President of the European Commission, Jose Barrosso defended Bulgaria's right to spell and pronounce the word "euro" according to its own linguistic traditions, Bulgarian National Radio reported on October 17.

Barroso said the European Union was a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic unity, which did not intend to harmonise member state's grammar.

Barroso expressed the hope that the disagreement between Bulgaria and the legal departments of the European Union would soon be dealt with and that meanwhile it would not hinder the acceptance of reform treaty of the European Union, BNR said.

Forbes quoted Barroso as saying that there was 'no reason' for EU leaders not to reach an agreement on the reform treaty for the bloc when they would meet in Lisbon at a two-day summit starting October 18.

He said it was vital to reach an agreement as the treaty would allow the EU to "shape and respond to globalisation" in the 'interests' of Europe.

While there were still 'one or two' outstanding issues to resolve, the treaty in its current draft form was 'the best deal on offer', Barroso said.

The summit, chaired by the Portuguese EU presidency, was intended to witness an agreement on the reform treaty, with the final text then formally signed in December 2007 before a ratification process in the member states. The treaty was seen entering into force in January 2009.