Bulgaria needs to show tangible results in investigating and prosecuting organised crime networks and high-level corruption, Dimitris Kourkoulas, head of the EC Delegation for Bulgaria, said in Sofia hours after the EU executive progress report was released.

He pointed out that Bulgaria has fully met the political criteria for EU membership, undertaking measures to fight corruption and lifting the immunity of members of parliament.

"Bulgaria's accession will bring stability to the northwestern Balkans and will enrich the cultural diversity. It will expand the market and give EU access to the Black Sea."

Kourkoulas made it clear that the lack of proposals for a delay in the accession till 2008, means that January 1, 2007 remains the target date and assured it is still do-able.

He stressed however that the European Commission will not falter to introduce mechanisms for monitoring if Bulgaria fails to make sufficient progress in reforming the judicial system.

He congratulated Bulgaria for significantly decreasing the number of areas, which raise serious concern from 16 to six.

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