Bulgaria's politicians failed to deal efficiently with high-level corruption and remained involved in corruption schemes, Financial Times newspaper wrote.

Political leaders failed to fight the illegal business activity of organised crime groups, which usually included former State Security intelligence service agents, Financial Times said. The high level of corruption created a poor image of the country abroad.

Organised crime groups were involved mainly in human trafficking, tobacco, drugs and weapon smuggling. Many insurance companies, hotels, football clubs and luxury stores were used for money laundering, Financial Times wrote.

The corruption levels hindered Bulgaria's progress to EU accession and as the entry date neared, the union discovered more and more about the problems with organised crime in the country, Financial Times said. The insufficient salaries, which were 30 per cent lower than the average one in the union were among the main factors for the widespread corruption.

Despite the pressure on Bulgaria to execute the remaining reforms in the judicial sphere, the country lacked the time to introduce all the necessary changes, Financial Times said.