The majority of Bulgarians questioned in an Alpha Research survey were optimistic on the country's EU entry.

Sixty two per cent of the people questioned were convinced that Bulgaria would enter EU on January 1 2007, Capital newspaper reported. Only 23 per cent thought that EU accession would be postponed.

The optimism resulted from statements of European commissioners that confirmed Bulgaria's EU entry even if it included safeguard clauses or monitoring.

Forty four per cent of the Bulgarians said that the next EC report on Bulgaria's EU entry readiness would be more positive than the May 16 one. Only 12 per cent thought that it would be negative.

The next EC report is to be presented on September 26 2006.

According to Alpha Research, thirty one per cent of the people questioned said that no efforts were made in overcoming the problems impeding Bulgaria's EU entry, Capital said.