Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-10-25-Speech-2-147"
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"en.20051025.20.2-147"2
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"Madam President, I speak as the rapporteur for Bulgaria. First of all I would like to thank Commissioner Rehn for his statement and for his continuing strong commitment to successful enlargement of the European Union. We should all be conscious that the eyes of Bulgaria are on us today and both the tone and content of our message will be significant.
Overall I see the Commission’s report as positive, while focusing attention on the importance and urgency of outstanding commitments still to be fulfilled. I hope I do not detect from the Commissioner’s remarks any dampening of enthusiasm for the timely accession of Bulgaria. At this final stage it should not, in a way, be surprising if the Commission has been even more rigorous in its comments. But we now seem to be in a situation where the wedding has taken place, the marriage register has been signed and presents have been received, but the bridge and groom have been told they cannot walk out of the church together just yet, partly because we are not sure what the situation is like outside.
Progress has continued in Bulgaria. It needs to be faster, but there has been a change in the external political environment. It would be quite wrong if Bulgaria were to suffer at all from any of this negative background noise. Certainly urgent action by Bulgaria is required in some key areas. It is insufficient merely to pass laws. I do not underestimate the political energy and commitment required to do even this, but legislation has to be robustly implemented and the results clear for all to see.
The people of Bulgaria gave a mixed message in their general election on 25 June. They were not sure of the best way ahead. What is clear is that they must be able to have confidence in their authorities at all levels. The rule of law and therefore judicial reform, combating corruption and organised crime are the prerequisites for everything else, including economic performance. This is just one area of particular concern; there are, of course, others.
I see that the Commission is calling for improvements in the business environment including labour market flexibility. Forgive me if I remark that perhaps the Commission needs to put its own house in order and stop introducing new regulations which add to the costs and burdens of business and reduce competitiveness and growth.
In its report today the Commission has sounded a warning bell, without making a recommendation either way concerning the date of accession. It will, however, do so in April and this will influence the decision of the Council and of this Parliament, which must of course be consulted. That means that we have a precious six months for Bulgaria to demonstrate solid progress and real results, so that the goal of accession on 1 January 2007 can be achieved. On the basis of today’s report, I see no reason why that date should be missed."@en1
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