The postponement of Bulgaria's entry into the European Union (EU) would send bad signal to the Bulgarian society, European Parliament's Rapporteur for Bulgaria believes.
In the words of Geoffrey van Orden a possible delay might send bad signals to the young people and the business community in Bulgaria and "will encourage some negative effects in the country."
Just a day ahead of the planned for Wednesday debate in the European parliament on Bulgaria and Romania's progress, MEPs discussed the importance of the judiciary reforms for the EU.
During the session dedicated to rule of law and the independent judicial system Van Orden pointed out that both Bulgaria and Romania have been subjected to unprecedented analyses and control. I think that Bulgaria and Romania should no longer be kept in the dark about their entry into the EU, Van Orden also said.
Socialist Group vice-president Jan Marinus Wierma pointed out that he expects Bulgaria and Romania to join the bloc as planned January 1, 2007, underlining that the enforcement of safeguard clauses would be discussed in October of November.
He also pointed out that despite the latest EU criticisms to Bulgaria the two neighbours are heading "shoulder to shoulder towards a full membership".