implementing the rules in question was 20 August 2011.

The Commission is concerned that they have failed to fulfill their commitments under the Directive regarding procurement of arms, munitions and war material for defense purposes, and also the procurement of sensitive supplies, works and services for security purposes.

Brussels says that while the majority of member states have either fully implemented the directive or are finalizing the adoption of transposing measures, in Bulgaria and Luxembourg, all of the Directive's provisions still have to be implemented and the transposition process is very slow.

The European institution may refer the matter to the Court of Justice if the national authorities do not reply satisfactorily within two months.