Bulgarian PM: Barroso, Sarkozy Quarrel over Roma

EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (L) and French President Nicolas Sarkozy (R) at Thursday's European Council. Photo by EPA/BGNES

European Commission President Manuel Barroso and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have entered in a heated dispute at Thursday's European Council, according to Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov.

It was feared that the Roma issue will take over the summit of EU-leaders, which was set to discuss first and foremost Europe's foreign policy, strategic partners and economic governance.

"There was an intense exchange of sharp words," said Borisov to journalists in Brussels. He was backed by another senior EU official.

Earlier Commission President Barroso backed justice commissioner Viviane Reding on her severe criticism of France's campaign on ousting Roma and vow to start an infringement procedure against the country.

Bulgarian PM Borisov stated that nothing has been decided on the issue of Roma integration Thursday, but said that at their next summit EU leaders will try to work out a longterm strategy.