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Crime and corruption keep investors away from Bulgaria, warns Verheugen

Published 09 June 2004 - Updated 29 January 2010
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The Enlargement Commissioner has commended Bulgaria's progress in the accession talks but warned the country should do more in the fight against corruption and organised crime.

Background: 
The economic development of Bulgaria is being held back by widespread corruption and organised crime, said Günter Verheugen in Sofia on 8 June. The Enlargement Commissioner said that potential investors he had spoken to hesitated to do business in Bulgaria due to the lack of a serious effort by the country to fight corruption and crime. Mr Verheugen has pointed out that there is still some way to go before Bulgaria completes its preparations for accession. Improvements are particularly necessary in Bulgaria's judiciary system and administrative capacities. However, he concluded by saying that "Everyone can be assured Bulgaria will be a full, equal, and responsible member of the EU by January 2007".

On 4 June, Bulgaria closed negotiation chapters on agriculture, regional policy and financial and budgetary provisions. Bulgaria is expected to close the last remaining chapter on competition before the end of the term of the Irish Presidency (end of June), which will mark the completion of Bulgaria's entry talks.

 

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