The Justice Ministry implemented large part of the EU-recommended reforms in the justice and home affairs sphere, Justice Minister Georgi Petkanov said.

Bulgaria is able to join the EU on January 1 2007 and would most probably be accepted without a delay, Petkanov said.

Petkanov said that at least five trials, involving violations for over six million leva have been launched.

Anti-corruption laws would start functioning soon, affecting a number of people involved in violations, Petkanov said.

No individuals have been sentenced so far, due to procedural hindrances, Petkanov said. The procedure for taking away illegally acquired property can last up to 10 years, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.