The European Commission formally approved Bulgaria and Romania for European Union membership beginning 1 January 2007, while imposing the strictest monitoring conditions ever placed on incoming member states. Concerns cited included slow judicial processes, widespread corruption, and organized crime.
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin called the approval a major accomplishment but cautioned that the harder work lies ahead. Speaking from Bucharest, he stressed that reforms in the judiciary and the fight against corruption would continue well past the accession date, and that Bulgaria must prove itself a worthy member.
A political analyst compared Bulgaria's path to that of a student who missed an early exam but passed on a later attempt. Former Prime Minister Simeon Saxe Coburg said the oversight mechanism would help both countries adapt to EU membership more effectively.
Interior Minister Rumen Petkov emphasized that a firm zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and crime must be maintained going forward. The Commission also identified proper management of EU funds and food safety standards as additional areas requiring attention from both Balkan nations.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in September 2006, in its own words.