On June 28 the European integration committees of Bulgaria and Romania's parliaments met in Bucharest.

The two committees discussed the countries' EU accession process and necessary steps to be taken to guarantee Bulgaria and Romania's on-time EU entry in January 2007, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported.

The ratification of the two countries' EU accession treaty was among the other subjects of discussion. Both Bulgarian and Romanian representatives said that they were certain all EU member states would conclude the ratification process in due time.

Bulgaria and Romania's committees discussed the readiness of the cabinets to meet new obligations after EU accession. Specific measures included introduction of parliamentary control over EU-related government decisions and improvement of co-operation between the two national assemblies.

EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn said that the presidents and prime ministers of Bulgaria and Romania should work without summer leaves to guarantee on-time EU entry. BNR quoted Rehn as saying that the two countries should focus on the remaining reforms in the judicial system.

Bulgaria and Romania should make corruption and organised crime fight more efficient, Rehn said. The two countries should work on creating an optimum business environment for foreign investors, he added.