In a final attempt to guarantee its on-time EU entry in January 2007, Bulgaria was implementing measures against corruption, EUobserver reported.

Some of the newest measures included the setting up of anti-corruption hotlines and the dismissal of corrupt magistrates.

European Commission representatives said that Bulgaria needed to work hard to complete all needed reforms by September, when the final report on the country’s accession readiness is expected.

On July 14 the government presented a nearly 1 000 page report on the measures taken to deal with corruption, money laundering and organised crime.

These problems were listed as the most serious hindrances to Bulgaria’s entry in the beginning of 2007.

EUobserver reported that EC could recommend one year delay in accession if Bulgaria was considered unprepared and if it failed in dealing with the areas marked as critical in the previous EC monitoring.

Bulgaria investigated 161 cases of corruption since the beginning of the year, EUobserver reported. According to the document corrupt officials had received bribes worth 357 836 euro for the same period.