“I am afraid that some people will miss their summer vacation," Barroso said, referring to the Bulgarian lawmakers. Photo by Linukx magazine
EU Commission President Jose Barroso, who is arriving today in Sofia together with Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, said Bulgarians will be reassured that the required reforms for 2007 entry are doable.
Barroso spoke with Bulgarian and Romanian journalists in Strasbourg before his departure to Sofia.
Bulgaria and Romania can join the bloc in 2007 provided they pass a final review in early October of progress in fighting organised crime and improving state administration, he reiterated.
"I am afraid that some people will miss their summer vacation," Darik radio cited Barroso as saying, demonstrating a refreshing sense of humour. "Sometimes big things are achieved within a short period of time. Our requirements are doable."
Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said it is the obligation of the European Commission to show that Bulgaria and Romania should reform.
The need for new amendments of the Constitution will be high on the two officials' talks in Sofia.
Bulgaria and Romania have to fulfill ten more conditions in order to enter the EU next year, Tuesday's monitoring report of the European Commission said. Bulgaria in particular will have to show tangible results in the fight against corruption and organised crime.
The final decision on the entry date will be made in October.