The Dutch people want Bulgaria to join the European Union (EU), but you have to prepare for that entry, the Netherlands' Ambassador to Bulgaria HE Willem van Ee said.

Van Ee, who was on a visit to the Black Sea town of Burgas, commented that sufficient progress must be made in the areas of concern indicated by the EU Commission - judicial system, corruption and organized crime.

Still, the ambassador explained that he is encouraged by the actions undertaken by the state authorities to overcome these problems.

"The legislative framework must be completed, but even more important is the implementation of the new laws and regulations. Reforms in the judiciary, the fight against organized crime and corruption must lead to tangible results," Dutch Ambassador Willem van Ee said in an exclusive interview for Sofia News Agency earlier.

"If decisive steps are taken now and a result-oriented approach is adopted, including clear and measurable benchmarking, 1 January 2007 is still feasible as the date for Bulgaria's accession," Ambassador van Ee underlined.

The Lower Chamber of Dutch Parliament ratified Bulgaria and Romania's EU Accession Treaty with an overwhelming majority on February 7.

After the approval by the Second Chamber, a debate on the treaty will follow in the First Chamber. The ratification will be enforced with a decree of the Dutch Queen.

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