Bulgaria: membership application and partnership, 14 December 1995

The European Parliament adopted the report drafted by Mr Geoffrey VAN ORDEN (EPP/ED, UK). The Parliament considers that Bulgaria is an important element in regional stability and recognises its efforts to establish itself as a pillar of security and cooperation in south eastern Europe. Furthermore, the Parliament calls upon the Bulgarian authorities to closely involve the Roma communities and local authorities in the design of national integration programmes. It should be noted that Bulgaria has continued to make progress towards establishing a viable social market economy but further steps are needed to put Bulgaria in a strong position to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the EU while enhancing social and economic cohesion. Although Bulgaria still faces numerous environmental challenges, in particular with regard to air, water and soil pollution, it has recently signed an agreement with the Commission to progressively shut down certain units at the Kozloduy nuclear plant. Finally, Bulgaria should clamp down on corruption, organised crime and discrimination against minorities.�