EC Spokesperson: Bulgaria Is on Right Track

The European Commission spokesperson, Mark Gray, praises Bulgaria for its “will for reforms” and urges the country to continue with its efforts. File photo

The European Commission spokesperson, Mark Gray, says he is eager to see more progress and the end of the EU Co-operation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) for Bulgaria.

Gray spoke in an interview for radio Deutsche Welle Wednesday, just one day after the EC published its annual report on Bulgaria's and Romania's progress in justice and home affairs.

“Is is interesting the population, the citizens of both countries want to see effort and reforms, and until this becomes a reality, the monitoring mechanism will be in place. There is no deadline, we are not getting ready to halt it until the two countries accomplish what they promised to do,” Gray is quoted saying.

According to the EC spokesperson, the reports on Bulgaria and Romania are very different because in Bulgaria the EU noticed strong political will for progress in the last year, incomparable to anything before, which must be applauded. Gray gives as example the criminal charges and some guilty verdicts in particular cases, however, he points out the verdicts are “maybe not enough, but an important step in the right direction.”

The spokesperson further noted Bulgaria's clear strategy regarding the judicial system reform, another first, even though not “yet perfect.”

"There are many things to be done. We extended numerous recommendations, but as far as Bulgaria is concerned, we have the impression the chosen direction is the right one. In 2008 the report on Bulgaria was very harsh; EU funds were frozen. Now the country is on the right track," Gray said.

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