Austrian ambassador to Bulgaria KARL DIEM speaks to The Sofia Echo's VELINA NACHEVA about bilateral relations between his country and Bulgaria.



How would you evaluate bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Austria in 2004 against the background of the recently-published European Commission Regular Report on Bulgaria?

Excellent, across the board. They were established 125 years ago, and all through the years and different regimes, relations have been peaceful, to the benefit of our countries. In the time of the Cold War, neutral Austria and socialist Bulgaria were a kind of model for East-West relations. Austria was the only "Western" country without a visa requirement for Bulgarians.



What fields of investments are attractive for Austrian businesses and what areas need to be improved in order to become attractive for investments?

Austrian investments are sustainable and sound. There are not only the emblematic investments we see every day in the streets like Billa and OMV but also hundreds of smaller companies which are satisfied in doing business here and provide more and more jobs. To answer your question directly, I would like to mention the food industry, services and energy.



Is Bulgaria an interesting destination for Austrian tourists and which aspect of tourism (probably summer more than winter) is leading to an influx from Austria into Bulgaria?

We are witnessing a positive trend in tourism also among Austrians who come to the Black Sea - tourism destination number one - but also to the mountains. Bulgaria is less and less a secret spot but still not yet as well known as Italy, Croatia or Turkey. You are right that the numbers are lower in winter time, partly because there are so many attractive ski stations in Austria. Winter is the time for individual tourism rather than mass tourism.



What challenges do you envisage for yourself and Bulgaria in 2004?

To live in peace and happiness. The biggest challenge I see for Bulgaria is to provide health and social services and equal access to a functioning justice system to all people and to respect the commitments taken in the accession negotiations, in particular in justice and interior policy.





Comment on the

Regular Report 2004



We see the regular report of the European Commission as a road map for accession to the EU and adaptation to its rules and legislation. Where the report is critical, it should incite the Bulgarian administration and business to accelerate reforms and adjustments to the acquis communautaire. Its overall tone is one of respect for the considerable achievements of Bulgaria on the road towards Brussels. At this moment in time, nothing indicates that the calendar of accession will not be met: the formal conclusion of negotiations in December 2004, signature of the accession treaty in 2005 and accession in January 2007.